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Old 01-17-2014, 09:46 PM   #21 (permalink)
redpoint5
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Join Date: Aug 2010
Location: Oregon
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Acura TSX - '06 Acura TSX
90 day: 24.19 mpg (US)

Lafawnda - CBR600 - '01 Honda CBR600 F4i
90 day: 47.32 mpg (US)

Big Yeller - Dodge/Cummins - '98 Dodge Ram 2500 base
90 day: 21.82 mpg (US)

Chevy ZR-2 - '03 Chevrolet S10 ZR2
90 day: 17.14 mpg (US)

Model Y - '24 Tesla Y LR AWD

Pacifica Hybrid - '21 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid
90 day: 43.3 mpg (US)
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Why is it better to form the body out of aluminum instead of the frame? It seems the body has a much more complex shape and requires the metal to not only be structurally sound, but visually free of blemish.

I would think an aluminum frame and plastic body would be the ideal combo for weight vs price.

Trimming the weight allows everything to be smaller, including the engine, frame, brakes, axles, etc. Whenever the cylinder count or size can be reduced, big savings in MPG can be realized.

Quote:
Originally Posted by oil pan 4 View Post
Less weight is good, means you can haul more stuff
That is part of the reason I switched to LiFePO4 batteries, they save me at least 100lb.

FE improvement through weight reduction is a hard expensive way to pick up MPGs.
I'm sure you have made a post on your LiFePo4 batteries, and I'm sure I've read it... what batteries did you go with, and how many? Do you use a BMS?

I'm considering LiFePo4 on my motorcycle where weight can really make a difference.


Quote:
Originally Posted by Frank Lee View Post
A friend said, "Guys just looove putting gas in those things". They do!
My Dodge/Cummins has a 35 gallon fuel tank, and I have to admit that filling the beast makes me feel like I've got a serious machine. The noisy 5.9L turbo is pure joy to run fuel through. That said, I cried a little on the inside once when the fuel light came on, and putting $20 into the tank wasn't enough to turn the fuel light off.

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