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Old 05-07-2010, 10:01 PM   #46 (permalink)
ShadeTreeMech
Basjoos Wannabe
 
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Join Date: Apr 2009
Location: Arkansas
Posts: 870

The Van - '97 Mercury Villager gs
90 day: 19.8 mpg (US)

Lyle the Kindly Viking - '99 Volvo V70
90 day: 25.82 mpg (US)
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I'd love to get a SGII, but the money is always an issue. I know I'll earn the money back, but I have to have it to spare first. I may just suprise the wife and say sorry, we're broke this week, but the car's mileage is bound to improve. Especially for her, since she is fond of the jack rabbit start and late braking habits. Grr, it's frustrating.

I too used to be a regular speeder, and when i was unmarried thought nothing of getting a ticket. But now, it's a big deal.

I've just looked at available body kits, and they are quite affordable ($200-$400 is common) Bad thing is, they're mostly designed to increase airflow into the radiator, not deflect it. Maybe I can get RedLion to experiment and build a nice one for me (hint hint :P)

I'm thinking it I had an air dam that went just low enough to "hide" the ugliness underneath then I'd have a good start for a belly pan. I may need to experiment with the minivan to get one that looks good before touching Her car. She's generally a sweet woman, but she REALLY likes that car. Therefore i don't want to ruin it with an amateur effort. I'm thinking I could start with a grille block; should be easy to pull off a clean look. And maybe a lexan cover on the foglights to make them more streamlined instead of the aerodynamic potholes they are. I'd love to go all Bassjoos with the thing, but that might be the start of divorce proceedings

I do think it could stand for rear shocks bare minimum. It's nothing money can't solve though.

I'm thinking of installing a fuel pump kill switch for now and a pushbutton start. killing the engine with the key also kills the speedo, and while I'm getting quick at doing it, it is still annoying to lose that little bit of distance accumulated. Maybe if I make turning off the engine at lights more convenient my lady might also start doing it as well. She's the primary driver of the car, but I drive it when I have to go a long distance.

You're likely correct about the FWD geometry depending on correct alignment of parts. Having been my own mechanic for some time I know how tight it is around the front spindles. Lowering it makes things get too close for comfort.
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Quote:
Originally Posted by jamesqf View Post
I think you missed the point I was trying to make, which is that it's not rational to do either speed or fuel economy mods for economic reasons. You do it as a form of recreation, for the fun and for the challenge.
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