Ford Ranger (2005 mazada b3000) Project... begins!
 

Going to see what I can do with this truck... 3.0 v-6, automatic transmission. First automatic transmission vehicle I have ever own. But the girlfriend just couldn't get the hang of the manual!

After about 5 tanks of gas I am averaging 20 mpg driving VERY nice on the highway and about 18/19 around town and through the Mountains. (I live in seattle and rock climb/ camp nearly every weekend in the back of the pickup, which means driving through the cascades...)

So far I have made a custom air ram piped into the airbox. Just finished up making an air dam for the wipers and removed the antenna (all audio books and internet radio for me!) Waiting on a K&N drop in filter to maximize the air flow.

Also began to build a front air dam to block most of the air getting into the grill, as many people on here have done. And looking to start a skirt tomorrow to divert air going underneath.

Mainly just wanted to thank everyone who post on this forum. Very inspirational to see what you all have been doing. Instead of sitting around waiting for the government or big oil/ car companies to start making improvements, you guys ARE being the change!!! Keep it up!

trying to put up pics but says I need a url of photos? I will check out what I need to do so I can post what I've done!

You need 5 posts to be able to post pictures I believe

thanks!
 

a posting I will go...

Now you post pics!:thumbup:

http://ecomodder.com/forum/member-wo...5989-image.jpg

The wiper cover finished and grill block...

http://ecomodder.com/forum/member-wo...umbed-into.jpg

My home made cold air intake... 3x4 down spout plumbed into the air box and a k&n air filter is on its way...

Now I have a few hours free to tackle the lower air dam or partial belly pan...

Here is my block on my 97. Mine is the old 2.3 with a 5 speed with a 3.45 diff. Even manual steering.

regards
Mech

nice
 

looks clean! I am experimenting now to see what kind of results it gets, but plan on doing something similar... looks a lot cleaner than mine!

My b4000's airdam...
http://i1240.photobucket.com/albums/...ps3731528d.jpg

The least efficient of the b series, 4x4, 4.0l motor w 5spd trans. I am getting a consistent 18-20 mpg commuting to work.

Any difference with the air dam? Looks good!

Honestly I don't know. I want to say yes but the truck has a fuel leak near the top of the tank, ( I suspect a bad filler gasket)so for safety reasons I do not fill it all the way up. It has a couple other mechanical issues so my driving of it is reserved for icky 4x4 type days.
Previous experience with airdams has given me anywhere from 5%-15% fe, returns,and cost 6$ (20'roll) for two cars.

Ford Vulcan engine: Power of a 4 cylinder, fuel economy of a v8. They will run forever, though!

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First 4 hour road trip, odometer test results, 22 mpg, that's better than my average top 20 mpg... I have to do the same 3 hour round trip tomorrow so I can get another test in. Wish I had the $ for a scan gauge right now! I fill up at the same pump at the same station so hopefully fairly accurate. Almost all highway at 65mph, cruise control almost the whole run. Lots of cross wind today.
Next up is the side skirts!

Hate to be a hater but a cold air intake on a ranger is useless unless your idling. The scangauge shows intake temps are always equal to ambient temps above 3mph in a stock ranger intake. However I would have done it out of boredome.

Caveman, thanks and your probably right... It's also somewhat of a ram air system... But probably only helps at WOT. I plan on attempting to heat the air at the air box in the future, main reason I piped it in. And it does sound decent when you floor it! Not that I ever do of course!;)

Also 2nd tank confirming 10% increase!

Ram air won't help your mpg though more air= more fuel. Will help top end HP as much as a ford ecm will let it.

Side skirts on! Fuel mileage test tomorrow driving to Oregon! Also blocked more of the grill... http://{\rtf1\ansi\ansicpg1252 {\fon...c0\u8236</a> }

Nice job.

Have you considered adding your truck to the garage here and keeping a fuel log? It is nice for yourself, but also helps others as they can look at it too.

I went from a Ford Aspire to an all-power Ranger. 4 cylinder with no power anything to a V-6. That V-6 is good so far in the $4. a gallon gas California! Good Ranger mods on yours.