MPG Update

[jelag]

I just read a very interesting article from one of the light PU manufactures who is now seeing a 7% increase in intown driving and a 5% highway increase.....



Here is what they had to do... .



Replaced the cast iron block with an alloy one, replaced the lower control arms with a alloy control arm, total weight loss, 350 lbs. , lowered the truck, installed an air dam to better flow air around the truck, improved air flow around the truck to reduce drag, installed a soft cover over the bed, adjusted the algorithms to change the V-8 to a 4 cyl. for better benefits.



Changing the hood, roof, and tail gate wouldn't remove enough of the weight in a change from steel to alloy to justify the additional costs... . Alloy prices are increasing more rapidly than steel so its more difficult to justify the material...



The next major step is electric power steering in place of the hydraulic unit...



Just what I read... . and I thought it was interesting enough to pass on...

 

[JDiepstra]

That is great info. I assume this is for new trucks? I don't think all those changes would pay off for me in my current truck unless I keep it about 100 years.

 

[GShail]

It's all about power to weight ratio isn't it. ? In our snowmobiles we run out west, A lightened sled with the same horsepower will really outperform the same sled without the lightweight parts although it has an identical setup and horsepower.

 

[JDiepstra]

It's all about power to weight ratio isn't it. ? In our snowmobiles we run out west, A lightened sled with the same horsepower will really outperform the same sled without the lightweight parts although it has an identical setup and horsepower.

Power to weight ratio pretty much sums it up! I guess now we have to justify the price to gain ratio!

 

[jelag]

Yep, power to weight and wind resistance... .