Upgrades to improve MPG

Hi All,

I recently purchased a tp 1600 campervan, and wondered if there are any cheap upgrades to help improve my MPG? So far I've installed a petronix electronic ignition to my 009 dissy and changed my gearbox fluid to fully synthetic (supposed to be good for 2-3mpg). The next thing I was thinking of would be to replace the fuel pipes and filters, but is there anything else I can do?

 

I don't think any of those are going to improve mpg - sorry . Try taking some weight out of the van.

Get the engine properly serviced...that's about it. Twin carbs will likely improve your mpg.

 

Read the countless posts about this and the one recently tapping "mpg" in the search box. Some say grin and bare it while some do believe they can get figures that exceed VW's. A small engine in a big heavy box is never going to give you great gas miles.

I suggest calling the AA and having them tow it home. It's worked for many. I'm still running on my tank I filled up with at Easter. Mine did genuinely breakdown

 

Change the engine to something newer, like a diesel.

Seriously though, there isn't much you can do.

 

Or PM Joker. He'll tell you all you need to know

 

I got a little more with my twin carb/exhaust setup... I think.
Best you can do for economy is do an LPG conversion.

Not much you caan do for any serious savings really

Cheers
s

 

A really good service, vac advance dizzy. good tyre pressures. gettting rid of all the crap you dont have to carry. long runs, not short ones. twin carbs ( mild ones). My bay gives 24mpg loaded with all the gear. About 27 on a run with all the kit left in the garage. I run 1641 twin weber 34 ict's.

Top quality body wax. ( not serious)

 

Yes I've tried the AA trick once already! Hopefully I won't have to use that too often.

Twin carbs, hi lift rockers and a new exhaust will have to wait. Time to start saving those pennies. :

 

Is the vac advance better for mpg than my 009 even with electronic ignition?

 

ditch the 009 and go for a vac dizzy

good set of twin carbs

free flowing exhaust and header

slightly taller rear wheels/tyres

belly pans (help under floor aerodynamics)

take as much as you can out from the inside of the van (think light)

we managed 34 MPG on the way to oktoberfest last year, there was a strong head wind on the way home and i had my foot down i didn't want to work out the home ward MPG

 

Sell it and buy a bongo and the extra money you save buy another for parts

 

keep the windows shut will help with the areo dynamics

Leave it in the shed at home and it wont use much fuel other than that its engine conversion and lpg

 

Im aiming for 30 mpg from my 1600 tp

Thats the goal and its going to take a lot of time experimenting to get there but i think its achievable

The thing with tuning dubs when you search through past ideas its all about getting more power as fuel was a lot cheaper back then

Im starting with removing the inherrent restrictions of the standard engine

So its a free flowing exhaust and twin carbs first

Then moving on to a tuneable electronic dizzy

Then polishing and porting the heads and manifolds maybe larger valves with multi angled seats

After that im going to have to open the case and look into cam profiles and compression ratios



It woulde be far cheaper to chuck a modern watercooled engine in the back but i like a challenge and i do belive its possible

 

How dare you swear at me Paradox and suggest buying a Bongo!

Like the sound of your plan, 30mpg should be do-able. Aircooled forever!

So one of these vacum advance dizzys would be better than my 009 with petronix 2 kit? Petronix seem to get a bad write up on here.

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/SVDA-Electronic-Distributor-Powerspark-VW-Camper-Bus-Split-Beetle-T1-T2-/120804392777?pt=UK_CarsParts_Vehicles_CarParts_SM&hash=item1c2080bf49

 

Ive one of those exact dizzys fitted dude and have had no problems with it

I will be upgrading to a 123 dizzy at some point in the future when i can afford it though

 

A tried and tested method is how you sit in the van - it effects aerodynamics hugely.

Let me prove it:

How can this:



Possibly compete with these young blades (marvel as the slice through the air):



I appreciate that some might not appreciate the forward thinking of this reply - but how you and your passenger sit is vital for better mpg.

 

We do that when reaching for the gear stick anyway

 

i think you're on the money at 16-20 mpg on a 2 litre that's all i get, i've given up now, top tip, don't drive like a fool and fill it when it's low - smiling is optional.