Project: AeroTank

[MetroMPG]

Subscribed.

Would like to see a tuft test video showing the top of the trunk lid. I'm curious how bad things are back there - whether flow re-attaches back there.

Consider covering up those alloy wheels as well. Aero > aesthetics.






from: http://ecomodder.com/forum/showthrea...-6-a-4368.html

[svt98t]

Thanks for the info. I was reading that thread earlier. I guess I'll have to powder coat me some pizza trays in green and black! I'll start with the steelies first.
I'd like to get a tuft test done before the snow starts to fly so I have an idea of what to work on over the abismal winter. (besides rebuilding a transmission and two motors).
3.5 weeks until the big baseline test!
I have to fix my VSS gear before then. It reads a bit high. I want that fixed before I start with the dash and the MPGuino install.

Did some "pulse and glide" on the way home last night, with the engine off.
That is crazy how far/long I can go before starting up. I made it almost a mile from 55- 35 mph. Damn near straight and level flight. I have to start practicing these techniques if I'm going to try and make my mileage goals! Practice makes perfect!

Thanks again guys.

-ryan s.

[Weather Spotter]

P&G will get you a long ways on a tank of gas it took my average MPG from 58 to over 66 (most trips over 72 MPG).

[svt98t]

Wowsers!
My only big issue is, well, the big car. No power steering makes things interesting. It has many boat-like charateristics. Except for the boat tail. For now...
The only thing that really concerns me is my starter duty cycle. My plaform in these model years 92-97 seem to go through many starters. I've been through 4 in 6 years. Although it's been over 3 years now, I don't want to jinx myself!
I may need a new starter anyways. I think the thermal lockout switch is turning to crap. If I'm out running errands during the day, I notce that the longer I'm out and about, the more difficult it becomes to start.
That's all.

-ryan s.

[Weather Spotter]

its an auto trans? can you swap for a manual trans?

[Big Dave]

28+ from a Panther is excellent.

Do the aero stuff first, It is cheap.

If nothing else a T-56 should by itself put you in the 30-31 range.

Watch what the lighter engine and tranny do to the stance of the car. You might go nose-up.

[TurnpikeCruiser]

Can't wait to see the progress Ryan. Should play with some fender skirts!

I've gotten a combined-driving Tripminder-calculated 24.3mpg out of my box...with one trip hitting a record 26.5mpg just being more thoughtful of my driving habits. I haven't tried EOC or P&G, just mindful driving habits, and I gained 10-20% increase in mileage.

If my box can get those numbers, 30-35mpg in your areo with all your mods shouldn't be far off.

[svt98t]

Many people have put manual transmissions in Panthers. It just takes a bit of work.
Many opt for the T-45 from the Mustangs because of availablilty. I'd like the T-56 because it has 6 speeds and I could score one for relatively cheap from my cousin.
I am aware the the front end may come up a bit. Taking 120+ lbs out of it might do that. Idealy, I would do the block swap and trans swap, and then see how the car looks/ handles. If I have to lower it, change the rate of the springs and shocks, then so be it. Lowering and a bit stiffer suspension helps with FE.
But as of now, the block swap is a sure thing.

-ryan s.

[svt98t]

I will work on the aero stuff first as well.
I do have a spare motor that needs to go in sometime soon. That's where the block swap comes in.

-ryan s.

[svt98t]

Just got some solid Cd numbers:
Box Panther 0.42
Aero Panther 0.33
Whale Panther 0.37

Good. It looks like I was right and got some numbers to quantify this. Woot!! Until next time...

-ryan s.