Quote:
Originally Posted by gasstingy
Without regard for Mythbusters saying an open tailgate doesn't help fuel economy, I believe it does. I bought a 1992 4.3L V6/Automatic S-10 new and made several trips on I-75 at about 70 MPH. With the tailgate closed (bed empty) I got 19 mpg. With the tailgate down (bed still empty) I got 26 mpg. Both trips using cruise control. My commuting mpg was 21 with the tailgate in either position, speed rarely over 50 mph.
I'd lower the tailgate if I was going very fast until I came up with a better solution. Then there are lightweight mesh "tailgates" that may also show substantial improvement.
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Short of a full aeroshell,for your S-10,a half-tonneau will give the lowest drag.
GM fully tested the invention at full-scale,received a U.S.Patent on it,and it was used to set a land speed record at Bonneville at over 211 mph,with Cd 0.31,lower than a Corvette of same year model.