Hey everyone! Just got my new U.S. History project. We're supposed to pretend we're driving anywhere in the United States to visit 3 historical sites. We're supposed to have a "journal" for events that happen, and keep a log of all expenses. That's where the pricing comes in..

She says that we can pick whatever car we want to take on this "trip" so I figured, why not take my baby? Seeing as it's an '82, it doesn't meet the 15 gallon gas tank, 30 miles to the gallon guideline. Also, she says that the vehicle should be under warranty, so any expenses other than gas, (i.e. oil change, leaks) are covered. So my first expense is going to be to go to the nearest mechanic and get a completely new engine, exhaust system, fuel system, etc. installed before I go to the humane society to get a travel buddy. (The dog fits into one of my "souvenir" ideas.. :lol: ) Besides, she said this trip should be fun, and what would be more fun than driving my baby all over the country?!

So anyway, I need to know how much you all think my first expense would cost. Any ideas are greatly appreciated!

And one more thing. Are there any El Camino-related historical sites that I could possibly "visit"?

Thanks!

~Ger

Hmmm lets see, your first expense...ahhhh...dog food and a pooper scooper? Under $10 bucks I would guess! :lol:

Heh, yeah. But I'm getting that after the truck gets redone...Gotta have my baby ready for the trip before I get a dog! :P Gotta keep our priorities in line!

Oh! 8O Sorry.

Don't worry about it! :cool:

:? what warranty covers oil changes? 30 mpg?? drop a 3cyl from a sprint in her, then you get 50!!! but 30 mpg is way too much (for any engine id have in my car!) or better yet tell her you got a "fuel saver" 454!!! :lol: sounds like you got alot of "traveling" to do!

My '82 does get 30 mpg...Idle on a long downward slope. Besideds she doesn't have to know that your driving everywhere with your foot flat on the floor. Maybe you could stock up with gas cans and fake the 30 mpg. :cool:

My kid did the same project earlier this school year. You should have fun with it.

The car my kid chose? My Honda Civic Hybrid.8O

See Ya,
Alan

If you are doin it "just for fun/pretend", why not install a two speed rear end that has a ratio for city driving, and another for low rpm highway speeds that would allow you to idle at 70mph(an old stepvan rear narrowed or something like I saw in a 69GTO-I am sure one could be fabricated from scrap for say $1200
Then you would want to run a varible computer controlled fuel injection system that could be monitored and adjusted via laptop computer to perform at the utmost efficeincy..and the motor should be a DOHC vette motor(or northstar) that is power efficient and under warranty from the crate(2000-3000)...
Then you could apply for a vehicle dealer license and run the car through a public auction as an insividual, buy it as a dealer, and resell it to yourself with a Sun or Wynn's warranty that would cover all mechanical and electrical components and throw in a maintenance contract that would cover any scheduled maintenance and tire protection....$550
Don't forget to install an overdrive transmission or better yet a corvette 6speed.....2000 installed?
Ground effect spoilers might give you that extra aerodynamics to give you over the minimum gas mileage standard.....
Insurance will be cheaper because you can run liability only
You could save on hotel bills by adding a color matched bed cap and camp in the bed with the dog who is not welcome at "most" motels-$120used+paint
If the car was lowered, it might improve the aerodynamics also...,
and 20 inch rims and tires would let you cruise at a little lower rpm

Hell, you could actually build that car cheaper than the disposable 30+mpg crap they sell now, and re-sell value at the end of the trip would higher than your initial investment if you could make the cover of HOT ROD Magazine

or you could install the 3cyl sprint motor :P