Started with a never changed stock setup at 116K miles. I've been neglecting Blue for the last 20K miles and was the biggest reason for getting 15 mpg at the start. Yes, I successfully travelled 20k miles between oil changes with no damage. Blue Flake needs a little love from a wrench.
Build Thread:
Current Mods:
I am trying out several different designs of each mod and measuring MPG change over the entire tank of gas. I will be very scientific in my measurements so this can be replicated by anyone. Also, cost of mod vs cost saved is important to me. My goal: 40 MPG.
The first mod ever done to Blue was from Mother Nature. A freak hail storm blew through South Texas in 2009. I thought the look on a golf ball looked great and never repaired it. If dimples work to make a golf ball fly straighter...it has to work on a truck too!
Planned Mods:
Phase 1: Mechanical Inspection
Part 1: Maintenance, Tune, and Repairs
Part 2: Suspension Height, self lowering?
Phase 2: Improving Front-end Aerodynamics
Part 1: Closing Grill Vent Aperture
Part 2: Grill Blocking
Part 3: Headlamp Blocking
Part 4: Panel Gap Fills
Part 5: Front Bumper Air Dam
Phase 3: Decreasing Wheel Drag
Part 1: Flat Wheel Covers
Part 2: Wheel Well Covers/Fender Flares
Phase 4: Improving Body Panel Aerodynamics
Part 1: Body Panel Gap Fills
Part 2: Wiper block vs Cowl Vented Hood
Part 3: Moving radio/CB antennas
Part 4: Flush Mounted Door Handles
Phase 5: Decreasing Weight
Phase 6: Improving Under-body Aerodynamics
Phase 7: Engine Improvements
Phase 8: Other Improvements
