If I wanted a car that was a real gas-guzzler, could it be modified somehow to be more economical?

Question

What I mean is, I love big, noisy, smelly cars. But I hate low MPG, and I am too responsible to hide from the facts surrounding fossil fuels.

Let's say I spotted a car I really, really wanted (an E-Type Jaguar, for the sake of argument, or a Jensen Interceptor...something that does ten inches per gallon). I could afford it but would feel guilty about the fuel.

Are there any alternative fuels I could use in the car, or ways I could modify the engine? In a previous answer I asked about Ethanol...now a friend has mentioned something called LPG. Can cars run on this instead of petrol?

Do such modifications mean a cut in practicality, for example losing the spare wheel to make way for a second tank?

Thanks!

Answer 1

There are ways to modify classics - have a google around - I know Prince Charles recently had his classic Aston modified.

Answer 2

Yes, take the engine out and put a different one.

Answer 3

Yes there is a very simple solution, you have seen on TV many times, it involves cutting a hole in the floor board where your feet are and using your feet to get moving like Fred Flintstone.

Answer 4

wow, lots of answers.

Yes, there's plenty you can do.  The biggest thing that effects mileage is the size, weight, and aerodynamics of the car.  You can't really change that... aside from taking out the back seat, air conditioning systems, power windows, etc. and reducing the weight as much as possible.  This also increases acceleration.

Next is engine efficiency.  The better it breathes, the better it runs.  Big intake, big exhaust, plus or minus a little turbo in there and you can expect some decent gains.  This also includes how you drive - slow acceleration, low shifting, minimal stops.

The LPG is a thing called fuel doping.  It's a method of injecting something more explosive than gas (propane, hydrogen, nos) into the engine in small amounts, enriching your fuel making you need less.  It also helps make the gas vaporize better (as does ethanol) making it burn stronger and more completely.

Answer 5

Your question is self defeating, you state that you love the big, noisy, smelly cars, while the basic reason that they are noisy, and smelly it because they burn fossil fuel at an exorbitant rate.

You said big, and then mentioned the Jaguar E-type, a sports car.

you also mentioned LPG, also a fossil fuel.

there were a lot of successful conversions to LPG,,  in the 80's.

and on a small scale is still in use today, it does not seem to have any adverse on performance, except for that big heavy tank that is required, and while LPG is readily available in some places such as Oregon it can be hard to find in many areas.

however if money is no problem I would suggest even with all of it draw back, going Electric, I believe that in the near future there will be fueling stations for electric cars, It was started in the late 90's and then forgotten when the price of Gas went back down.

for speed, style, and availability I would look into the Tesla Roadster, even though the 2008's are already reserve, they are taking reservations for the 2009's.

You can find it on these links

http://greenhome.huddler.com/products/ca...

http://alternativefuels.about.com/od/ele...

Answer 6

Depends what you mean by "guzzler" and how you do it.  

I think sportscars make ideal electric conversions.  For one thing electric is faster, by which I mean faster than the sportscar was originally.  For another, sportscars are light cars with heavy engines, so when you pull the engine you have lots of spare weight capacity.  Also with electric, you can position the batteries so the car has perfect weight balance, and lower its center of gravity.

How do you solve the "Run out of battery" problem?  Easy.  You have a tiny engine on board whose job is simply to recharge the batteries on long road-trips.  This is exactly the concept GM is going for with the Chevy Volt.

See, sportscars are naturally efficient because they're small.  They get terrible MPG only because they're dragging a huge engine along all the time, only to use it in short bursts.  Well that's silly. Batteries are built for huge bursts of power, just look under your hood, that tiny thing starts your whole engine with power to spare.  

So, sportscars want to be electric, with a gas engine just for topping off batteries.

Answer 7

Do as you like.  But, your plan sounds like a full time job in just converting and maintaining the vehicle.  Look around for service people in the event of a need for repair work.  I don't know anyone who would be qualified to assist you.  I am certain that you place value on your time.  The plan just does not have a feel of considering all of the potential pitfalls.  Not questioning your scientific or mechanical knowledge.  Think I would pass on the idea for a few years. But, do whatever with which you are comfortable.

Answer 8

Depends on what your converting to. The best solution would be solar powered and electric powered, which would not really take away from anything on the car, but traveling distances would be cut. If your using it in a fairly good sized city for an everyday routine of driving to work, get groceries, etc, then I would try either of those two options. If your looking to drive a lot for long distances, then bio-diesel or something of the sort would be the best option.

Answer 9

Basically, you are a dreamer. A gas guzzler is just that. There is no effective method to significantly reduce fuel consumption on a thirsty car. Do you not think that the manufacturers would have done it already and used it to sell more vehicles!!

Answer 10

Classic cars are a little different but you could probably run them on LPG but you'll have difficulty with the tank.  If you were thinking about anything with a big diesel engine (Range Rove, Mercedes) then you can run it on vegetable oil at about 95p per litre.  You'll need a two tank system, you start the engine on diesel and then when it's warm switch to veg oil.  If you pay a mechanic it will cost around £1,250 to convert, if you can do it yourself it will cost around £600 for the kit that you need.  You could also use waste veg oil which needs to be cleaned, dried and filtered but will cost you a lot less than 95p per litre  Google Elsbett technologies or ATG Glott.

Answer 11

There is new technology coming out everyday, and yes you can decrease the amount of fuel a gas-guzzler uses. One technology that is a $2000.00 conversion uses water injection somehow and doubles the mileage.

Unfortunately car manufactures have always have fuel efficient carburetor systems that are experimental and not sold to the general public and never will be. So that leaves it up to all the third party vendors to create them and sell them on the market.

Answer 12

Here's the deal- you want a fine ride- you've got the money- you'll feel guilty about the low mileage- don't worry about it- the oil shortage is contrived to make all the profit the oil companies can before global warming  pushes the alternative fuel envelope, and big oil will no longer dominate unless they can take ownership of the alternative fuel market. which they are actively trying to achieve now- If you have the cash, enjoy yourself , my man!