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[GMCnet] 15.875 MPG [message #246027] Tue, 01 April 2014 11:59 Go to next message
ljdavick is currently offline  ljdavick   United States
Messages: 3548
Registered: March 2007
Location: Fremont, CA
Karma: -3
Senior Member
I've been tinkering with the coach to try and maximize efficiency. Here is what I've done, and the measurements from our trip to So. Cal today.
- 16.5" Firestone Transfoce tires have been likened to wagon wheels so I thought why not go to maximum inflation pressure. My Harbor Freight compressor won't go past 95psi, so that's where I have all six tires set.
- removed spare tire as the added weight is unnecessary. I have AAA.
- fuel delivery - it dawns on me that very little fuel is burned during periods of vapor lock. I have coiled a length of PolyArmor around the exhaust pipe and then to the carburetor.
- the carburetor is the single biggest fuel waster. It allows too much fuel to go into the engine. I disconnected any linkage to the secondaries and goobered a liberal amount of silicone around the butterflies to seal them off.
- I've eliminated 2nd gear.
- with both hatches open and both roof fans on high I have the cockpit windows open for airflow. The woosh of air is positive proof that this is the future of efficiency. When I return home I will affix a whole house fan in place of the rear window.
- airflow through the radiator has been a big topic here. Baffles and air dams help, but really it's the radiator that is the problem. I've blocked it off entirely.
- Rain-X also reduces friction over the road. I applied 4 coats to the entire coach. FYI - don't put it on the entry step or the toilet seat.
- it is a fact that air is thinner, less dense, at altitude. I've inflated my rear bags to maximum.
- it's a small step towards a hybrid but I connected the Onan 110v to the alternator and starter motors through a switch. This way I was able to gain horsepower by running them as motors to add power to the 455.

With all of these improvements the coach is a dream. I liken it to the feeling man had when he first flew, skated on ice, or skied on water. The coach had abundant power and though I tried to keep it under 70mph I wasn't always able to do so. Fuel economy is nearly 16mpg, which is the theoretical maximum for a 455 at idle going 60 mph.

I'll mark this historic day on my calendar and expect that forever April 1st will be celebrated as, oh, you've already figured it out…

Sorry.

Larry Davick
A Mystery Machine
1976(ish) Palm Beach
Fremont, CA
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Larry Davick
A Mystery Machine
1976(ish) Palm Beach
Fremont, Ca
Howell EFI + EBL + Electronic Dizzy
Re: [GMCnet] 15.875 MPG [message #246030 is a reply to message #246027] Tue, 01 April 2014 12:05 Go to previous messageGo to next message
RicksGMC is currently offline  RicksGMC   United States
Messages: 145
Registered: May 2012
Karma: 0
Senior Member
Sir,
That was funny!
đŸ˜‚

Rick

Rick&Tammy Drummond
Prior Lake MN
'74 (re)Painted Desert

On Apr 1, 2014, at 11:59 AM, Larry Davick <ljdavick@comcast.net> wrote:

