Reducing Weight

[joshua33]

I just removed the 2 middle seats saving (130 lbs) now I'm thinking of removing the seat belts to save &nbsp;more weight and was wondering if anyone removed these in a 2000 Mark III ford vonversion van, (that retract into the walls) and if anyone knows off-hand how much this system weighs... <br><br>and also other things you may have removed to reduce weight.. I read somewhere every 100 lbs less is 1 mpg more.<br><br>// I had a GM&nbsp;street-car for going fast some years ago and the belt system came in at like 35 lbs.. <img src="/images/boards/smilies/wink.gif" border="0" align="absmiddle"> //

 

[user 423]

A 1mpg gain per 100lbs. is too optimistic for a van. A 4000lb. van that gets 15mpg would be expected to get 25mpg at 3000lbs. A 3000lb. minivan might get 25mpg tops under ideal conditions but is a lot more aerodynamic and pushes a lot less air than a big,boxy full-size van. If you drove only at low speeds this might be accurate.

 

[Zil]

Saving how much weight by removing seat belts?<br><br>Once the weight is moving, does it measurably effect the gas millage?<br><br>Better to have the wheels aligned and keep proper air pressure in your tires. Drive like you have an egg between your foot and the gas pedal. and stay under 55 mph.

 

[joshua33]

Thanks for the replies..&nbsp; below I'll post pics of a gutted van... it seems the bolts to the belts are too much trouble to deal with.. and I'll just leave 'em incase of re-sale.. <br><br><a href="http://smartvan.blog.com/photos/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://smartvan.blog.com/photos/</a>&nbsp; <br><br>tire pressure.. 4sure <img src="/images/boards/smilies/smile.gif" border="0" align="absmiddle">&nbsp; yeah, I had retractable belts in my Olds that were 35 lbs total x's 2 (it was a big subject when it came to 1/4 mile racing)&nbsp;&nbsp; I was thinking of removing 4 of these in the van.. they're kinda in the way also..&nbsp; I'm just in the learning stage and wanna avoid too much trial/error damage .. Ha!&nbsp;

 

[ontheroadagain]

Hey Joshua<br><br>I have a hightop dodge mark III and I have been looking for some gas savings too.<br>I found some very good suggestions on a DadgeTalk forum. Such as replacing the rear gear oil to a synthetic of the proper weight for mileage savings. for the dodge it is 75w90 not sure what it would be for a ford or even if it is an option. google ford E150 forums and see what you can find.<br><br>Besides this one and tire pressure I have learned to check the brakes and make sure they are adjusted correctly so there is no drag. Good quality air filter. Definitely easy on the peddle and let up on the gas going downhill.

 

[joshua33]

cool.. thanks for the info... the gear oil is probably original.. good thinking..

 

[MK7]

&nbsp;&nbsp;<span id="post_message_1277616003"> I read somewhere every 100 lbs less is 1 mpg more.

<br><br>That's a drag racing thing....where 100 lb weight reduction can mean .10 of a second off the 1/4 mile time. But this is in a pretty light ponycar with a V8 and lots of bolt-on modifications and not a pig of a conversion van with horrible aerodynamics. <br></span>

 

[Johnnomads]

synthetic oils make a lot of sense, anything to reduce drag wither internal or external. I use synthetics in Casper's engine, trans,wheel bearings,&nbsp; and rear, and a K&amp;N air filter. But i still carry a lot of weight (close to the max gross weight) that's not possible to remove, since the family is vandwelling with me at this time.<br>Casper, a<br>1997 Chevrolet Express 1500, with an Explorer Hightop conversion

 

[Lifemagician]

... Drive like you have an egg between your foot and the gas pedal. and stay under 55 mph.

<br><br>If you're looking at saving on fuel, the above is probably the best advise anyone can give.&nbsp; All I would add is, anticipate stops, and slow down well before hand.&nbsp;&nbsp; Don't take off like a racing driver, but gently ease your engine to full speed. <br><br>Be considerate of, but not intimidated by the motorists around you.<br><br>Lifey

 

[ontheroadagain]

so smile at the hand gesture and then give it back <br><br>not really.. I'm sure I am kidding

 

[joshua33]

<a href="http://ecomodder.com/forum/EM-hypermiling-driving-tips-ecodriving.php" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://ecomodder.com/forum/EM-hypermiling-driving-tips-ecodriving.php</a>

 

[Van-Tramp]

Reducing weight will help your MPG but I doubt you will notice the difference on anything less than 500 lbs. Still, it all adds up so if you can shave a little here and a little there, go for it.<br><br>I have just gone through the same thing with my van and after doing a number of things I was able to increase my MPGs by a good 15-20% (which is a $50 savings every 1000 miles I drive).<br><br>1) Tune up the motor. Replace the plugs, filters, fluids, etc so it works at it's best<br>2) Max out the tire pressures (I actually run mine higher actually)<br>3) Drive 55mph! It takes an additional 10% in fuel to drive at 60mph over 55mph.<br>4) Add a front skirt to prevent (as much) air from going under your van<br>5) High altitude = less O2 in the air and your EFI will compensate with less fuel to the motor (less power too)<br>6) Hot weather = less O2 in the air as well... (see above)<br>7) Hold a steady throttle, don't try to power up the hills (even small ones). Let it slow down going up and coast down them.<br><br>I was getting mid 12's before, now I get&nbsp; low 15's on the highways for a 2.5-3 MPG gain. Considering that most of the list has a zero cost (and the others are very cheap) it is free MPG savings. <br><br>The Hypermiling link above is good too. Although there has been recent studies that show slow accelerations to take more fuel then to just normal "get up to speed" acceleration. The theory is that if you accelerate slowly (egg under pedal) you stay in the low-gears longer. Your engine, and it's EFI, works at it's optimum when in top gear... so get in top gear as quickly as you can while accelerating responsibly. Don't drag race, but don't hold up traffic thinking you are saving a penny.

 

[highdesertranger]

van tramp's list is very good hits the nail on the head for getting the best fuel economy.&nbsp; one point though if you go off road don't run your tires at max on&nbsp;gravel roads. it&nbsp;will shred them unless you drive real&nbsp;slow.&nbsp; highdesertranger