V8 to a V4 Conversion: Get 40 Percent Better Gas Mileage

(Page 3 of 3)

July/August 1979
By MIchael Roach 
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The last conversion step consists of blocking the right throat of the two-barrel carburetor, as shown in Photo 5. After removing the gas mixer from the intake manifold, unscrew the throttle butterfly valve and block the venturi with a 1-1/4" expansion (or freeze) plug. Then obstruct the outlets for the spray bar and the accelerator pump with wire or a silicone sealant ... to prevent the "idle" throat from filling with gas.

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You'll also need to plug the vacuum advance hole in the "retired" venturi ... in order to maintain the proper spark advance. (For an even more efficient setup, buy or make an adapter plate and use a single barrel carburetor ... such as the one which can be found on Chrysler slant-six engines.)

Now it's time to bolt your Mopar four-lunger together. Just reverse the disassembly procedure used for a valve job, fire 'er up, and tune in the fuel mixture. (Some adjustment will be necessary ... because of the increased load on that one throat.) In addition, Joe recommends advancing the timing two degrees ... unless you're a hot rodder. (For throttle-happy pilots, this change might cause detonation.) Even with the timing advance, the V4's emissions fall well within EPA limitations.

Your former V8 "clunker" should now exceed 20 mpg under reasonable use. True, you're not going to have much success playing jack rabbit with the youngsters on Main Street. But you will be surprised by how well those four lonely pistons push your heavy car down the highway. Joe claimed that reaching 90 mph would be no problem, but — at such excessive speeds — gas mileage might drop below that of the eight-cylinder engine. So, keep your new "economy car" down to 55 mph ... and reap the profits.

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  • James Herrin 9/19/2009 6:08:52 AM

    Hey Mr Roach, I am seriously planning on doing a conversion like this on my car i was wondering if there was a way i could get a hold of the gentleman you interviewed for this article. i understand if you cant give me his information, but you have my email. if you can ask him if he would be willing to speak with me on the subject, if so i would be willing to give you my phone number so he can call me.

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