<---My fuel log indicates the low end of my average MPG when driving to and from work. The best I've seen for a tank was 17.7 mpg, according to my tripminder and miles driven/gallons used. I'm hoping I'll be able to raise my tank average to 30 mpg or more. I'm going to attack my mpg goal from multiple angles.
First and foremost the car needs a transmission since overdrive slips,reverse and the other forward gears are fine, though. The t/v cable popped loose on the previous owner and o.d. was toast before he could get it to a shop. So for now I'm driving with a 1:1 trans gear @ 60% lockup (according to the web). A new trans would be .67:1 o.d. with 100% mechanical lockup. While I'm saving up for a transmission I plan to make a few small, cheap improvements.
There are two routes I can take to work; one that is about 8 miles long and is 50% highway (55 mph limit), and one that is 13 miles long and is about 70% highway (70 mph limit).
My car is basically a long wheelbase, heavy Fox Mustang with an air suspension that uses longer A-arms and longer rear control arms.
From what I've been able to find, the stock AFR for a '92 5.0 Fox falls between 11.8:1 and 12.2:1. Lots of room for improvement there.
My car weighs 3,800 lbs, lots of room for improvement there too.
My car's Cd is .38. I think I may be able to reduce that a bit.
Here's the plan:
Lower the Cd without losing the original character of the car (no boat tail), reduce the curb weight, reduce parasitic drag on the engine, and increase the efficiency of the engine.
Aero:
Remove side mirrors (if legal) and install interior mirrors.
Install a grill block and possibly hood vents
Install an air dam
Possibly install rear skirts, not sold on this idea though.
May install a small spoiler, if needed
Parasitic drag:
Remove smog pump and hoses
Underdrive pulleys
Junkyard electric fan
A/C delete? (not sure on this one)
Thinnest possible synthetic fluids
Engine Efficiency (Mechanical):
Transmission (of course)
1996-2000 5.0 Explorer cam
1998-2000 5.0 Explorer intake with injectors
Roller rocker arms (still debating 1.7:1 vs 1.6:1)
Adjustable fuel pressure regulator (try to tune for 14:1 AFR)
larger, lower restriction exhaust
Narrower L.R.R. tires.
Weight Reduction:
The smog and A/C deletes will net a pretty big reduction
Mustang manual front seats (potential 60 lb loss here)
The overall goal is to have my cake and eat it too.
Progress will be slow
