Hey folks,

I've started assembling parts for a 4x4.  I'm aiming for the highest mpg's as possible, yet keep a dependable 4x4 drivetrain, with the look of a classic Model A Truck.
I've got an 86 Samurai for the 5speed trans, transfer case, axles, master cylinder, and other parts as needed. 
I have an early 1990's Geo Metro 1.0 L throttle body fuel injected engine with complete wiring harness.
Already checked and 1.0 Metro engine bolts right up to the sami 5 speed.
It seems the Samurai's weigh somewhere between 2000-2100 lbs empty.  The Geo Metros between 1600-1700 lbs.
I've been reading and trying to decide about gearing and tire size.   I plan on using 19" wire wheels because there is a wider source of tires available for the vintage look.  Plan on using 700-R19 tires which are listed as 32.2" tall.  Trying to decide which gear to run. I know the 1.0 metro engine doesn't have the power that the 1.3 has, but I plan on keeping the weight around 1600 lbs, so the engine thinks its right at home in a metro. I've run the calculations on the metro engine and drivetrain and compared to samurai(overdrive, t-case, axle ratio) with the 32.2" tires. 4.30 gears are 50rpm's higher for 55mph than stock metro setup.  4.62 gears are about 250rpm's higher than stock metro setup.

I've searched on here and read folks recommending the lower gears for more power due to weight of tires and wheels, and loosing power on hills.  Can anyone give me some real world tire and wheel weights, your axle ratio's, rpm at 55 mp, and your satisfaction with the power you have for highway cruising.  Thanks, Bradshaw

try plugging your values into this gear calculator:

http://www.acksfaq.com/gearcalc-01-04-07.php

Thanks for the link to the calculator.  It confirmed the same values I had worked out in a spreadsheet.

My hope is that tall but narrow tires(less rolling mass) along with less overall vehicle weight will keep the truck moving at highway speeds with the 3cylinder suzuki g10 engine. 

Those engines were high 40's-50 mpgs in the front wheel drive metro's.  I know I won't get that kind of mileage, but hoping for anything above 40mpg, still have power to pass someone on the road, and keep the look I want.

Thanks,
Bradshaw

Thanks for the link to the calculator.  It confirmed the same values I had worked out in a spreadsheet.

My hope is that tall but narrow tires(less rolling mass) along with less overall vehicle weight will keep the truck moving at highway speeds with the 3cylinder suzuki g10 engine. 

Those engines were high 40's-50 mpgs in the front wheel drive metro's.  I know I won't get that kind of mileage, but hoping for anything above 40mpg, still have power to pass someone on the road, and keep the look I want.

Thanks,
Bradshaw

I am very interested in this project as I have been putting together a Model A with Suzuki power myself. Please keep us up to date with the build and the mileage you get at the end... I'm betting you won't touch 20 mpg but I would love to be suprised.

-Eric

pictures we love pictures!

Hey didnt the Chevy Sprint have a 3cyl turbo engine for a few years that is the same as a Geo Metro engine ? If I remember right they put out more horsepower than a 1300.


                                   Ed

Not a lot more power, the 1.3 Turbo was rated at 80hp compared to the stock 1.3L of 65.  It is supposed to push over 90lb's of torque though. 

Eric, please share more about your estimate of low mpg's. I don't need to re-invent the wheel here if I can change something early in the game. What year/body you working with on Model A? What engine,gears, tires, etc...?  Thanks Bradshaw

Not a lot more power, the 1.3 Turbo was rated at 80hp compared to the stock 1.3L of 65.  It is supposed to push over 90lb's of torque though. 

just to clarify the sprint/firefly used a 1.0L turbo not 1.3L
i owned one and a geo with the N/A 1.0L and drove a 1.3L swift for work.

N/A 1.0L-55hp
turbo 1.0L-70hp, (play with the timing and wastegate and it will do 100) (107ft/lbs of torque stock)
N/A 1.3L-80hp

that being said, the turbo 1.0L will leave the 1.3 in the dust. just way more power, it had a ton of torque for a little motor.

id be saying it will probably be pushing 30mpg between the added drivetrain and the very very unarodynamic body

Need more information on 1.0 Turbo's! 

Can I use my 1.0L N/A and add the turbo, exhaust manifold, wastegate, intake, etc... without upgrading anything else(internals, engine computer)? 

I'd really aprecciate any additional information on the turbo 1.0L engines you have.

It would appear if I could make this upgrade work, maybe I'd have a shot at a cool, peppy, 4x4, with decent mileage.

I'm thinking of a 32 style rounded grill, may go fenderless, fiberglass parts, smooth hood, etc... to help with aerodynamics. 

In 1931 the Model A truck had a "deluxe" pickup option, which was more like a smooth fleetside than the true stepside like the regular pickups.  They still had running boards and rear fenders, but definitely more aerodynamic than the stepsides.  From what I know they are/were rare.  Still with enough photos, its possible to emulate one for looks and hopefully cruise with less drag.

Hopefully attached is a borrowed photo of a 31 Deluxe Pickup.

turbo motors are a canada only option. might be able to find one someone imported though.
it used a different fuel injuection system with different intake manifold. top mounted intercooler, and different engine control computer and wiring harness.

block internals were identical, head was the same, oil pan had extra bung for oil drain from turbo. if you want any more info on them or building a turbo engine from a n/a one check out teamswift.net they have TONS of info on these engines.

Quote from: Drone637 on January 26, 2011, 06:02:53 PM

Not a lot more power, the 1.3 Turbo was rated at 80hp compared to the stock 1.3L of 65.  It is supposed to push over 90lb's of torque though. 

just to clarify the sprint/firefly used a 1.0L turbo not 1.3L
i owned one and a geo with the N/A 1.0L and drove a 1.3L swift for work.

Yea, mistype on my end.  Sorry about that. 

turbo motors are a canada only option. might be able to find one someone imported though.
it used a different fuel injuection system with different intake manifold. top mounted intercooler, and different engine control computer and wiring harness.

block internals were identical, head was the same, oil pan had extra bung for oil drain from turbo. if you want any more info on them or building a turbo engine from a n/a one check out teamswift.net they have TONS of info on these engines.

Are you sure about the head?  The way I recall it, the G10T had multipoint fuel injection, so the head would have needed the holes for the injectors.

it had mpfi if it was a 89-91, if you want simplier you can get the 87-88 mk1 turbo intake which is still carbed.
head had nothing to do with the fuel injection, it was all the intake manifold.

i had one for a year before selling it for my kick. i still wish i didnt sell it some days. usually until i drive the kick again.

Have you considered a vw diesel conversion? Might get 35-40 mpg in that light of rig.