|
well the point of the more comfortable vehicle is just that. more comfortable. this one specifically? because I already have it. I can not afford to "buy another" vehicle.
Mostly I just want to improve the fuel economy enough to back to PRE Ethanol values so its "worth" driving the van again.
Pre ethanol I was getting 28mpg and tickling 30mpg here and there.
at 30mpg I could justify driving the van on my fuel budget. at its current 19-20 mpg I can not. I can process the ethanol out of the gasoline but that is WAY too much work at even 30mpg since I would need to do 20 gallons a week.
I am starting to think shove a 3cyl metro engine and tranny into the van. I just towed a boat with the metro the other day. EASILY put me at 3400-3500 pounds OR MORE and WAY more drag than the minivan. so the drive train "can" do it. but man it REALLY worked that drive train I don't know if I could take hills with it without significantly slowing down (although I was intentionally really taking it easy)
BUT I did get 35-38 mpg doing it so the possibility of 35mpg in something as heavy and draggy as the minivan with a 3cyl engine IS possible.
Questions is how long would the clutch last? I don't know. Do they make a stronger clutch that can be used with the metro 3cyl engine and tranny?
|