How to make an efficient engine

[doclees]

The MPG part seems to be very accurate. You can use any Taurus or Sable digital cluster (except the flex fuel cluster) and I would venture to say that just about any Ford digital cluster from that era would work. The Mark VIII has a separate display for the MPG (and other stuff). If it functions properly it would be a good unit to use. As for installing it just look up any digital cluster install thread here.

Do you mean any Gen I cluster or Gen I & II?

 

[jelloslug]

Do you mean any Gen I cluster or Gen I & II?

I would stick with a 2nd gen cluster (they are in Sables only) since most of the 1st gen digital cluster stop at 85 MPH.

 

[Shoaz]

36mph at 80mph??? Must have been ETOH free gas? Running from a 30mph wind? I'd do 80 on the back roads if it got me 36mph. If this is real and reproducible and not just a math error what else can you tell me? Any mods, tires, tire pressure? This is why I need a copy of http://img8.imageshack.us/img8/396/curvem.png for the SHO.
So what is happening at 80mph that makes it more efficient than 65? Bringing us back on project topic of a RWD, 2000# donor car. So one would think that breaking the 40mpg mark with 1000#+/- less weight and dialed in gearing is very doable.

This was in 1996 or so, when the car was still pretty new and totally stock, driving from about Raton, NM, to about Gallup, NM, in July or so. A/C was on, windows up, cruise control at about 80 mph (not a lot of traffic in those parts back then). There's an elevation loss along that route and the potential for good tailwinds.

It was the best fuel efficiency I ever got with that car, but 30-32mpg on the road was not at all uncommon when it was new. Low 30s were not uncommon for other owners as well.

to Shoaz:
I have done extensive testing with acetone, and if we could still get non-oxygenated gasoline, it would definitely improve mileage. however, virtually all gas now has ethanol in it, and that offsets nearly all of the acetone gains in terms of mileage. I also have learned that acetone is the best injector cleaner I've found - 5 oz per tank for 2-3 tanks will make a big difference in how the injectors work. (just make sure you don't spill the acetone - its a great paint remover!)

Sorry, I thought the references to the magnet, Tornado and Splitfires would be enough that an explicit sarcasm indicator wouldn't be necessary.

 

[SHOspazz92]

This was in 1996 or so, when the car was still pretty new and totally stock, driving from about Raton, NM, to about Gallup, NM, in July or so. A/C was on, windows up, cruise control at about 80 mph (not a lot of traffic in those parts back then). There's an elevation loss along that route and the potential for good tailwinds.

It was the best fuel efficiency I ever got with that car, but 30-32mpg on the road was not at all uncommon when it was new. Low 30s were not uncommon for other owners as well.

.

I will add to this, That with 130,000 Miles on it, Erics 95 SHO (I bought it off him years ago) was able to get 31 MPG driving from NC to PA. The weather was about 45-50* and on that tank I was able to cruise at 75 MPH.

-Sam

 

[doclees]

The final answer...maybe

http://www.fishersportscars.co.uk/
I think this may be where my extra engine goes next. Nice lines, flip nose, GRP non rust body and all in at about 1/2 ton. Add maybe 300lbs for SHO engine and t-5 tranny over the CBR1000 engine/tranny. I think I can get optimal gas mileage and optimal fun in that package.

 

[shotyme92]

I don't think you'll beat the mileage on that CBR engine but that's just my opinion. They can see 40mpg not seeing less than 7k revs and lots of wot.

 

[doclees]

I don't think you'll beat the mileage on that CBR engine but that's just my opinion. They can see 40mpg not seeing less than 7k revs and lots of wot.

Not seeing that mileage on reviews. Plus you are talking about a gas mileage based on a 440lb motorcycle. Apples and oranges. One build with a Yamaha R1 was getting about 30mpg. I believe I can beat the mileage of most motorcycle engines producing 100 hp or more. That being said a Victory Vision 8 ball is about 850lbs and can get well above 40mpg. But I don't have a free Victory engine, only a SHO.

Keep in mind that this is not about getting a car with great gas mileage. It is about getting the most out of the SHO engine without a significant loss in performance and finding a proper design body to complement the engine design. Also remember I will be dropping the AC and power steering too.

 

[shotyme92]

All good points. That monster is gonna have to have some rather wide sticky tires lol. Good luck with the build.

 

[doclees]

I think I've got the new "final solution". Looks like a Triumph Spitfire is going to be the best bang for the buck for body donor. Frame mounted engine and tranny with about 1500 lbs before SHO engine. So I was thinking....sort of. Car insurance is way too much. Lets turn it into a trike so I can call it a motorcycle and be rid of emissions. I guess shaft drive fat tire should make it work ok. Most likely any gains in weight from shaft extension and motorcycle swing arm will be a wash with loss of rear axle/suspension assembly.