Mission Possible: A Boxy 1984 Caprice Classic

[Frank Lee]

Adding your own air bag system? I hope you mean for the suspension.

[101Volts]

This is for the idea, It's visualizing:



So I know I can convert it to Diesel with a Manual transmission, Add a belly pan and new tires; Plus, With Turning it into a hatchback and adding side skirts and smooth hubcaps and engine tuning and engine and transmission heaters and some headlight covers and Eco-driving I think I already have 30+ in theory. What a day.

Maybe a little changing of the hood to make that more aerodymaic will help too, So the wind breaks over the windshield a little easier?

I think a 20 gallon fuel tank (or smaller) for Diesel will suffice since the fuel economy is higher with Diesel and the fuel is heavier; With a smaller tank this may be a weight reduction.

Gee, What can a belly pan be made out of for under $100? I wonder, Is anyone on Craigslist is looking to get rid of a lot of Coroplast for free?

[cRiPpLe_rOoStEr]

Not so sure if converting it into a hatchback would actually improve the aerodynamics...

[101Volts]

Originally Posted by Frank Lee

Adding your own air bag system? I hope you mean for the suspension.

Why? I meant for the steering wheel.

Originally Posted by cRiPpLe_rOoStEr

Not so sure if converting it into a hatchback would actually improve the aerodynamics...

Huh. I wonder if it will or will not if done? I don't mean to make it into a station wagon, I can get one of those cheaply.

[LeanBurn]

What are the revs like on the highway? With a strong V8 and travelling at lower speeds 55mph there could be some room to run skinnier tires all around and taller tires in the rear to lower final drive revs. Warm air intake, front air dam, wheel covers on the front, partial grill block, some belly pans maybe.

[cRiPpLe_rOoStEr]

Originally Posted by 101Volts

Huh. I wonder if it will or will not if done? I don't mean to make it into a station wagon, I can get one of those cheaply.

Just cutting the trunk away to turn it into a hatchback wouldn't be so aerodynamically-efficient as a Kammback.

[101Volts]

Originally Posted by LeanBurn

What are the revs like on the highway? With a strong V8 and travelling at lower speeds 55mph there could be some room to run skinnier tires all around and taller tires in the rear to lower final drive revs. Warm air intake, front air dam, wheel covers on the front, partial grill block, some belly pans maybe.

Equipment-wise it doesn't have a gauge for the RPMs so how can I tell what the general neighborhood is - By ear? I think it sounds as if it's puttering along easily and well on the highway in overdrive. And I know people call some cars "Tired" if they're running poorly, I don't think the engine in this car is one of them though I'm not experienced with that yet at least.

Also, While riding this car on the highway at 60 MPH or higher the hood starts vibrating due to wind turbulence. Is that normal for these cars?

The odometer is accurate to a tenth of a mile too, And so I'm wondering if changing the tire size would effect this. I've heard that happens if someone put big enough tires on a car.

I didn't think of the WAI before, Thanks for that. What is involved? Maybe I should get a repair book for this car and remove the mud flaps? It seems the flaps scrape roads when pulling in or out frequently.

I think I should look into this a lot more than I have been if I want to get above 25 MPG in it while still using the gas engine. All my questions are revealing how little I know, Oh glory! I'm not bothered by it though, Questions show answers.

Originally Posted by cRiPpLe_rOoStEr

Just cutting the trunk away to turn it into a hatchback wouldn't be so aerodynamically-efficient as a Kammback.

Oh. Well when I said "Hatchback" I meant modifying the whole body so it looks like it has a very long hatch on the back, Though in hindsight I think I'd make it shorter now; There would be a long bed behind the back seats and those rear seats would be changed to station wagon seats so they can be lowered for extra storage space and this would probably involve having a shop do it because the car would need painted again. That's what I was thinking at least, I didn't sketch it out and didn't think of how exactly I'd do it - It's just a theory so far.

[cRiPpLe_rOoStEr]

Originally Posted by 101Volts

Well when I said "Hatchback" I meant modifying the whole body so it looks like it has a very long hatch on the back

Indeed. Just like some European midsize cars such as the Renault Laguna, Ford Mondeo, Opel Vectra (in this one the hatchback versions have the same lenght of the sedan ones), among many others.

[101Volts]

I'm now in the market for some brand new tires. The ones that are on the car now, Are probably from 1992.

I'm thinking of getting some LRR tires, Maybe some of these Orange Peel tires?

http://ecomodder.com/forum/showthrea...eum-26530.html

However, I'd like to know the Rolling Resistance Coefficient of these tires; Is that public information?

I got a new battery in the car today too and am thinking of getting some engine heaters, Maybe this one included for the Gas engine while I have it:

http://www.amazon.com/Kats-13150-Alu...ng+tank+heater

Got suggestions for heaters?

[rednic79]

Right on man. Love the car. I would think diff gears would be a big improvement for ya. Figure out what ratio you have an get the lowest possible.... ie lowest number:1 also I think your aero template is a bit off. I think the peak of the template should align to the peak or centre in your case, of your roof. Correct me if im wrong anyone..... GREAT project!!!