> I've been tinkering with the coach to try and maximize efficiency. Here is what I've done, and the measurements from our trip to So. Cal today.
> - 16.5" Firestone Transfoce tires have been likened to wagon wheels so I thought why not go to maximum inflation pressure. My Harbor Freight compressor won't go past 95psi, so that's where I have all six tires set.
> - removed spare tire as the added weight is unnecessary. I have AAA.
> - fuel delivery - it dawns on me that very little fuel is burned during periods of vapor lock. I have coiled a length of PolyArmor around the exhaust pipe and then to the carburetor.
> - the carburetor is the single biggest fuel waster. It allows too much fuel to go into the engine. I disconnected any linkage to the secondaries and goobered a liberal amount of silicone around the butterflies to seal them off.
> - I've eliminated 2nd gear.
> - with both hatches open and both roof fans on high I have the cockpit windows open for airflow. The woosh of air is positive proof that this is the future of efficiency. When I return home I will affix a whole house fan in place of the rear window.
> - airflow through the radiator has been a big topic here. Baffles and air dams help, but really it's the radiator that is the problem. I've blocked it off entirely.
> - Rain-X also reduces friction over the road. I applied 4 coats to the entire coach. FYI - don't put it on the entry step or the toilet seat.
> - it is a fact that air is thinner, less dense, at altitude. I've inflated my rear bags to maximum.
> - it's a small step towards a hybrid but I connected the Onan 110v to the alternator and starter motors through a switch. This way I was able to gain horsepower by running them as motors to add power to the 455.
>
> With all of these improvements the coach is a dream. I liken it to the feeling man had when he first flew, skated on ice, or skied on water. The coach had abundant power and though I tried to keep it under 70mph I wasn't always able to do so. Fuel economy is nearly 16mpg, which is the theoretical maximum for a 455 at idle going 60 mph.
>
> I'll mark this historic day on my calendar and expect that forever April 1st will be celebrated as, oh, you've already figured it out…
>
> Sorry.
>
> Larry Davick
> A Mystery Machine
> 1976(ish) Palm Beach
> Fremont, CA
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
> http://temp.gmcnet.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/gmclist
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Rick Rick&Tammy Drummond Prior Lake MN '74 (re)Painted Desert
Re: [GMCnet] 15.875 MPG [message #246031 is a reply to message #246027] Tue, 01 April 2014 12:13 Go to previous messageGo to next message
roy1 is currently offline  roy1   United States
Messages: 2126
Registered: July 2004
Location: Minden nevada
Karma: 6
Senior Member
ljdavick wrote on Tue, 01 April 2014 09:59

I've been tinkering with the coach to try and maximize efficiency. Here is what I've done, and the measurements from our trip to So. Cal today.
- 16.5" Firestone Transfoce tires have been likened to wagon wheels so I thought why not go to maximum inflation pressure. My Harbor Freight compressor won't go past 95psi, so that's where I have all six tires set.
- removed spare tire as the added weight is unnecessary. I have AAA.
- fuel delivery - it dawns on me that very little fuel is burned during periods of vapor lock. I have coiled a length of PolyArmor around the exhaust pipe and then to the carburetor.
- the carburetor is the single biggest fuel waster. It allows too much fuel to go into the engine. I disconnected any linkage to the secondaries and goobered a liberal amount of silicone around the butterflies to seal them off.
- I've eliminated 2nd gear.
- with both hatches open and both roof fans on high I have the cockpit windows open for airflow. The woosh of air is positive proof that this is the future of efficiency. When I return home I will affix a whole house fan in place of the rear window.
- airflow through the radiator has been a big topic here. Baffles and air dams help, but really it's the radiator that is the problem. I've blocked it off entirely.
- Rain-X also reduces friction over the road. I applied 4 coats to the entire coach. FYI - don't put it on the entry step or the toilet seat.
- it is a fact that air is thinner, less dense, at altitude. I've inflated my rear bags to maximum.
- it's a small step towards a hybrid but I connected the Onan 110v to the alternator and starter motors through a switch. This way I was able to gain horsepower by running them as motors to add power to the 455.

With all of these improvements the coach is a dream. I liken it to the feeling man had when he first flew, skated on ice, or skied on water. The coach had abundant power and though I tried to keep it under 70mph I wasn't always able to do so. Fuel economy is nearly 16mpg, which is the theoretical maximum for a 455 at idle going 60 mph.

I'll mark this historic day on my calendar and expect that forever April 1st will be celebrated as, oh, you've already figured it out...

Sorry.

Larry Davick
A Mystery Machine
1976(ish) Palm Beach
Fremont, CA
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Larry you are smoking too much Pot you have finally crossed over and will need to be evaluated I am having visions of the movie one flew over the co co nest. I hope it isn't too late. The first thing I would recommend is we take your GMC and part it out.


