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Old 06-27-2010, 04:48 PM   #2 (permalink)
RobertSmalls
Left Lane Ecodriver
 
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Join Date: Aug 2008
Location: Buffalo, NY, USA
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Prius C - '12 Toyota Prius C
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You should know that offroading and high mpg are very much at odds. An offroad vehicle needs lots of ground clearance, knobby tires, four wheel drive, extremely low gearing, and a large displacement engine for low-end torque. A high mpg car needs to have none of those things. Therefore, my advice is to put swampers on the Bronco, and get an old Civic which will use one third the fuel of a stock Bronco.

However, if you wish to improve what you have, you certianly can. I think you've pointed out the lowest-hanging fruit: aeromods and instrumentation. I like the idea of a removable airdam, though some cars with a 100% smooth underbelly show no benefit from an airdam. I would definitely spring for two sets of wheels and tires, as well.

There's also weight reduction, which can help you squeeze out the next half of an mpg. Reduce weight far enough, and you may be able to swap in a smaller, more efficient engine.

What kind of tranny do you have in that Bronco?
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