Pushing a 5500lb brick!!!

[s1120]

OK, guys, work with me here.

Been here for a wile, but dont post a lot. Well right now, I am stuck driving my 93 Ford full size van. I know I will never get great millage, but how about some tips for me to get the best out of it. Im shoothing to get 20 out of it.

[theholycow]

Get the 5 cylinder diesel from a Sprinter. They're getting 30mpg for the same weight and worse aerodynamics.

Okay, seriously, there's not much you can do that's specific to that vehicle. Just the same stuff worth doing in any automatic.

[s1120]

Ya, its tough.

you know, its tough. I dont realy need the big van anymmore [had three dogs, and towed a 5000lb boat] but with todays gas prices, you cant sell it. Not without giving it away. So it eather sits, and rots, or I at least get some use out of it.

[GasSavers_ALS]

Are we talking 20 mpg mixed or just highway?

Highway pump the tires up 4 to 5 psi over the factory recommendation. Fill transmission and differential with a good synthetic. Look at installing a front spoiler to cut down the amount of air flowing under the van.
If your not using the rear seats unbolt them and put them in the garage.
Look for any other weight savings you can find and get it out of the van.
Don't destroy the van doing the weight reduction just the stuff you can bolt back on when you decide to sell it.
If your doing any highway driving keep it around 50-55 mph for maximum gas mileage.

[theholycow]

Originally Posted by s1120

with todays gas prices, you cant sell it. Not without giving it away.

A 1993 Ford Econoline is pretty worthless even if the gas prices were low, unless it's got low miles and is in pristine condition. Considering the price of scrap steel, it might be worth a lot to junk it, especially if you manage to part it out at all first.

Why not loan it to friends and neighbors who need to pick up something large? They'll pay for their own gas, and prevent it from rotting, and they'll really like you. I remember reading a newspaper article somewhere about someone who did that, he had an old truck he didn't drive anymore so it became the neighborhood truck, it was a nice sentiment...

[ihatemybike]

Originally Posted by theholycow

Why not loan it to friends and neighbors who need to pick up something large? They'll pay for their own gas, and prevent it from rotting, and they'll really like you. I remember reading a newspaper article somewhere about someone who did that, he had an old truck he didn't drive anymore so it became the neighborhood truck, it was a nice sentiment...

Since Grumpy is not getting used for the 2008 BA/BE Rally it will be used in a similar fashion, when I'm not doing other random silly stuff with it. One of my friends is already lined up to use it transporting his motorcycle to supermoto races.

[GasSavers_RoadWarrior]

What motor does it have? If it has the V8 with 19lb injectors, you could up the fuel pressure and install 14/15lb injectors. Is meant to be worth 1-2mpg on the trucks.

[GasSavers_Bruce]

a HUGE boattail....

[bockwho]

Originally Posted by theholycow

A Why not loan it to friends and neighbors who need to pick up something large? They'll pay for their own gas, and prevent it from rotting, and they'll really like you. I remember reading a newspaper article somewhere about someone who did that, he had an old truck he didn't drive anymore so it became the neighborhood truck, it was a nice sentiment...

I was considering doing the same thing with a VW Rialta. simply putting it up at the board at work. Where to base it would be a problem. Out west would attract a lot more renters.

but the FE on one it could almost be used for long road trips. We seem to drive to MI once a year and I think if we had it we would tend to travel localy more.

From what ive read and seen it get about the same FE as my Cherokee. so why not.

Kelsey

[GasSavers_RoadWarrior]

Actually... a virtual boattail is doable...

https://www.llnl.gov/str/May03/McCallen.html

Boattail plates.