Roy Keen Minden,NV 76 X Glenbrook
Re: [GMCnet] 15.875 MPG [message #246033 is a reply to message #246030] Tue, 01 April 2014 12:12 Go to previous messageGo to next message
Kingsley Coach is currently offline  Kingsley Coach   United States
Messages: 2691
Registered: March 2009
Location: Nova Scotia Canada
Karma: -34
Senior Member
...and I thought he had found the Secret ! <VBG>

Mike in NS


On Tue, Apr 1, 2014 at 2:05 PM, Rick Drummond <randts.gmc@gmail.com> wrote:

> Sir,
> That was funny!
> đŸ˜‚
>
> Rick
>
> Rick&Tammy Drummond
> Prior Lake MN
> '74 (re)Painted Desert
>
> On Apr 1, 2014, at 11:59 AM, Larry Davick <ljdavick@comcast.net> wrote:
>
> > I've been tinkering with the coach to try and maximize efficiency. Here
> is what I've done, and the measurements from our trip to So. Cal today.
> > - 16.5" Firestone Transfoce tires have been likened to wagon wheels so
> I thought why not go to maximum inflation pressure. My Harbor Freight
> compressor won't go past 95psi, so that's where I have all six tires set.
> > - removed spare tire as the added weight is unnecessary. I have AAA.
> > - fuel delivery - it dawns on me that very little fuel is burned during
> periods of vapor lock. I have coiled a length of PolyArmor around the
> exhaust pipe and then to the carburetor.
> > - the carburetor is the single biggest fuel waster. It allows too much
> fuel to go into the engine. I disconnected any linkage to the secondaries
> and goobered a liberal amount of silicone around the butterflies to seal
> them off.
> > - I've eliminated 2nd gear.
> > - with both hatches open and both roof fans on high I have the cockpit
> windows open for airflow. The woosh of air is positive proof that this is
> the future of efficiency. When I return home I will affix a whole house fan
> in place of the rear window.
> > - airflow through the radiator has been a big topic here. Baffles and
> air dams help, but really it's the radiator that is the problem. I've
> blocked it off entirely.
> > - Rain-X also reduces friction over the road. I applied 4 coats to the
> entire coach. FYI - don't put it on the entry step or the toilet seat.
> > - it is a fact that air is thinner, less dense, at altitude. I've
> inflated my rear bags to maximum.
> > - it's a small step towards a hybrid but I connected the Onan 110v to
> the alternator and starter motors through a switch. This way I was able to
> gain horsepower by running them as motors to add power to the 455.
> >
> > With all of these improvements the coach is a dream. I liken it to the
> feeling man had when he first flew, skated on ice, or skied on water. The
> coach had abundant power and though I tried to keep it under 70mph I wasn't
> always able to do so. Fuel economy is nearly 16mpg, which is the
> theoretical maximum for a 455 at idle going 60 mph.
> >
> > I'll mark this historic day on my calendar and expect that forever April
> 1st will be celebrated as, oh, you've already figured it out…
> >
> > Sorry.
> >
> > Larry Davick
> > A Mystery Machine
> > 1976(ish) Palm Beach
> > Fremont, CA
> > _______________________________________________
> > GMCnet mailing list
> > Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
> > http://temp.gmcnet.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/gmclist
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
> http://temp.gmcnet.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/gmclist
>



--
Michael Beaton
1977 Kingsley 26-11
1977 Eleganza II 26-3
Antigonish, NS

* At my age, getting lucky means walking into a room and remembering what I
came for.
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Re: [GMCnet] 15.875 MPG [message #246034 is a reply to message #246030] Tue, 01 April 2014 12:15 Go to previous messageGo to next message
WD0AFQ is currently offline  WD0AFQ   United States
Messages: 7111
Registered: November 2004
Location: Dexter, Mo.
Karma: 207
Senior Member
Thanks for the humor Larry. It brightened my day as we travel to St. Louis for treatments. With that title you are going to get a lot of readers. What a fantastic April Fools joke.
Dan
Stopping for a couple more gallons of Rain X


3 In Stainless Exhaust Headers One Ton All Discs/Reaction Arm 355 FD/Quad Bag/Alum Radiator Manny Tran/New eng. Holley EFI/10 Tire Air Monitoring System Solarized Coach/Upgraded Windows Satelite TV/On Demand Hot Water/3Way Refer
Re: [GMCnet] 15.875 MPG [message #246049 is a reply to message #246034] Tue, 01 April 2014 13:22 Go to previous messageGo to next message
Jerry Wheeler is currently offline  Jerry Wheeler   United States
Messages: 246
Registered: January 2013
Karma: 2
Senior Member
Larry didn't say it was a joke; he said it was April 1st. I believe him.
JR Wheeler 78 Royale NC/OR


