Howdy all, thanks for the replies.
Yeah imperial mpg - it's the 2.5 non-turbo'd diesel and gets driven pretty economically; even if I know I have to average 70mph to make a certain time. Generally I'll average 55mph, varying anywhere from 45-80mph depending on the hill.
Focus - yeah the instant feedback is a massive bonus, I like the added benefit of it helping induce a meditative state on clear motorways; it really gets you to focus on your inputs and also how the car's running and the road ahead. I've had some pretty deep experiences slipstreaming lorries with the instant mpg on.
Anyways.. the bus is 1999 and does have an obd2 port.
I'll do some research on the scangauges.
As I mentioned, I'm planning on fitting two cameras to act as wing mirrors. Does anyone know of any legal implications of doing this? (here in the uk) It would be nice to keep the van fully legal, however that's not a main priority so long as the mods would be considered safe by most and are justifiable..
Can you guys recommend where might be the best place to mount the cameras? Mounting them on the sides of The front bumper would minimise blind spots and of course the bumpers are mighty easy to screw into and sculpt with various glassing/fillers.
Smooth hub caps are a good shout. Some aluminium sheet machined up would do nicely with recessed bolt holes and screwed directly into the steel wheels. Then there's the option of wire brushing it and getting my anodising chap on the case... Yum.
As I'm a (pedal-powered) bike rider (Trials by profession, as well as mtb and touring), the bus regularly gets used to cart around bikes as well as people, hence I want to build a secure bike rack for the back. This would tie in very nicely with a Kammback.. I'll get sketching that one up.
Am I right in assuming that engine-off during coasting in this vehicle (manual gearbox, not auto) will be absolutely fine? I'm well aware of the lack of p/s & servo brakes, but I haven't done it much since discovering the gearbox in an old A6 avant I had, blew up a week after selling it - I learned the hard way that engine-off in an auto isn't a good idea!
Cool, the mod list is coming along well;
Scangauge
Cameras + Screens
Hub caps
Kammback bike rack
Underfloor tray
Rear wheel fairings
Thanks for the help so far!