I have heard that the C303 will do about 16mpg at best and so I'm trying to think of ways to improve fuel efficiency on roads. So far I've come up with:
use different size/model of tyres
convert to lpg
convert to diesel
replace the high ratio gear with a higher one (maybe the overdrive gear from a 164 M410 gearbox??)
I read the posts about converting to a diesel engine so I think that's covered but I was wondering if anyone has any experience of / ideas about changing the tyres or the high ratio gear. I saw the post about increasing speed on a C306 with 38" tyres, does this make it use more or less fuel?
C303 Fuel efficiency
-
Jim Molloy
- Posts: 369
- Joined: Sun May 30, 2004 2:16 pm
- Location: Sheridan, Oregon
- Contact:
Angus,
Converting to LPG will not imrove your mileage but should reduce the cost of operation.
Converting to diesel will improve mileage but one must be careful to use a diesel engine that has similar operating rpm range to the B30A engine. Much has been said about the cost of diesel conversion. My first two choices would be the MB OM617A and OM603 turbo diesel engines.
Gearing changes can be done but are probably best done by changing front and rear R&P gears but this would have to be done as custom manufacturing.
The O/D unit on the 164 sedan is very long and would not only push the transfer case further back but would also make for significant custom fabrication.
Tire tread pattern may have some bearing but then you would need one set of tires for road use and another for off-road travel.
My current mileage varies from a low of 11 mpg to a high of 18 mpg. My right foot heaviness is the greatest determining factor when it coes to my mileage.
Hope this helps.
Jim Molloy
Waldersee Farm
http://www.northwestmogfest.com
http://www.volvo4x4.com
Converting to LPG will not imrove your mileage but should reduce the cost of operation.
Converting to diesel will improve mileage but one must be careful to use a diesel engine that has similar operating rpm range to the B30A engine. Much has been said about the cost of diesel conversion. My first two choices would be the MB OM617A and OM603 turbo diesel engines.
Gearing changes can be done but are probably best done by changing front and rear R&P gears but this would have to be done as custom manufacturing.
The O/D unit on the 164 sedan is very long and would not only push the transfer case further back but would also make for significant custom fabrication.
Tire tread pattern may have some bearing but then you would need one set of tires for road use and another for off-road travel.
My current mileage varies from a low of 11 mpg to a high of 18 mpg. My right foot heaviness is the greatest determining factor when it coes to my mileage.
Hope this helps.
Jim Molloy
Waldersee Farm
http://www.northwestmogfest.com
http://www.volvo4x4.com
Guuy please remember that the UK gallon is bigger than the US gallon.
My experience was that the C303 4x4 did about 20mpg at a constant speed of 65mph whereas the TGB13 does an expensive 12mpg at 55mph.
LPG conversion is relatively cheap but there is a real danger of backfires destroying the airbox and other bits as well.
I would suggest either fitting a BIG diesel of just living with it! I did consider fitting a 3.9V8 rover engine that is easily converted to multipoint LPG injection but the total cost was over £3000 and therefore uneconomic. If your TGB is your daily drive it may be worth it, however.
My experience was that the C303 4x4 did about 20mpg at a constant speed of 65mph whereas the TGB13 does an expensive 12mpg at 55mph.
LPG conversion is relatively cheap but there is a real danger of backfires destroying the airbox and other bits as well.
I would suggest either fitting a BIG diesel of just living with it! I did consider fitting a 3.9V8 rover engine that is easily converted to multipoint LPG injection but the total cost was over £3000 and therefore uneconomic. If your TGB is your daily drive it may be worth it, however.