On Tue, Apr 1, 2014 at 1:15 PM, Dan Gregg <gregg_dan@hotmail.com> wrote:

>
>
> Thanks for the humor Larry. It brightened my day as we travel to St. Louis
> for treatments. With that title you are going to get a lot of readers. What
> a fantastic April Fools joke.
> Dan
> Stopping for a couple more gallons of Rain X
> --
> Dan & Teri Gregg
> Dexter, Mo.
>
> http://danandteri.blogspot.com/
>
>
>
>
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
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>
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icon10.gif  Re: [GMCnet] 15.875 MPG [message #246051 is a reply to message #246049] Tue, 01 April 2014 13:30 Go to previous messageGo to next message
Scooby Doo is currently offline  Scooby Doo   United States
Messages: 92
Registered: May 2012
Location: Miami, Florida
Karma: 4
Member
Larry,
You sure are a witty & funny guy.
I laughed till I cried Laughing .
Great piece of writing !
G2


Glenn & Elaine Gardner... Miami, Florida... 1976 Royale (transmode) TZE366V100733
Re: [GMCnet] 15.875 MPG [message #246052 is a reply to message #246027] Tue, 01 April 2014 13:37 Go to previous messageGo to next message
RandyM is currently offline  RandyM   United States
Messages: 58
Registered: December 2013
Location: San Antonio, TX
Karma: 0
Member
And I thought the trick was to only drive DOWNHILL!
Re: [GMCnet] 15.875 MPG [message #246053 is a reply to message #246049] Tue, 01 April 2014 13:35 Go to previous messageGo to next message
Mr ERFisher is currently offline  Mr ERFisher   United States
Messages: 7117
Registered: August 2005
Karma: 2
Senior Member
Larry
You are an SOB

And not some other brand :<)



On Tuesday, April 1, 2014, Jerry Wheeler <jrwheeler7@gmail.com> wrote:

> Larry didn't say it was a joke; he said it was April 1st. I believe him.
> JR Wheeler 78 Royale NC/OR
>
>
> On Tue, Apr 1, 2014 at 1:15 PM, Dan Gregg <gregg_dan@hotmail.com<javascript:;>>
> wrote:
>
> >
> >
> > Thanks for the humor Larry. It brightened my day as we travel to St.
> Louis
> > for treatments. With that title you are going to get a lot of readers.
> What
> > a fantastic April Fools joke.
> > Dan
> > Stopping for a couple more gallons of Rain X
> > --
> > Dan & Teri Gregg
> > Dexter, Mo.
> >
> > http://danandteri.blogspot.com/
> >
> >
> >
> >
> > _______________________________________________
> > GMCnet mailing list
> > Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
> > http://temp.gmcnet.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/gmclist
> >
> _______________________________________________
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>


--
Gene Fisher -- 74-23,77PB/ore/ca
"Give a man a fish; you have fed him for today --- give him a URL and
-------
http://gmcmotorhome.info/
Alternator Protection Cable
http://gmcmotorhome.info/APC.html
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Re: [GMCnet] 15.875 MPG [message #246064 is a reply to message #246034] Tue, 01 April 2014 15:01 Go to previous messageGo to next message
Joe Weir is currently offline  Joe Weir   United States
Messages: 769
Registered: February 2013
Location: Columbia, SC
Karma: 7
Senior Member
Laughing Excellent

Reminds me of an excellent response in An import car magazine about how to get performance with no money:

http://www.modified.com/features/0208_technical_assistance_program/



76 Birchaven - "Wicked Mistress" - New engine, trans, alum radiator, brakes, Sully airbags, fuel lines, seats, adult beverage center... those Coachmen guys were really thinking about us second hand owners by including that beverage center... Columbia, SC.
Re: [GMCnet] 15.875 MPG [message #246065 is a reply to message #246027] Tue, 01 April 2014 15:03 Go to previous messageGo to next message
Dennis S is currently offline  Dennis S   United States
Messages: 3046
Registered: November 2005
Karma: 2
Senior Member
Larry
We would love to collaborate with you on your RV modifications.
We are a new start up specializing in repurpose and long term storage of vintage RVs. Our focus is UltraVans and Revcons. One division of our business includes acquiring coaches from which we can harvest parts appropriate to restoration of GMCs. The other facet of our business is removing UltraVans and Revcons to the desert, storing them in abandoned mines on Bureau of Land Management property used for Burning Man. When we achieve full occupancy the BLM requires us to seal the caverns and leave the area pristine. Upon closure we give the coach owner's the shaft.
Visit us now on the web at Ultra-Con.bs.

