Desotojohn - Intro (2002 F-150 5.4)

[desotojohn]

Hi

My 02 F-150 has only 50k miles on it and I am tempted to do some ecomodding on it. On a recent trip to San Diego it got 16 mpg, mostly on cruise control. The I-5 was moving pretty fast so much of the trip was >70 mph.

I'm thinking about the following mods;

• Air Dam
• Restricting air flow thru grill
• Electric cooling fan
• Tonneau cover or aerodynamic shell
• Lighter body components (hood, tailgate, etc)
• Body pan
• New chips/gearing?
• etc

According to 2002 Ford F150 Specifications the truck weighs 4,446 lbs.

A 2009 Chrysler Town & Country LX Passenger Minivan has a curb weight of 4,335 (lbs) and manages to get 17 city / 24 hwy mpg.

Given the right conditions, why can't the F-150 get similar milage (without a load of course)?

I'm open to any ideas. How about an auxilliary electric drive?

John Compton
desotojohn@hotmail.com

[DifferentPointofView]

well, your on the right track.

As far as the mileage comparison... the Town and Country doesn't pack a 5.4L under the hood.

And you also have to look at Total amount of drag, as well as the drag coeficient (Cd)

Its not always about weight. its usually engine size, drag, and frontal area that get ya. Also, a mini van doesn't sit up as high, and doesn't have axles and rough undersides dangling in the wind.

OH, and welcome to the site

[Red]

Welcome to EM. 4x4 or 2WD?