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Old 04-18-2015, 11:58 PM   #50 (permalink)
mikeyjd
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Location: Grand Rapids, MI
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Quote:
Originally Posted by cosmick View Post
Then you need to change your axle ratio. And that may mean swapping a whole different axle assembly. Check into that. But while the tire may even save you gas, how much more do those tires cost, than just getting Chinese 195s?
If you don't change the axle ratio, you'll hurt MPG even with the reduced rolling drag and reduced aero drag.
So don't forget to include the cost of the ratio change into the cost of the 165 tires.
What I'd be doing is making a collapsible / folding, or removable, air deflector for when hauling. And likewise a taper back for when cruising empty. Once you're moving, the extra weight of one wouldn't matter.
And for what you're doing, a stretched mini-mini-minivan might be better?
I'm not downsizing. I do plan to build an aero topper this summer though. A minivan would work for my purposes, but would be less ideal than what I'm using now.
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