4x4 SUV Fuel Economy Ideas

[redpoint5]

I'd just drive the Trooper for the fun stuff, and drive something efficient for everything else.

[Stacygifford]

The bellpan/skid plate would not hurt. For off-roading it would be very beneficial.

It just wont be AS effective as a traditional bellypan that hides the suspension components.

[elhigh]

Aero drag goes up with the cube of the velocity - double the speed requires eight times as much power. So slowing down even a little can yield significant dividends. 75mph takes about 50% more power than 65! And in a big box like a Trooper it probably sounds like the end of the world.

Try to find a BSFC chart for your engine and shoot for a cruising speed that hits the best power/economy ratio, favoring the slower end of the range (within reason of course).

+1 on the air dam and belly pan/skid plates. Can't possibly hurt. If making a dam fit inside the rig is difficult when you get to the trailhead, look at making it a two piece.

[Stacygifford]

Originally Posted by elhigh

If making a dam fit inside the rig is difficult when you get to the trailhead, look at making it a two piece.

or just ratchet strap it to the roof lol

[hayden55]

Some good ones also for older SUVs are improving on the accessory drive circuit. 25% underdrive pulley sets, electric water pump, mechanical fan to e fan conversion, and if you're hard core power steering delete (or epas conversion like whats available for many 2000s Fords from the newer models)

[cRiPpLe_rOoStEr]

There's a lot of room for improvements when it comes to accessory drive, plus it's a low-hanging fruit. Go for it.

Originally Posted by oil pan 4

Water injection does not appear to help gasoline engines, every test I have seen decreased fuel economy or did nothing.

Water injection might not be so effective in a carburettor-fed vehicle, but it won't decrease the fuel-efficiency in an engine fitted with EFI.