I've been gathering info off Ecomodder for some time now and have put some of the advice to use already. A friend and I purchased an 1987 Econoline E250 Club Wagon to use as a hunting rig to travel from PA to MT. The van had a 6.9 diesel with C6 automatic transmission and 4.10 gears. First thing swapped was the rearend, in with a 3.54 LS rear. Next we converted the transmission to a ZF5 manual transmission with transfer case(4x4 conversion at later date) Those conversions were done in 2015 and we took the van out to Montana that fall. Being new our mileage record keeping wasn't great but we averaged between 15-16 mpg hauling a 12' single axle trailer at speeds ranging from 70-80 mph.
In a short time the Banks Sidewinder turbo kit(used) installation will be complete. It was for an automatic transmission so we had to modify the up pipe to the turbo to clear the deeper bellhousing on the manual transmission. I'm hoping that will increase the efficiency of the engine and increase mileage.
I'm looking for feedback on my aerodynamic tail design that I am mocking up. I gathered up several aluminum truck caps to use as a shell and material. Amazing the width seemed to be nearly perfect, inside the rear body edge by about an inch on either side. I read that the angles should be about 15 degrees on the top and 10 degrees on the sides and bottom. The factory cap angle is about 12 degrees so honestly I rolled with that as the side angle. I have Coroplast to cover the shell and plan to attach the tail to the external door hinges on the back door. I know it's a bit rough now but looking for advice and or feedback to insure I'm doing ok.
This year we are not hauling a trailer, but plan on the same high speeds. Am I crazy to hope for 20mpg given the installation of the turbo and decent aero tail?
Thanks Jonathan
