I've this '01 Chevy big van that will likely be in my paddock for at least a couple more years, and I've been thinking about how to improve the aerodynamics. I have plans and money in place for lowering the thing about 2.5-3 inches, and I'm wondering whether to extend the airdam on the front, or to try side skirts or maybe slicking up the bottom of the chassis. This would be in the spirit of trying to get through the air a little more cleanly, and using less fuel. Current consumption is running 12.5-13 mpg@ 70 mph, and tranny doesn't shift down on a short 6% hill (long hill yes, but that's a different matter)
The side mirrors would get smaller than they currently are, but still stay legal, and the front of the van...grillwork and such...would get smoothed out as much as possible without compromising cooling too much. The angle of attack will drop a bit, and tire profile will likely stay as it is, LT245/75x16, as those tires are new and I expect them to last about 45-50K miles. The last ones went 55K and were chancy, so 50K max for these...
So then: extend airdam, yes/no, and how much if yes. I'm thinking enough to give me about 3" ground clearance at the front, but that's just a guess at this point. And it will depend on how much drop I can get into the suspension and not kill the ride.
Side skirts, yes/no?
Smooth the chassis bottom, yes/no?
Moon-type wheel covers? I'm leaning toward yes for now.
And before anyone gets nuts about how much this thing weighs: yeah, I know. There will be as much weight as possible lost by removing unused seats and extra gear. The winter emergency stuff stays, though. This IS Montana after all, and we do get snow in June fairly regularly.
What say ye, me hearties?

