Are there any good books on turbocharging?

I think money into a good turbo diesel is your best bet. For towing be sure u have a good tranny cooler or two.

 

Not sure. I am running a TREMEC 5 speed behind it with a 3.50 gear. I would guesstimate 14-16 mpg. With the aluminum heads and intake, it will weigh close to a sbc. It will be tuned accordingly.

Like I say, it will be a driver, not a drag car.
There are motorhomes with 500 CID powerplants getting 10. They weigh in at 5 times the weight of this 56.

No diesels for me. I’m a gasoline guy.