Sincerely,
Dennis
April 1, 2014

ljdavick wrote on Tue, 01 April 2014 11:59

I've been tinkering with the coach to try and maximize efficiency. Here is what I've done, and the measurements from our trip to So. Cal today.
- 16.5" Firestone Transfoce tires have been likened to wagon wheels so I thought why not go to maximum inflation pressure. My Harbor Freight compressor won't go past 95psi, so that's where I have all six tires set.
- removed spare tire as the added weight is unnecessary. I have AAA.
- fuel delivery - it dawns on me that very little fuel is burned during periods of vapor lock. I have coiled a length of PolyArmor around the exhaust pipe and then to the carburetor.
- the carburetor is the single biggest fuel waster. It allows too much fuel to go into the engine. I disconnected any linkage to the secondaries and goobered a liberal amount of silicone around the butterflies to seal them off.
- I've eliminated 2nd gear.
- with both hatches open and both roof fans on high I have the cockpit windows open for airflow. The woosh of air is positive proof that this is the future of efficiency. When I return home I will affix a whole house fan in place of the rear window.
- airflow through the radiator has been a big topic here. Baffles and air dams help, but really it's the radiator that is the problem. I've blocked it off entirely.
- Rain-X also reduces friction over the road. I applied 4 coats to the entire coach. FYI - don't put it on the entry step or the toilet seat.
- it is a fact that air is thinner, less dense, at altitude. I've inflated my rear bags to maximum.
- it's a small step towards a hybrid but I connected the Onan 110v to the alternator and starter motors through a switch. This way I was able to gain horsepower by running them as motors to add power to the 455.

With all of these improvements the coach is a dream. I liken it to the feeling man had when he first flew, skated on ice, or skied on water. The coach had abundant power and though I tried to keep it under 70mph I wasn't always able to do so. Fuel economy is nearly 16mpg, which is the theoretical maximum for a 455 at idle going 60 mph.

I'll mark this historic day on my calendar and expect that forever April 1st will be celebrated as, oh, you've already figured it out...

Sorry.

Larry Davick
A Mystery Machine
1976(ish) Palm Beach
Fremont, CA
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Dennis S
73 Painted Desert 230
Memphis TN Metro
Re: [GMCnet] 15.875 MPG [message #246068 is a reply to message #246065] Tue, 01 April 2014 15:16 Go to previous messageGo to next message
BRDRVR is currently offline  BRDRVR   United States
Messages: 184
Registered: July 2013
Location: Clearwater, FL-Gerlach,NV
Karma: 8
Senior Member
Dennis. I love the idea. Any investment opportunities? Would love to get in on the ground floor. In fact I bought an old Ultravan in Indiana that I am trailering out to the ranch that is gonna be used by my kids for target practice.

Dennis S wrote on Tue, 01 April 2014 16:03

Larry
We would love to collaborate with you on your RV modifications.
We are a new start up specializing in repurpose and long term storage of vintage RVs. Our focus is UltraVans and Revcons. One division of our business includes acquiring coaches from which we can harvest parts appropriate to restoration of GMCs. The other facet of our business is removing UltraVans and Revcons to the desert, storing them in abandoned mines on Bureau of Land Management property used for Burning Man. When we achieve full occupancy the BLM requires us to seal the caverns and leave the area pristine. Upon closure we give the coach owner's the shaft.
Visit us now on the web at Ultra-Con.bs.

