Eco driver from indiana

[ksa8907]

Hello, just joined a couple days ago and thought i'd introduce myself. I drive a 2000 dodge intrepid that i saved from the junk yard (it honestly belongs there), my fiance drives a 2004 Chrysler Pacifica AWD and doesn't give a hoot about saving fuel, but likes to gripe about her 18mpg. I love saving money and when i drive it's a no brainer to get the best mileage i can. My best tank in my intrepid was 29.8mpg driving through NC, VA, WV, OH. I think im finally ready to start making modifications to get better mileage.

for my car im looking at blocking the grill entirely, partial air dam on the sides with a "scoop" in the middle to direct air up to the radiator, side skirts and underbody pan.

She won't let me touch her car, but i think im just not going to tell her. Are airtab's any good? because i'd like to put some on her Pacifica, that thing is insanely thirsty, barely manages 25mpg at 60mph, where my car will be anywhere from 34-38 with the same motor and transmission.

sorry for the long post, but Hello!

[mcrews]

welcome!!
start with increasing psi to 40. She wont notice. actually feels better.

[ksa8907]

we just got the pacifica in February, i don't recall what the recommended pressure is, but i did set them to 36psi. i will set them higher considering the weight of the vehicle, traction isn't much of a problem. the biggest downfall to the car is that it weighs 5000lbs with a driver. but, i don't have to worry about her getting in an accident, that car is a tank.

[mcrews]

wow....that is a tank!!!!
I didnt realize it weighed that much!
Maybe on your next set of tires you can go up slightly in size.

[ksa8907]

Id hate to go up in size, the car is so heavy with just a 4 speed. Possibly lighter wheels and aero is about all i can do.

[mcrews]

then read some posts on the topic.
1 - 2 lbs on each tire........?
And since it;s only a 4 speed, I can only assume that the rpms are high at cruise.
So you don't what to lower the rpms to get better mileage???

If your going to the troublr to reduce the weight w/ new rims....why would you put the same dia tire back on????

[2000mc]

i dont think its quite as straight forward, larger diameter tires also increases ride height, so your gearing gains can be washed out by the additional aero drag.
also depends on how its driven. i'm thinking about going to a smaller diameter tire, but i've been spending alot of time going slower than i can get lockup in top gear, and getting jammed up in traffic.

[Soichiro]

From what I've heard, larger wheels are better if you spend most of your time on highway driving (larger wheels = less rotations to go the same distance). On the other hand, smaller wheels are better if you do mostly city driving (smaller wheels = less torque needed to accelerate the wheels). So it really depends on your driving habits.

[ksa8907]

at 60mph the engine is turning about 2150rpm. if you consider the amount of drag created by the vehicle and the energy needed to keep it rolling, a taller tire could actually reduce mpg by not allowing the engine to make enough torque efficiently. I've got my eyes on a set of continental tires that are LRR and allow for 50psi. Continental*CrossContact LX20 with EcoPlus Technology
the only down side is they are suv tires and weigh 32lbs each.

[Tango Charlie]

Hello, fellow Hoosier! (I'm about two hours north of you- Goshen) Welcome to ecomodder. The 100+ driving tips will help you hone your driving technique, something referred to around here as "tightening the nut behind the wheel". It's where you will see your biggest gains.

Forget the airtabs. If you search older threads, you'll see that they've been pretty well panned. 'Cept for those who want to believe...