My Beast (4x4 Suburban)

[Saskwatchian]

@ Slowmover

I am not sure why you quoted my post as I don't see what it has to do with your argument but I will say I agree wholeheartedly that fuel is only part of the cost of running a vehicle, though I disagree with the statement about the real money being in tires etc.

Looking at my own personal numbers fuel counts for about 60% of my vehicle costs over the last 4 years (including purchasing the Explorer) Equal priced tires that last 10% longer would save me about $50 a year while burning 10% less fuel would save me about $800 a year.

Of course doing both would save me more and driving less would save me the most.


But we are talking about modding a Suburban and I can't see a problem with trying at least partial wheel skirts in the back. I can't imagine it causing damage to other parts, and I was just trying to keep expectations realistic for what gains to see.

We are all for saving money here, whether through burning less fuel or by other means, it's all good.

[slowmover]

Well, Sas-scratchy, you did make the statement that MPG is a stupid measurement for fuel saving and what I wrote was simply context to look at where it is useful.

And to expand your concern

Looking at my own personal numbers fuel counts for about 60% of my vehicle costs over the last 4 years (including purchasing the Explorer) Equal priced tires that last 10% longer would save me about $50 a year while burning 10% less fuel would save me about $800 a year.

It is where the pursuit of overall economy -- Economy -- where longest component life is part of the equation. The right tires at the longest life versus cheap tires (that also lack in braking & steering response), and the same with the other components on the vehicle. Low stress generally equals longest life.

MPG is just one way of testing for longest life at lowest cost. Where components wear down more quickly in pursuit of higher mpg is a false economy.

.

[Saskwatchian]

Sorry, I think we are talking about two different things.

What I meant by "MPG is a stupid measurement for fuel saving" was that MPG as a distance over volume measurement was inherently confusing when you are talking about a change in fuel economy, especially when talking about the same thing on various vehicles.

"3mpg change" does not mean anything unless you know the starting economy.
"1.0 l/100km change" does have the same meaning no matter the starting economy.


But I digress: Go further on a tank of gas, or burn less gas getting where you are going. Buy parts that last longer than their price differential and don't let the nut behind the wheel get too sloppy.

[oil pan 4]

Originally Posted by ecomodded

Maybe wheel covers along with smooth hubcaps grill block and belly pan you could save 5 mpg which in your trucks case would be large, a 41% improvement.
With your thirsty truck almost every mod or driving tactic is low hanging fruit, gain 1.2 mpg and that's a 10% savings.
65+ Vehicle modifications for better fuel economy - EcoModder.com

Dont for get about the wiki, there are around 80 mods on there now.
The wiki has a little more truck and SUV related stuff.
Car MPG Efficiency Modifications Main - EcoModder

[Sporty Modder]

Thankyou for the input guys, going to do some Cad work(cardboard aided design) the poly i bought is to heavy for what i want.
I was going to do an 8" airdam but i am going to settle with 6" garden edging. Grill block next, this is where the card board comes in. I will want some feed back. Goal is to keep my 16mpg for the winter then 18/19 next summer.

[oil pan 4]

Try running with the clutch fan removed after it cools down some more.
Maybe do some fan installed, fan removeed tank to tank testing.

[Sporty Modder]

It has been cool the last couple of weeks, i am expecting a hit in mpg's. I picked up some coroplast yesterday, so a grill block will be going on soon.

A rear spoiler i was talking about earlier

[Sporty Modder]

Been spending more time working on my car than my truck, got the parts in to repair the car. Plus i picked up a engnbldr 268 cam for the car, it is considered an rv cam so we will see the effects on Mpg's.

15.5 mpg on the last tank in the sub.

[oil pan 4]

A 268 grind may be hotter than the OEM cam.

It may not improve fuel economy but I bet it will increase drive ability.

[Sporty Modder]

Originally Posted by oil pan 4

A 268 grind may be hotter than the OEM cam.

It may not improve fuel economy but I bet it will increase drive ability.

I doubt it will improve my mpgs, just looking to maintain at this time, and get this car going again. I have met my goal of 30/34 mpg, with my rear wing air dam ect. and modified driving style. Next I will be shooting for 35/40 though I dont know if that is possible without a transplant.(4ag?)