Project: AeroTank

[War_Wagon]

I think it's cool to work with something as vast as a Panther, well done! Any effort to increase FE is worth it, regardless of the vehicle in question. Sure you can get an end result of a higher MPG with a smaller car, but at the same time if he can get a high percent increase in his MPG then who is to say that isn't just as good, or perhaps even better an end result? Maybe someone will see his car, ask him some questions about it, then get into ecomodding themselves? No such thing as bad P.R. as they say! The more people that want to learn about it, the better, and the more variety of vehicles on this site, the more likely one of them will appeal to someone. Just my 2 cents, take it for what it's worth.

[Big Dave]

svt98t posted:
"I was thinking the other evening, what about the new 3.5 EcoBoost motor?"

Big Dave says;
I have thought of chucking my Impala (20 MPG but a joy to drive) for a Panther and a Ecoboost 3.5 and a T-56 stick. Ecoboosts have been out long enough a few should be showing up in junk yards. Maybe even crate motors. Direct injection gets around the rigidity of fuel mixture. The ecoboost is designed for low end torque so should be able to easily push a huge overdrive in a Panther. I figured that since you already had a good engine in hand, an Ecoboost wouldn't be that much of an improvement.

Panthers ain't light but compared to a loaded pickup, they'll lightweights.

Not everyone can stuff themselves into a clown car. Ask Aerohead - I don't fit in a little car. Getting good MPG from a bigger vehicle is a very worthwhile project.

[MetroMPG]

Originally Posted by Big Dave

Not everyone can stuff themselves into a clown car.

Clown car, eh?

[Nevyn]

I think Ford said they're offering the 3.5 EcoBoost as a crate engine already. So that could be the easiest way to go...

Love the mods! If you need storage for a lot of gear, nothing beats a Vic. I grew up in them.

[TurnpikeCruiser]

Originally Posted by Big Dave

Panthers ain't light but compared to a loaded pickup, they'll lightweights...

Getting good MPG from a bigger vehicle is a very worthwhile project.

They ain't as bloated as they seem either. My box '88 Marquis only weighs 3900lbs, and the aeros shave off another 100-200lbs at least. For the size of the car, it's actually a very reasonable weight. Various smaller, newer cars weight just as much, if not more...but of course, the whole pickup thing definitely rings true.

Just think, if a decent number of people with a large car would mind their driving habits and jumped onto the aero-mod bandwagon, the overall increase in efficiency would be fairly significant. Most people see 20mpg with cars this size...so to see a 50% improvement in a large group would be huge!

[Bruce]

I hope you use the stock engine. Your work would more likely apply to the many owners who couldn't afford an EcoBoost and/or have the skills for a swap.

In addition to the roomy and safe ride, a Crown Vic also makes sense economically. There are scads of cheap ones with low miles in my area. Hondas are expensive even with high mileage.

[svt98t]

Thanks for all the positive response!

Bruce: I will use the 4.6L motor. I know them like the back of my hand. I've been working on them since 1997. Knowledge is power. Or FE.

I filled the tank up today and will get the baseline for the mods. $69.00
Also, I picked up a cheap tachometer from Harbor Freight (on sale). And I bought a Autometer Vacuum gauge on eBay for pretty much the same as the Harbor Freight gauge.
I also bought a binder to collect all my gas receipts for continuity.
Unfortunately, they do not make a 3 gauge pillar for the Panthers. I guess it's a good thing I have a spare A-pillar cover to make 3 gauges fit into.
Now, all I have to do is wait for at least 3/4 of my tank (20 gallon) to empty before filling up and getting that initial data.
I think I'll start harvesting that Teksid block this upcoming week.

Thanks again guys!
To FE, and beyond!

-ryan s.

[TurnpikeCruiser]

Originally Posted by svt98t

Unfortunately, they do not make a 3 gauge pillar for the Panthers. I guess it's a good thing I have a spare A-pillar cover to make 3 gauges fit into.

Don't they have universal ones that you can use a heat gun to form the correct shape? If not, PVC pipe ought to work well.

[svt98t]

I already found a universal 3 gauge A-pillar thingy. They have some sweet 3 gauge ones that mount on the dash as well as above the rear view mirror on the roof!

-ryan s.

[Sporty Modder]

Formal request for gauge pod pics