03-29-2021, 03:27 PM
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#1 (permalink)
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Master Ecomadman
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leSharo RV
I have a leSharo RV that I want to get better mileage. It has been converted to a Buick 3.8 v6 and a a 4t60 transmission with a 2.87 Final drive ratio. It has 1630 RPM at 65 mph. It has 205/85R14 C tires at 60 psi and weights 5500 lbs, 6500 lbs gross. It has only a 15 gal fuel tank. Last time I drove it it got between 15 and 17 mpg. Today I blocked off around the radiator with foam and put a belly pan from the front bumper to the front tires.
It looks like this without the roof mounted AC unit.
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03-29-2021, 03:37 PM
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#2 (permalink)
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Master EcoModder
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Supercharged 3.8? If not, having one should help.
Gas mileage seems pretty good, considering!
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03-29-2021, 04:06 PM
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#3 (permalink)
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home of the odd vehicles
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The similar Vixen RV came in a 30mpg flavor (check that rig for ideas)
My guess is with that motor and transmission all you can do it keep slow and coast often.
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03-29-2021, 04:51 PM
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#4 (permalink)
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Master Ecomadman
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NA, predates series II SC.
SC would reduce gas mileage, would be a ton of work for no gain..
Quote:
Originally Posted by Stubby79
Supercharged 3.8? If not, having one should help.
Gas mileage seems pretty good, considering!
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03-29-2021, 04:55 PM
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#5 (permalink)
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Master Ecomadman
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Yes, I could install a BMW tubodiesel in the back and trim the roof a foot, lower the floor, take the Buick FWD drivetrain out and put a popup roof on.....not really.
Quote:
Originally Posted by rmay635703
The similar Vixen RV came in a 30mpg flavor (check that rig for ideas)
My guess is with that motor and transmission all you can do it keep slow and coast often.
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03-29-2021, 05:58 PM
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#6 (permalink)
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Master EcoModder
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Air curtains and skirts. A blister across the top front to soften the curve.
The big problem is that maybe 20% of the frontal area is at the C-pillar. Graft a second door frame on aligned with the full width for the door to close against on the original hinges.
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03-29-2021, 07:48 PM
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#7 (permalink)
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home of the odd vehicles
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Quote:
Originally Posted by arcosine
Yes, I could install a BMW tubodiesel in the back and trim the roof a foot, lower the floor, take the Buick FWD drivetrain out and put a popup roof on.....not really.
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Or you could of used the 20mpg datapoint of the higher fixed roof Buick 3800 powered vixen “limo” as being a good indication that 17mpg for your rig is about all you can expect without extreme prejudice |
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03-29-2021, 08:13 PM
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#8 (permalink)
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It's all about Diesel
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Quote:
Originally Posted by arcosine
It has been converted to a Buick 3.8 v6 and a a 4t60 transmission with a 2.87 Final drive ratio.
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Sounds quite surprising that you managed to get a transverse engine and transmission. AFAIK the Renault Trafic had only been fitted with longitudinal ones. On a sidenote, the stock manual transmissions on them could handle a small-block V8 quite easily. |
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03-30-2021, 10:14 AM
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#9 (permalink)
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Master EcoModder
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Ditch that roof A/C unit. We often use a portable A/C in our camper. It exhausts out a window and will run on our 2000 watt generator which won't run the rooftop unit. Seems to cool it just as well as the roof unit and as a side benefit is much quiter.
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03-30-2021, 07:36 PM
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#10 (permalink)
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Hersbird
Ditch that roof A/C unit.
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Pay attention!
The 3800 unit is pretty efficient; can't you just go 55 or maybe even 50 to see what it does?
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