[orbywan]

Originally Posted by forums123

After reading this entire thread: I realize I am relatively a noob when it comes to aeromodding but here are My thoughts and suggestions to get a little more out of your project:

1) Change all lubricating fluids to 100% full synthetic such as Royal Purple or Amsoil (engine, tranny, differential, wheel bearing grease)

Synthetics are superior to organic, but I've been that route before and saw no difference mpg-wise. I'd do it to the differential anyway but everything I read says it will eat the seals up on a 95.

2) Extend your boat tail further instead of making it square in the back

According to the NASA test at Dryden AF base in the late 60's, and several other studies, the last several feet of a boat tail only reduce drag by a very small amount. That's good news because if I take the tail to a termination point then I'm another 4 to 6 feet long, with a pointy tail and no place to hang my license plate and tail lights.

3) Flat panels over the wheel openings

Done. In the back anyway.

4) Air Bag suspension, lower cruise height on flat smoooth highway runs

That would be awesome, and I bet it would help a ton, but it's a huge amount of work and very expensive. It'll have to wait for now.

5) Boat Tail Nose of vehicle

Now you're just pissing me off. Ha. Just kidding. How much that would help depends on what studies you read, but the bottom line is to change the vehicles design to that degree is beyond my interest at this point. It would be a massive re-design of the front of the vehicle. So, I'm doing the next best thing, which is 'smoothing out' what is already there. Most studies say the biggest, easiest gains are in the rear by far.

6) Replace Both Door Mirrors with Video Cameras (you're already setup for this)

Good suggestion, that's in the works.

7) Get Aftermarket Computer Chip - Retuned for better fuel economy (some kits have handle held controller with both economy and performance switch)

I'm looking into that, and propane injection, later. If anyone knows of a specific econo chip for a 95 7.3 I'd really like to know about it.

8) Add Overdrive Unit or change rear gear ratio.

High on the list. 4.10 tail gears are not making this any easier. Overdrive is pretty pricey but I could swap the diff out with a 3.83 or lower for not much since I could sell my current unit. Have to research that further to see exactly what that would do for the rpms.

9) Drive a little slower

Call me Sammy because I can't drive 55. OK for 5 miles. Actually I'm only going 2 or 3 mph over that, I just feel like the spirit of impending doom is gaining on me at 55. Stupid, I know.

I hope to see you break 25mpg soon... If anyone can do it, I believe you can do it after seeing your craftsmanship and work ethic.

Keep it up

Dave

Thank you very much Dave, for the suggestions and the support. I'm giving her hell.