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Old 03-29-2021, 02:27 PM   #1 (permalink)
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leSharo RV

I have a leSharo RV that I want to get better mileage. It has been converted to a Buick 3.8 v6 and a a 4t60 transmission with a 2.87 Final drive ratio. It has 1630 RPM at 65 mph. It has 205/85R14 C tires at 60 psi and weights 5500 lbs, 6500 lbs gross. It has only a 15 gal fuel tank. Last time I drove it it got between 15 and 17 mpg. Today I blocked off around the radiator with foam and put a belly pan from the front bumper to the front tires.

It looks like this without the roof mounted AC unit.

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Old 03-29-2021, 02:37 PM   #2 (permalink)
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Supercharged 3.8? If not, having one should help.

Gas mileage seems pretty good, considering!
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Old 03-29-2021, 03:06 PM   #3 (permalink)
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The similar Vixen RV came in a 30mpg flavor (check that rig for ideas)

My guess is with that motor and transmission all you can do it keep slow and coast often.
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Old 03-29-2021, 03:51 PM   #4 (permalink)
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NA, predates series II SC.

SC would reduce gas mileage, would be a ton of work for no gain..

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Supercharged 3.8? If not, having one should help.

Gas mileage seems pretty good, considering!
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Old 03-29-2021, 03:55 PM   #5 (permalink)
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Yes, I could install a BMW tubodiesel in the back and trim the roof a foot, lower the floor, take the Buick FWD drivetrain out and put a popup roof on.....not really.

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The similar Vixen RV came in a 30mpg flavor (check that rig for ideas)

My guess is with that motor and transmission all you can do it keep slow and coast often.
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Old 03-29-2021, 04:58 PM   #6 (permalink)
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Air curtains and skirts. A blister across the top front to soften the curve.

The big problem is that maybe 20% of the frontal area is at the C-pillar. Graft a second door frame on aligned with the full width for the door to close against on the original hinges.
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Old 03-29-2021, 06:48 PM   #7 (permalink)
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Yes, I could install a BMW tubodiesel in the back and trim the roof a foot, lower the floor, take the Buick FWD drivetrain out and put a popup roof on.....not really.
Or you could of used the 20mpg datapoint of the higher fixed roof Buick 3800 powered vixen “limo” as being a good indication that 17mpg for your rig is about all you can expect without extreme prejudice
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Old 03-29-2021, 07:13 PM   #8 (permalink)
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Quote:
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It has been converted to a Buick 3.8 v6 and a a 4t60 transmission with a 2.87 Final drive ratio.
Sounds quite surprising that you managed to get a transverse engine and transmission. AFAIK the Renault Trafic had only been fitted with longitudinal ones. On a sidenote, the stock manual transmissions on them could handle a small-block V8 quite easily.
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Old 03-30-2021, 09:14 AM   #9 (permalink)
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Ditch that roof A/C unit. We often use a portable A/C in our camper. It exhausts out a window and will run on our 2000 watt generator which won't run the rooftop unit. Seems to cool it just as well as the roof unit and as a side benefit is much quiter.
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Old 03-30-2021, 06:36 PM   #10 (permalink)
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Quote:
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Ditch that roof A/C unit.
Pay attention!

The 3800 unit is pretty efficient; can't you just go 55 or maybe even 50 to see what it does?

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