Gas price going up // Rethinking the new project car

Professor Fate said

What would I do?
5.2 Magnum with stock EFI and stock Magnum exhaust manifolds, dual exhaust. 32RH/999 transmission- lockup convertor, but no overdrive- so no crossmember/floorpan mods. Direct bolt in to replace the 904. Deeper first gear, and lockup gives a bit more efficiency on the highway. 3.23/2.94 gears in the rear. Maybe a small cam, but I'd start out stock and get the bugs ironed out first.
5.2 gets you a nice street driver and EFI keeps the mileage and driveability where you need it. Plus parts are available everywhere.

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This seems like a really good plan to me. I might do an A833OD as it is still a bolt in, but gives you an OD gear. Pair that with a 3.21/3.23 gear and it would probably be good fun and still return decent mileage.

I've done the Turbo FWD thing and enjoyed it. Decent mileage and fun to drive. Started on a /6 turbo with EFI and OD project, but the car was too rusty. In the end, I can't get away from the sound of a V8. For me, an early car needs that sound.

I'd bet any year 5.7 left stock and swapped in the same car would return better mileage (and far more fun). But that it a bunch more money to gain single digit improvements on the MPG.