Lowering a van to get better gas mileage

pengyou · 10-05-2008, 11:30 PM

If I lower an econoline 250 1/2" or 1" will it get better gas mileage? How much?

...and if it would have some effect what is the cheapest way to lower the van? I know that if I got lower profile tires it would change the gear ratio.

theoldwizard · 10-06-2008, 08:46 AM

Not likely !

About 10+ years ago, a car magazine was comparing an Econline to a Mustang in a tutorial about drag (wind resistance). There conclusion, which they proved, was the biggest reduction in drag that they could achieve as to remove the outside mirrors. They did so and had measurable improvement in fuel economy.

Of course, this is illegal !