How to improve Dodge Ram Van from 12mpg? [Belly pans?]

[ahanix1989]

I'm assuming just from everyone else's experience that the neutral coasting made the majority of the difference, but I do know I am hearing less wind noise on the highway now, and never had an opportunity to coast on the highway.

I love tall gearing. 3.55 rear end means once I hit overdrive, my engine stays slow! Better yet, since work is right off Johnson Street [23], I can spend the vast majority of my drive in 4th gear (like everybody else, I cruise down 23 in town at 40mph)
40mph: 1000rpm [Unknown power]
50mph: 1400rpm [70hp / 265ft-lbf at crank]
75mph: 2000rpm [110hp / 275 ft-lbf at crank]

rmay, I'm still not figuring out the wavering you mentioned... what exactly is your technique? I know what you mean about how you can feel the minute changes...

Quick video of how I accelerate:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mhu4VaJCK-w

you can see that it spends a lot of time right at 2,000.

All this talk about how Dodge programmed the fuel injection to use more fuel in gear makes me wonder how effective a well-tuned Megasquirt system would be... so you could override the computer and manually control fuel....

[Jethro]

You don't need a MS to get custom fuel maps. There are a few independent tuners out there who mess with the Dodge computers. 96 should be OBD II and able to be 'tuned'. I've never known anyone to tune for FE before, but I'm sure it could be done.

[rmay635703]

Originally Posted by Jethro

You don't need a MS to get custom fuel maps. There are a few independent tuners out there who mess with the Dodge computers. 96 should be OBD II and able to be 'tuned'. I've never known anyone to tune for FE before, but I'm sure it could be done.

Who are they? And how many billion do I need to drop before they do it?

My guess is nobody in wisconsin.

[ahanix1989]

Better picture of my coroplast job. No measuring, just random cutting.

Someone mentioned my radio antennae. Is there anywhere to get a replacement antennae that is very low-profile? I'd kinda like those "shark fin" ones, but I can't find one that isn't just decorative plastic. And I can't really do any "boattail" stuff because where I work requires I park in a parking garage. I'm already scraping my antennae going up


Got kinda sidetracked. Realized just how great I can get it to shine by colorsanding Now I'm hell-bent on figuring out what all I need for this restoration in spring





Considering it's $5/can spraypaint, I'm impressed with how it'll shine. Makes me much more confident in my abilities to do the actual "PPG Shopline with an air compressor and clearcoating"

[MetroMPG]

Originally Posted by ahanix1989

I've read that the grillle block from the inside would have no benefit, but I can't bring myself to cover my shiny chrome grille from the front...

I don't think you read that here.

I'd investigate a partial grille block before worrying about your antenna.

[Jethro]

You can make inserts that cover only the area that is actually OPEN on the grill.

Also, you can make a panel or two that directs the air from the grill directly to the radiator, it'll help make better use of what cooling capacity you do have.

Being a Dodge Automatic (I know, I've owned 13 Dodges 11 autos) DO NOT COVER that transmission cooler. It barely does it's job as it stands!

[ahanix1989]

Ahanix

Mine does not have a separate transmission cooler, it just uses the lower part of the engine radiator. Can I block the grille from the back? And if so, where should I be doing -- the top grille half, bottom grille half, or bumper steps? I'd assume top half because it won't interfere with the transmission-end of the cooling.

Since I plan on doing all kinds of body work to the van before painting, I may as well remove the radio antennae and bondo over the hole it leaves behind -- I accidentally drilled through my CD player so the radio functionality doesn't work (and neither does the volume knob!).... I'd really like to find a functional "sharkfin" antennae to replace it.

Everyone is telling me to remove the roof rack, but I kinda like how it looks. Makes it look less "cargo-y". I don't believe it has AS MUCH of an impact as the really large roof racks people put on smaller cars... this is two bars going across the sides.

It'd be really nice if I had some kind of option for my windshield wipers. GMC was smart enough to recess theirs, but my Dodge has them sticking out.

[rmay635703]

Originally Posted by ahanix1989

Ahanix

Mine does not have a separate transmission cooler, it just uses the lower part of the engine radiator. Can I block the grille from the back? And if so, where should I be doing -- the top grille half, bottom grille half, or bumper steps? I'd assume top half because it won't interfere with the transmission-end of the cooling.

Yes.

The upper half on a dodge and blocking inside is OK, however if your trips are under 20 miles and you have good temperature guages for the transmission and radiator just block the whole thing during winter months. Otherwise to block your grill especially on a dodge couple your grill block with an air dam that goes nearly to the ground, that will improve airflow through the grill and reduce air resistance under the van. It is critical that the transmission get enough airflow to cool

Originally Posted by ahanix1989

Since I plan on doing all kinds of body work to the van before painting, I may as well remove the radio antennae and bondo over the hole it leaves behind -- I accidentally drilled through my CD player so the radio functionality doesn't work (and neither does the volume knob!).... I'd really like to find a functional "sharkfin" antennae to replace it.

Antenna doesn't do much on a big rig like we drive.

Originally Posted by ahanix1989

Everyone is telling me to remove the roof rack, but I kinda like how it looks. Makes it look less "cargo-y". I don't believe it has AS MUCH of an impact as the really large roof racks people put on smaller cars... this is two bars going across the sides.

Roof rack remove will have a slight MPG improvement, especially on the highway, much more worthwhile than antenna remove and even sweeter if you can figure a way of having it installable when needed as well as removable when not.

Originally Posted by ahanix1989

It'd be really nice if I had some kind of option for my windshield wipers. GMC was smart enough to recess theirs, but my Dodge has them sticking out.

Minor issue, much more drag off your square rearend, non aero wheels and under the vehicle

Speaking of which, rear fender skirts and pizza oven wheel covers do have FE effects.

Good Luck
Ryan

[ahanix1989]

Yeah but them shiney chrome rims :C
I've honestly never used the roof rack. I just like how it looks.

[Obviously I'm kinda uncommited to efficiency]

[MetroMPG]

Ornamental roof racks?? Jeez. Ditch 'em! Or I won't respect you in the morning!