Project: AeroTank

[svt98t]

I do a double take everytime I see the term "aero" on this site. Actually, it leads me to believe there's talk about my car.
Point:
In the Panther (Crown Vic, Grand Marquis, Town Car) community, there are 3 main body styles: the Boxes (79-91), Aeros (92-97) and Whales (98-11).
I own an "Aero" bodied Panther. It happens to be the lightest and lowest CdA of all the Panthers. (I was contemplating calling this AeroAero. A squared?)

Time for project details:
I'm have a current best of 28.5 mpg. That's with all the current mods, and no EGR or O2 sensors hooked up.
I would like to hit a solid 30 mpg before winter. I believe with using the hypermiler tips, this would be easily attainable and 35 mpg wouldn't be to far off in the distance.
I'm going to do a baseline run in a few weeks to see what I'm getting now.
Then come the mods.
- Install my power antenna so I can remove the fixed one that sways in the breeze.
- Block out the front end. I have an electric Mk8 fan that pumps out a rediculous 4100 CFM or something near that. (it might be 3800, not sure)
I also have a complete header panel that just got out of paint. So I'd like to take my time and install the weather stripping correctly.
- I have a newer motor waiting to go in. I may wait and swap out the iron block (153 lbs) for an aluminum block (79lbs). The reason is obvious.

- Also, I need to fix my dashboard issue.

I had my key break off in the ignition tumbler. Couldn't get the tumbler out, so I had to break it out. I got my handy EVTM out and hardwired my ignition switch to the dash. Each one of those switches controls one of the 5 points on the switch.
I just want to clean it all up, as it's been over two years since that happened and it needs to be more permenant. But, this does allow EOC.
I would like to get a MPGuino and mount that in the center console as well. Along with vacuum and a tach with add to my voltermeter and put that on the A-pillar.
Eventually, maybe next spring, start working on the under side of the Tank.
Here's the back:


I have lots of room back there, and am highly contemplating moving the exhaust tips up into the rear quarter panel and having them exit out the middle of the rear bumper. (Kinda like some of the race cars have)

This would also allow me to completely block off the entire back end of the car.
A cowl for the wipers also doesn't seem like it would be too far off either.
And a whole slew of LEDs.
Once I fix my VSS gear, I can get the MPGuino and go from there. The only saving grace I have is that my buddy owns a junkyard and I can get some awesome parts for crazy cheap.
I am looking forward to these results and am very excited! This is a new type of project that I haven't done before and am ready to dig in!

Thanks for all the tips and threads. You guys are great.
As soon As I hit 30 mpg, I'm getting EcoModder stickers for the Tank.

Thanks for reading all this.

-ryan s.

[Weather Spotter]

It sounds like you have a plan and a source for cheep parts = time to mod

I did not see a boat tail on the list, all cars need tails, if you friend has some old cars that you can borrow hoods and other metal from you have a good source for material

[Bruce]

Interesting project.

How about a 5-speed swap? I've always wondered what one of these would do with a manual, aero mods, and weight removal. It would be nice to have the safety and comfort of a big car with 30+ mpg.

[svt98t]

I was actually thinking T-56 6 speed from a 03-04 Cobra. I would lose around 40-ish pounds from that and have great control over the gears.
Stock, the car weighs 3794 lbs. And I know I'm under that right now. Gotta to to the scale and find out.
The Tank already had an aluminum hood and trunk, so that helps out. I really want to lighten the drive train. That's where I know I can make some big improvements.

And I should have posted a list of current mods.
So here they are:
- Cold/Warm air intake
- MSD coil packs
- 9mm spark plug wires
- E3 spark plugs
- electric fan
- A/C delete
- removed 2 catalytic converters (newly designed down pipe)
- factory H-pipe
- Thrush Turbo mufflers
- Marauder exhaust tips
- J-mod shift kit
- aluminum drive shaft (-5lbs)
- 2.73s rear gears with Trac-Lok Limited Slip Differential for winter
- 17" Aluminum alloy wheels (-8lbs ea)
- Start engine button for EOC capability.

I've been driving these boats for over 13 years. I grew up with them. I know how to make them faster, handle and brake better. I'm ready for this challenge!
I actually tried coasting and doing some EOC's last night on the way home from work.
Good stuff!!
I might have to do a tuft test as well!
Because, everyone likes videos (that are relevant).

Thanks!

-ryan s.

[Weather Spotter]

sounds like a belly pan is in order

how about smooth wheel covers?

[Bruce]

Ryan-

Sounds like you know your stuff. I'm looking forward to watching this project.

[svt98t]

Could try wheel covers over the winter. I run 15" steel wheels for the winter. I use the 17"s in the summer when it's nice out. I have trips to Jacksonville, Raleigh, Long Island (2) and Philly (5). Plus another trip to Minneapolis and possibly Winnepeg.
I'm sure I could benefit from wheel covers.
And trust me, I need winter tires. These Buffalo winters can get quite crappy.
I was also thinking about making aluminum spacers to help block out the front end. I'll have a better idea when I get my header panel back.

Eventually, I'd like to try the full belly pan. Which requires a bit of aluminum.
Here's the plan:
I have to fix my Marauder first before I can take the Tank down for extended maintenance. It's the daily driver, and the wife cannot drive anymore, so everywhere she needs to go, I go.
I'll sandblast the frame and bottom of the car. I'll probably split the body from the frame and clean up everything and get rid of most the rust. Then, POR15 and some undercoating to make sure there will be no more rust. And I can replace the 20 year old body mounts with new polyurethane ones from Energy Suspension.
Onward to create underbody panels made from sheet metal that use cam-locs for fastening. It would require welding in 90* brackets with retainers to fasten the panels and would allow for them to be removed for maintenance. And it would look cool as hell.
I do work on my cars. Alot.
Also, I would powder coat the panels before installing them on the car.
Because, I can. (Best reason ever)
I'll take some demo pics of the cam-loc idea and post them up.

I think it's time to head out to the garage.

-ryan s.

[Sporty Modder]

I owned a Whale for a while, an 04 Lincoln Towncar, best tank I ever got was 28 mpgpure highway between Bishop Ca and Winnimuca Id, on my way home from visiting my parents, in Ca. I loved the car but I always wished it had a man trans(5-10% more effiicent) than a auto.only mods were lower airdam and lower grill block.

[svt98t]

I was reading MetroMPG's post/how to on sealing up the headlight assemblies and such.
He calculated that he covered 6.7 square inches. Good work!
I have a bit more of a gap you might say. I'm thinking that there's going to be a nice benefit once I'm done with the front end.
Just saying:


-ryan s.

[svt98t]

Finished my first steel wheel for winter. They're 15's and I can't wait to see them on the car!


-ryan s.