| Author |
 Topic  |
|
|
veeracer
Active Member
USA
21 Posts |
 Posted - 09/12/2005 : 12:43:02 PM
|
I just took my first real trip in my new bus(1990 70 passenger,dt466,643 allison,)round trip was about 500 miles.The top speed is 66mph at around 2500rpm.I cruised at 62mph and ended up getting 9.5 mpg. I was hopeing for a couple more mpg, but that may be unrealistic.Is 9.5 about right?
I was also thinking of trying some aerodynamic mods.All my driving will be on the highway, so wind resistance will be a big factor.I have seen a few busses lately with a wing mounted a the top rear of the bus.The wing looked like a factory option.Does anyone know how they work or if they even work?
I was also wondering if an air dam in the front that would extend down from the bumper a foot or so would help.anybody have any ideas? Thanks |
|
|
thomas86_a
Top Member
USA
4413 Posts |
Posted - 09/12/2005 : 12:56:21 PM
|
| What you are seeing mounted at the top of the bus in the rear is called an air foil. The purpose of an air foil is to take the air passing down the top of the bus and divert it down the very back of the bus. This helps keep the rear of the bus clean. It is especially helpful when driving down muddy roads or when it is snowing in the winter time. All of our 1998 and newer buses have this option. |
If you have an International, you NEED customer service. |
 |
|
|
Dravo
Senior Member
USA
93 Posts |
Posted - 09/26/2005 : 6:37:59 PM
|
| Your mileage is about average. Air dams have been used on cars with good success. I would guess to make one out of a stiff rubber or plastic so if it was bumped it would flex rather than break. A fellow is developing a roof mounted "Ram Wing " for cars and vans. Discussion is at: ram_wing@yahoogroups.com Keep us posted on your progress! |
|
|
|
TC3000
Senior Member
USA
103 Posts |
Posted - 10/05/2005 : 3:20:42 PM
|
| Perhaps you could get more by driving a bit slower? (It's said that fuel mileage will drop considerabliy past 55mph) |
|
|
|
Gas-Rip-Off.com
New Member
USA
2 Posts |
Posted - 10/14/2005 : 1:01:34 PM
|
Interesting,
There are advances being made with a vortex wing which reduces wind drag at highway speeds, and many are being tested as we speak, so you may have seen one of these units, it looks like an airplane wing which has a wing which is 12" above roof surface. Pretty interesting study on this concept for greatly improving fuel economy.
Regards, Mike |
|
|
|
Dravo
Senior Member
USA
93 Posts |
Posted - 10/27/2005 : 6:20:55 PM
|
| For an engine to perform well it has to breath in and out well. Not all busses are designed with optimum air intake and exhaust in mind. That's why on big old Peterbuilt trucks you'll often see a huge air cleaner outside the the truck where it can gulp in cool air, and two large diameter straight exhaust pipes. Any way you can ease the engines intake and exhaust will help it's performance.(www.dieselinjection.com has a good primer on diesel performance) We are testing air scoops on our rear engine busses at the air intake grille for a ram air effect and at the radiator to help cooling. |
|
|
| |
Topic |
|
fuel mileage and aerodynamics
