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Lifetime Fuel Economy: 23.57 MPG(US)
90 Day Running Average: 0 MPG(US) |
View this vehicle's gaslog and gas mileage chart |
| General Description |
EPA Values |
Year: 1988
Make: Plymouth
Model: Voyager
Trim: SE 3.0V6
Vehicle Type : Gasoline
Curb Weight: 3400
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EPA City: 16
EPA Highway: 21
EPA Combined: 18 |
| Description |
Marvin the Martian has been in the family for 8 years. During this time he has been a faithful family hauler, with relatively minor problems, (stuff you'd expect for the age, waterpump, starter, brake jobs) We let him down a bit by postponing front end work until he got way too squirrely to drive, so he sat for a few months. I got the front end rebuilt last summer, and while I had him on the stands, made severe duty shift kit modifications to the valve body on the transmission. Unfortunately, since he has been running again, and probably due to things sticking etc while standing, his gas mileage hasn't been up to par, gotta get on top of that, think he needs a thermostat, possibly a new coil and possibly a new O2 sensor. Currently running lots of short trips and having to do short fills due to poverty so haven't got reliable full tank figures, but seems he's only getting around 18mpg at present. Previously we were seeing 23mpg tank averages in mixed driving. Highway mileage on longer trips was up around 27-28mpg and his record tank was 35mpg on a long haul when we drafted semis all the way there and back. The 6G72 3.0 V6 appears to have the typical valve guide and/or seal problems, which can just about be kept under control with "high mileage" oil. I have a spare '92 motor I am going to build up for him.
Shift kit mods seem like they are working well, as is the fill of UTF, lockup is firm as is shifting, hoping that we'll see the benefit of that when the other stuff is sorted out. |
| Modifications |
Shift kit mods to A670 auto transmission.
Sidegapped plugs
UTF in transmission
10W30 "High Mileage" oil... (Not really a "mod" but since most folks who know these motors say to use 20W50 to stop them leaking and smoking so bad, it is actually an mpg improvement over that)
Heavy duty oiled airfilter (not sure I like it, don't think it improves mpg or power any)
Walker SoundFX muffler (Seemed to pick up 2mpg on this compared to generic mufflers.) |
| Planned Modifications |
Building a "new" motor for it, got a '92 spare, newer motor will have roller cams, thinner ring package, which should enhance efficiency. See my Escort page for everything I'm likely to do to it. Additionally I may be trying an offset crank grind, and/or shorter rods and/or taller pistons for an enhancement to rod ratio and slight displacement increase. Trying to figure that out still because it's hard to get compression by head skimming on these motors.
Displacement on Demand. Due to a quirk in O2 sensor location these motors appear to handle rudimentary DoD modifications quite well. May end up with dual throttle bodies to control air to each bank independantly when injectors disabled.
later intake plenum, improved over early one. Making spacers for it, which work to increase the radius of some turns, and keep it from heat soaking.
Airbox mod/replacement, the stock one seems a little small, might try swapping a different one in, and straightening the air path, making it more a cool air intake. Would like to find an airhog filter for it also, as I am very happy with the one on the Escort.
Coil upgrade and relocation.
Aero Mods: (May get these before engine swap)
Pool noodle base drag reduction around tailgate, rear of wheelarch treatment.
Air dam
Grille and nose block and treatment.
Vortex gens and turbulators around rear.
Wheel fairings (fore and aft of wheels)
Have lighter 15" alloys for it, saving up for tires.
195* thermostat.
Doing most of what I mention for the Escort on it, but handling fuel heat slightly different, fuel rail is snug between the banks, going to put insulation over it, to keep heat in the rail and keep heat out of plenum which is above it.
Switching to 0W30 synthetic after motor swap.
May go nuts on underbody aerodynamics with rear diffuser and fairing the live axle at the rear. |
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