Sincerely,
Dennis
April 1, 2014

ljdavick wrote on Tue, 01 April 2014 11:59

I've been tinkering with the coach to try and maximize efficiency. Here is what I've done, and the measurements from our trip to So. Cal today.
- 16.5" Firestone Transfoce tires have been likened to wagon wheels so I thought why not go to maximum inflation pressure. My Harbor Freight compressor won't go past 95psi, so that's where I have all six tires set.
- removed spare tire as the added weight is unnecessary. I have AAA.
- fuel delivery - it dawns on me that very little fuel is burned during periods of vapor lock. I have coiled a length of PolyArmor around the exhaust pipe and then to the carburetor.
- the carburetor is the single biggest fuel waster. It allows too much fuel to go into the engine. I disconnected any linkage to the secondaries and goobered a liberal amount of silicone around the butterflies to seal them off.
- I've eliminated 2nd gear.
- with both hatches open and both roof fans on high I have the cockpit windows open for airflow. The woosh of air is positive proof that this is the future of efficiency. When I return home I will affix a whole house fan in place of the rear window.
- airflow through the radiator has been a big topic here. Baffles and air dams help, but really it's the radiator that is the problem. I've blocked it off entirely.
- Rain-X also reduces friction over the road. I applied 4 coats to the entire coach. FYI - don't put it on the entry step or the toilet seat.
- it is a fact that air is thinner, less dense, at altitude. I've inflated my rear bags to maximum.
- it's a small step towards a hybrid but I connected the Onan 110v to the alternator and starter motors through a switch. This way I was able to gain horsepower by running them as motors to add power to the 455.

With all of these improvements the coach is a dream. I liken it to the feeling man had when he first flew, skated on ice, or skied on water. The coach had abundant power and though I tried to keep it under 70mph I wasn't always able to do so. Fuel economy is nearly 16mpg, which is the theoretical maximum for a 455 at idle going 60 mph.

I'll mark this historic day on my calendar and expect that forever April 1st will be celebrated as, oh, you've already figured it out...

Sorry.

Larry Davick
A Mystery Machine
1976(ish) Palm Beach
Fremont, CA
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David Gourdine http//www.blackrockdesertrvrental.com booking@blackrockdesertrvrental.com 727-657-1955
Re: [GMCnet] 15.875 MPG [message #246071 is a reply to message #246052] Tue, 01 April 2014 15:36 Go to previous messageGo to next message
kelvin is currently offline  kelvin   United States
Messages: 608
Registered: February 2004
Location: Eugene, OR
Karma: 0
Senior Member
On 4/1/2014 11:37 AM, Randy Meek wrote:
>
> And I thought the trick was to only drive DOWNHILL!

That'll only get you 12mpg

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Re: [GMCnet] 15.875 MPG [message #246075 is a reply to message #246027] Tue, 01 April 2014 16:32 Go to previous messageGo to next message
zhagrieb is currently offline  zhagrieb   United States
Messages: 676
Registered: August 2009
Location: Portland Oregon
Karma: 0
Senior Member
Larry,

A full belly pan would net an additional 7 MPG.

Glenn


Glenn Giere, Portland OR, K7GAG '73 "Moby the Motorhome" 26'
Re: [GMCnet] 15.875 MPG [message #246078 is a reply to message #246068] Tue, 01 April 2014 17:01 Go to previous messageGo to next message
Dennis S is currently offline  Dennis S   United States
Messages: 3046
Registered: November 2005
Karma: 2
Senior Member
David

Our unique program for UltraVan and Revcons assures owners complete freedom from future costs of maintenance, insurance and licensing, while they still maintain full ownership.

And for those not yet in a position to enjoy these great benefits, the exciting solutions Larry has uncovered are a perfect complement to our business.

So, yes, we would be happy to take advantage of any new investor.

Dennis

PS Our program also has a five star rating from the National Highway Beautification Council.

BRDRVR wrote on Tue, 01 April 2014 15:16

Dennis. I love the idea. Any investment opportunities? Would love to get in on the ground floor. In fact I bought an old Ultravan in Indiana that I am trailering out to the ranch that is gonna be used by my kids for target practice.

