^^ This exactly. This car was engineered for a different era when gasoline was cheaper and the luxury competition was in the same weight class. Luxury muscle these things can be but lightweight cars they are not.

To be fair on the fuel economy front, since we were never graced with the 1JZ VVT-i on these shores we never got to see the still acceptable fuel economy numbers that engine could produce (stock) due to great low down torque. Less revving to get up to speed means less fuel used unless you're accelerating flat out.

Today the weight of a 4-Series, CTS Coupe, Infiniti G37/G60, Mercedes C-Class coupe, Volvo coupe, etc. are all relatively the same or heavier. Heck, even Camaros and Mustangs are the same weight or heavier than most SC's but as hatchy stated above, the drivetrains have far more modern R&D to achieve better fuel economy than a 2JZ-GE can. The 2JZ's (all) and 1JZ's are discontinued performance engine designs and what they excel at is reliability and horsepower. They weren't designed to eke out 30mpg but the 1JZ VVT-i and especially the direct injected 1JZ-FSE came close.

And if you factor lightweight toss ability into the equation, the answer is the NA Supra MKIV which came down to 3200lbs stock for some years and can be brought down to about 3,000lbs. Same chassis and assembly line but with a different intended use.

 

Back seats are being replaced. Totally ripped up. Window motors will be replaced eventually, once I figure out the system. Audio system was aftermarket and halfway gone already.

And, to be fair, this car -is- supposed to be a major-time track car. It's not my fault we haven't had a drift event since October!

 

even if it was a track only car id miss the leather

 

dude I drive a 1jz vvti daily in a lighter chassis with 3,90s, 3'' straight pipe and custom intake, you have to drive extremely aware of what will put you into boost, and be on the freeway to achieve upper 20s. Like you really have to go out of your way to get it there because the thing will run 5 psi if you sneeze. And going into boost instantly dumps the fuel, so...

 

^^ Well that's good to know. I love the 1JZ VVT-i's. I thought they were capable of around 26mpg highway @ 70mph at least :/

3.916:1 is going to be my ideal ratio when I get my 2JZGTE w/twins finished. I still have my 3.769:1 ring and pinion but I doubt it will make much difference in fuel economy between the two.

Performance engines (GE/GTE designation) vs fuel economy engines (FE designation) I guess...

 

Fuel economy and 0-60 improvement.

 

You must be all highway driving at 55ish. But these are good recommendations, though common, albeit I haven't heard of the Greased Lightning bit.

Next time you change that filter - relieve the pressure first by taking out the pump fuse and starting the car for a few seconds. Had an S14 that needed a fuel filter almost every oil change, had that down to a reflex.

 

I drive on the highway between 70-80mph when cruising. I get about 20-21mpg on my NA/R154/4.272/LSD setup between those speeds as long as the cruise truly is constant. 70mph equates to 3,000rpm for me, verified by a GPS. I still got about 20mpg with the car loaded up like a sardine can once. I don't think the curb weight matters so much when you're cruising.

 

Curb weight matters extremely 0-60. Mostly small town to small town for me.

 

my soarer came in at 1730 kilograms with me in it.

 

We'd need you to convert that to pounds please.

 

I ran my SC400 1992 UZZ30 over a weigh bridge at a paint factory 1650Kg .. use Google chrome to convert.. type in 1650kg = and it will give you the result. I'll leave it at Kg so you can practice!