My MV Modifying a Dodge Caravan

[IsaacCarlson]

31.1MPG average over about 180 miles with city driving, hills, stops, and back roads. NO MODS!! I am going to mod it soon though, maybe hit that 40 mark.

[micondie]

That looks great. Does the wiper cover reduce fresh air flow into the van? I have looked at the wipers on my 03 and they seem to park high on the windshield. I think I could adjust them to park lower out of the air stream and reduce the drag from them.

[Concrete]

Originally Posted by micondie

That looks great. Does the wiper cover reduce fresh air flow into the van? I have looked at the wipers on my 03 and they seem to park high on the windshield. I think I could adjust them to park lower out of the air stream and reduce the drag from them.

I did that - get some bosh or other low profile wiper and they almost completely draft in behind the plastic at the top of the hood

minor tweaking of arms help too
but look out - you can get them to clip each other in motion

[BrianAbington]

I will have to post my dads voyager on here...it is a freakin brick.

I like the van so far, I definatly think you will get close to 40mpg.
If you want to lower it check for a replacement suspension for a wheel chair van. Many of those vans have a body drop to lower the floor, but some of them also have a lowered suspension.

I honestly wish mini vans were offered with 4cyl engines and manual transmissions.

[Frank Lee]

40?!?

[Christ]

There ARE 4 cylinder 5 speed minivans. Chrysler said there "was no demand" and discontinued the models. Same with turbo vans.

They still came with 4 cylinders up till recently, I think. Mine's a 2.4, which is directly replaceable with a 2.0 or even some 1.8, if you can find one (export only).

[Frank Lee]

Well 40 doesn't come easy in my little car that has I'd guess 1/3 less frontal area and 1000 lbs less weight. Good luck with that.

[89shelby]

I have done some rough calculations on possible gains from the current baseline for my van and my realistic goal is 27mpg.... though I would really like to see 30. However, that is also with the 3.8L so I'm sure that the 4 cylinders can do a bit better than that.

[Christ]

Originally Posted by Frank Lee

Well 40 doesn't come easy in my little car that has I'd guess 1/3 less frontal area and 1000 lbs less weight. Good luck with that.

This wasn't directed at me was it? I was answering the comment about vans not coming as 4cyl/5speed models. Hell, I don't even think they come with anything less than a V6 anymore.

[Frank Lee]

No- should have edited my prior post instead.