Dave Clanton's CPO crate engine resto-mod proposal: the performance and efficiency of modern crate motors and transmissions coupled with the significantly lighter weight of cars from the 1970s and 80s could yield >30-60 MPG with an exhilarating driving experience. Subcompacts to full size cars have increased by 900-1,500 lbs because of government mandated changes and consumer demand for larger vehicles when gas prices were low. An automaker could capitalize on this revolutionary opportunity three-fold. First, increase sales of new cars by offering substantial trade-in values comparable to those offered in the Cash for Clunkers US Govt program of about $4,000 per qualifying makes/models targeting cars with solid bodies and frames regardless of engine condition. Secondly, recondition the trade-ins with new crate motors and transmissions while also restoring the rest of the car to a Certified Pre-Owned (CPO) condition and sell them with full power train warranties and long term financing. Thirdly, this restoration and crate engine installation would gainfully employ service departments at dealers across the nation. Modern four cylinder and V8 engine swap designs already exist for dozens of domestic and import makes/models. The appeal of retro styling amongst buyers of all ages is evident by new car sales of Mini, Beetle, Mustang, Camaro, Challenger, Charger, Fiat 500, etc. Lastly, in regards to the all important environmental impact it would reduce CO2 emissions by replacing gross polluter power trains with modern modern EPA compliant power trains.
- Example of optimum efficiency would be a 1978-80 Ford Fiesta which weighs 1,576 lbs with a crate motor 2.0L direct injection 4-cyl from a 2011 Ford Focus which weighs 2,500 lbs. The heavier 2011 has an EPA rating of 28 MPG city/40 MPG hwy. The nearly 1,000 lb lighter 78-80 Fiesta could likely achieve 50-60 MPG with a modern drive train while also appealing to buyers with much greater acceleration.
- Example of efficient performance would be a 1974-78 Ford Mustang II which weighs 2,600 lbs with a crate motor 412 HP aluminum 302 Coyote V8 or a 305 HP 3.7L Duratec V6 from a 2011 Ford Mustang which weighs 5,500 lbs. The heavier 2011 Mustang V6 has an EPA rating of 19 MPG city/31 MPG hwy. The nearly 900 lb lighter 74-78 Mustang II could likely achieve 30-40 MPG with a modern drive train while also appealing to buyers with much greater acceleration.
- Dozens of qualifying makes/models include: 61-00 Mini and Clubman, 78-80 Ford Fiesta, 73-79 Civic, 74-78 Mustang II, 79-93 Fox-body Mustang/Capri, 71-80 Pinto, 70-77 Maverick, hot rods e.g. 32 Ford, kit cars e.g. Cobra, GT40, and Sebring, vintage pickup truck e.g. 75 Ford F150, 59-68 Sunbeam Alpine and 64-67 Sunbeam Tiger, 78-88 Zimmer, 90-97 Mazda Miata, 62-80 MG MGB, 74-00 Volvos e.g. 200, 700, 850, and S70/V70 series, 84-96 Mercedes W124, 70-81 F-body Camaro/Firebird, 82-92 F-body Camaro/Firebird, 74-82 C3 Corvette Stingray, 82-88 G-platform Regal, Cutlass, Grand Prix, Monte Carlo, 09-10 Kappa-platform Pontiac Solstice/Saturn Sky, 94-04 Aston Martin DB7, Porsche 911 and 914, 68-94 Jaguar XJ and other vintage Jags e.g. Mark IX, 82-94 BMW E30, 59-69 Chevrolet Corvair, 71-77 Chevy Vega, 70-78 Datsun 240Z, 260Z, and 280Z, 79-91 Mazda RX7, 75-81 Triumph TR7 and TR8, 75-80 AMC Pacer, 70-78 AMG Gremlin, 75-79 Cadillac Seville, 77-80 Lincoln Versailles.