These vans had one of the worst mileage ratings of other minivans of the age. They fell under the light truck emissions loophole due to their high curb weight. With a 16 valve 2.4L engine and .33 CD they should get decent mpg. Otherwise a great, reliable well deisigned van.
Cargo space 152.3 cu ft.
Factory curb weight is 3755.
My curb weight measured at local transfer station 3550
Diet goal 3300
25mpg Ton-mpg 43.8
(us short ton x miles) / gallons
Current drag numbers
Cd: .30
CdA: 8.52
Crr: .0124
Original numbers:
Cd: .33
CdA: 9.42
Build Thread:
Current Mods:
In order of estimated effectiveness.
AERO MODS:
Kamm back
grille block
Front air dam
Moon discs (salt flat discs)
Side mirrors in at speed.
Rear wheel skirts
Vertical windshield wipers. Right side removed
Hood body gaps filled with closed cell foam tape.
Interior side view mirror
INSTRUMENTATION
MPGuino
Vacuum gauge (mainifold)
Vacuum gauge (Brake assist canister)
Ammeter
MECHANICAL MODS
Alternator delete, Deep cycle battery runs all electrical. 2 batteries for long trips. 18V pack (12V+6V batteries in series.)
Max tire pressure
Torque converter lockup switch
Accessory drive shaft disconnected to remove belt friction, power steering losses and A/C
Rear drum brake automatic adjusters disabled because they dragged constantly
Quick release aux. brake vacuum canister with vac gauge.(allows long, safe EOC)
Block heater
Transmission heater (ironing out the mounting details)
Removed all rear passenger seats.
Low viscosity synthetic diff oil
Timing advanced 5 degrees
5-20 full synthetic motor oil
Front disc brake sliders lubed
Platinum spark plugs
Planned Mods:
Vacuum based cruise control
LRR tires
Wheel bearings repacked with synthetic grease
Integrated motor assist: Battery pack and electric motor assist attached to the accessory drive shaft. (in my dreams)
Belly pan
Side skirts
Wheel spats and boattails
Boattail, folding, attached to the back of the kamm
Shave side mirrors and install smaller aero mirrors
Windshield wiper cover
Alloys for rotational mass reduction
Economy camshafts
