Welcome!


Welcome to the blog of the University of the South's Eco-Auto Club.

We are exploring a broader definition of 'efficiency' by modifying a used vehicle to be greener, since modifying a vehicle that is already manufactured naturally produces less emissions than purchasing a new product. Our goal is to dramatically increase the fuel efficiency of our 212,000-mile 1998 Ford Explorer (nicknamed "Ewvee") within the constraints of a limited budget.

Through small modifications to aerodynamics, fuel mixture, weight, and vehicle accessories, we plan to improve the ecological integrity of the vehicle and to strengthen the case for EUVs (extended use vehicles). With this project we hope to create a vehicle that can become a model for a University shuttle service and for others -- filling a current need for transportation and simultaneously lowering our carbon footprint.

We hope you enjoy hearing about what we are up to. Feel free to contact us with any questions or ideas you may wish to share.

Sunday, May 8, 2011

It's been a while, but we've been slowly progressing. 
Beleaguered by some organizational problems and empty assurances of the Scangauge company (the computer we had been trying to use to determine MPG), we've decided to move forward with our basic experience-based MPG calculation of 16 MPG. After getting her a full tune up, we cranked Ewvee's front down and placed blocks in the rear to drop the whole car's body a few inches. The question now is whether to get taller wheels/tires in order to have the engine work less (at the expense of a higher ride height) or to get shorter wheels/tires in order to lower the height even more drastically, lessening the frictional air that sneaks beneath into the under carriage. Stay tuned.

Posted by spike at 7:13 PM

1 comment:

  1. Sandra JollyMay 3, 2012 at 11:18 PM

    I feel envy now!I'm sure it cost too much... If I have budget I will do the same thing and improve it even better.
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    ReplyDelete

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