Dennis S wrote on Tue, 01 April 2014 16:03

Larry
We would love to collaborate with you on your RV modifications.
We are a new start up specializing in repurpose and long term storage of vintage RVs. Our focus is UltraVans and Revcons. One division of our business includes acquiring coaches from which we can harvest parts appropriate to restoration of GMCs. The other facet of our business is removing UltraVans and Revcons to the desert, storing them in abandoned mines on Bureau of Land Management property used for Burning Man. When we achieve full occupancy the BLM requires us to seal the caverns and leave the area pristine. Upon closure we give the coach owner's the shaft.
Visit us now on the web at Ultra-Con.bs.

Sincerely,
Dennis
April 1, 2014

ljdavick wrote on Tue, 01 April 2014 11:59

I've been tinkering with the coach to try and maximize efficiency. Here is what I've done, and the measurements from our trip to So. Cal today.
- 16.5" Firestone Transfoce tires have been likened to wagon wheels so I thought why not go to maximum inflation pressure. My Harbor Freight compressor won't go past 95psi, so that's where I have all six tires set.
- removed spare tire as the added weight is unnecessary. I have AAA.
- fuel delivery - it dawns on me that very little fuel is burned during periods of vapor lock. I have coiled a length of PolyArmor around the exhaust pipe and then to the carburetor.
- the carburetor is the single biggest fuel waster. It allows too much fuel to go into the engine. I disconnected any linkage to the secondaries and goobered a liberal amount of silicone around the butterflies to seal them off.
- I've eliminated 2nd gear.
- with both hatches open and both roof fans on high I have the cockpit windows open for airflow. The woosh of air is positive proof that this is the future of efficiency. When I return home I will affix a whole house fan in place of the rear window.
- airflow through the radiator has been a big topic here. Baffles and air dams help, but really it's the radiator that is the problem. I've blocked it off entirely.
- Rain-X also reduces friction over the road. I applied 4 coats to the entire coach. FYI - don't put it on the entry step or the toilet seat.
- it is a fact that air is thinner, less dense, at altitude. I've inflated my rear bags to maximum.
- it's a small step towards a hybrid but I connected the Onan 110v to the alternator and starter motors through a switch. This way I was able to gain horsepower by running them as motors to add power to the 455.

With all of these improvements the coach is a dream. I liken it to the feeling man had when he first flew, skated on ice, or skied on water. The coach had abundant power and though I tried to keep it under 70mph I wasn't always able to do so. Fuel economy is nearly 16mpg, which is the theoretical maximum for a 455 at idle going 60 mph.

I'll mark this historic day on my calendar and expect that forever April 1st will be celebrated as, oh, you've already figured it out...

Sorry.

Larry Davick
A Mystery Machine
1976(ish) Palm Beach
Fremont, CA
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Dennis S
73 Painted Desert 230
Memphis TN Metro
Re: [GMCnet] 15.875 MPG [message #246080 is a reply to message #246027] Tue, 01 April 2014 17:07 Go to previous messageGo to next message
Carl S. is currently offline  Carl S.   United States
Messages: 4186
Registered: January 2009
Location: Tucson, AZ.
Karma: 13
Senior Member

Larry, you had me up till the part about the air bags. Rolling Eyes Rolling Eyes

Carl Stouffer '75 ex Palm Beach Tucson, AZ. Chuck Aulgur Reaction Arm Disc Brakes, Quadrabags, 3.70 LSD final drive, Lenzi knuckles/hubs, Dodge Truck 16" X 8" front wheels, Rear American Eagles, Solar battery charging. GMCSJ and GMCMI member
Re: [GMCnet] 15.875 MPG [message #246137 is a reply to message #246027] Wed, 02 April 2014 07:37 Go to previous message
Jim Wagner is currently offline  Jim Wagner   United States
Messages: 339
Registered: February 2004
Location: Brook Park, Oh
Karma: 0
Senior Member
Larry, Thanks for the great ideas. I hope you don't mind me copying some of them. The only thing I have done to raise our mileage is to put a brick under the gas pedal. I am using the same brick that I put in the toilet to save water at home. I am saving money by using the same brick since I won't need it in our toilet at home while we are using the GMC.
Jim Wagner
76 GMC500
71 Vega355
69 Corvette383
Brook Park, oh
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