--- Dennis Haynes <dhaynes@OPTONLINE.NET> wrote:
> Test case, 1987 Syncro Westy, NY to Florida road
> trip.
>
> Last year, traveled an indicated 3,216 miles, round
> trip including some
> touring. Average mileage was 17.4 miles per gallon.
> Tires were Goodyear
> Wrangler Aquatreads, 215/70-14, (~26" diameter).
> Speedometer/odometer
> error still over reading by ~ 3% when compared to
> the GPS. Corrected
> mileage traveled was 3119, 16.82 MPG. Engine is the
> original, turned
> 200k during trip home.
>
> This year, same van, same engine, tires are now
> 215/65-16, (~27.25"
> diameter), Goodyear Wrangler HP. Engine mileage now
> at 215K. Traveled an
> indicated 2812 miles averaging 16.08 MPG.
> According to GPS Speedometer/odometer now reading
> ~2% lower than actual.
> Corrected distance, 2868 miles averaging 16.41 MPG.
>
> It should be noted that speed made a huge difference
> in mileage, local
> touring along route 1 last year yielded  21.17 mpg
> on one tank. Worst
> tank mileage was 14.53 (indicated). Engine appears
> to work harder taking
> hills or head winds. Mileage was probably affected
> by actual higher
> speeds being traveled due to speedometer correction.
>
> Moral! Don't count on tire or gear changes to
> improve fuel economy. The
> biggest improvement will come from driving slower
> and doing something
> with the lack of aerodynamics.
>
> Dennis

I remember someone was going to build a fiberglass
shell to go over the bottom of the van, covering up
all the dips and pockets. A little extreme but since
our vans ride so high up (especially 85'-older) its
prolly not such a bad idea...besides lowering the van
3". What else can one do?-the vans shaped like a
brick.

84' Westy w/Tiico

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