Hi all!
I'm new to this forum, but I've been checking it out over the last few weeks and some of the stuff here has definitely caught my attention! Right now I mainly have an interest in trying to squeeze a bit more mpg from both of my current vehicles, but in the long run I may attempt to build a commuter EV (especially after realizing it can be done affordably in some cases!).
My current rides are:
'94 Dodge Caravan (Da Bus)
3.0 Mitsu V6 w/ 3 speed auto
Dynomax Super Turbo muffler added, otherwise stock
Best mpg: 17.8 suburban driving (out of town, no interstate)
23.7 highway (managed 25 behind moving truck)
Goal: 20 suburban / 25-27 highway
'81 Buick Century (no nickname as yet)
4.3 (265 cubic inch) Pontiac V8 w/ Metric 200 3 speed auto
Cat removed (old one clogged, have replacement, not installed yet)
Removed A/C system
Best mpg: 18.0 suburban driving
25.1 highway
Goal: 20 suburban / 28-30 highway
Plans for both include smoothing the bodylines where possible, including grill blockoffs, plus a little diet for both to see where some dead weight can be lost. I may experiment with WAI's as well on both, and I may run a fuel injector shut-off for the van to shut down 3 cylinders for highway usage.
As I said, eventually I'd like to build an EV for commuting to work. The Metro seems quite popular, but I might go a little different route. I think I'd like to try doing up an EV with the ancestor of the Metro, the old Chevy Sprint. If I can't swing that, perhaps something more interesting like an early Dodge Colt/Plymouth Champ. Time will tell (plus whatever I can find when the time comes!LOL).
Anyway, just wanted to say this is a great site with some great stuff! I hope to put all this info to good use and contribute when I can! See ya on the forum!
Cheers,
Aaron