I got the bug!

[89Vette]

MPG is usually around 13-16 mpg.

p.s...thought of starting a kind of "check list" for potential buyers to ask sellers. I'll start this in another thread too. Please add on everybody to make the list better....

~electric windows work properly or bind?
~window regulator /motor been replaced?
~any oil consumption?
~chrome wheels peeling?
~Any ABS light problems?
~OEM CD player still work correctly or ERR3 code?
~brand & model of tires & approx tread remaining
~any alignment issues?
~timing belt changed?
~original OEM brake pads or replacements?
~any service history records?
~last time & what fluids have been changed?
~what type of fluids (synthetic oil or regular, motor oil, diff, tranny, transf case)?
~how long have you owned it?
~Where has the care resided over it's lifetime?
~any known repairs?
~any fluids dripping, ever?
~ever taken off road?
~any problems with TOD?
~any extra parts on hand?

Considering weight, I guess I know why they don't get better mpg. Any obvious places to remove weight?

Also, nice overall explanation and list for a buyer. Thanks VX Kat!

Since you don't have to lock front hubs (with TOD), why would this be listed as an upgrade on the recent Proton for sale?

[VX KAT]

Considering weight, I guess I know why they don't get better mpg. Any obvious places to remove weight?

Also, nice overall explanation and list for a buyer. Thanks VX Kat!

Since you don't have to lock front hubs (with TOD), why would this be listed as an upgrade on the recent Proton for sale?

I believe you're referring to "crossman"s Proton. I "believe" he and a few others (travelin2) have done the AISIN hubs so they CAN run in 2wd and be towed. (Crossman used to tow his Proton behind motorhome). Guys help me out here.
Travelin2 just did some major mods to tow his behind his motorhome too.

One thing I forgot to mention...the OEM shocks are KYBs with reservoirs, which I believe made it the only production car to ever have reservoir shocks as OEM (read that somewhere). These shocks are very high end (around $200 each) and give it tremendous off road capabilities. HOWEVER, many of us have found the kidney jarring ride on rough roads (like dirt/gravel) to be just too much, and many have swapped out for the Rancho XL9000 with the 9 way adjustments (me included). It makes the ride oh so much more civilized on my dirt road here in the boonies where I live. ON road is no problem with the OEM shocks.

To reduce weight...about the only thing I think ya can do is remove the 65lb back seat ...no seriously, I can't recall anyone mentioning anything. Remember I said, yer not gonna burn any rubber with this truck, but it moves pretty dang good despite being 2 tons!!

[89Vette]

Oh yeah, I forgot to ask about shocks!

I do remember reading that the VX used a unique shock setup. Are you saying any "normal" shock will mount on these?

Shocks were "one" of the parts I was concerned about them becoming obsolete.

Have people found any improvement (power or mpg) with larger or smaller tires/wheels? Sometimes smaller tires will improve torque. Actually, the diameter seems (looks) fairly large for the timeframe of manufacter.

(And, thanks for the guess (?) on releaseable hubs.)

[VX KAT]

Oh yeah, I forgot to ask about shocks!

I do remember reading that the VX used a unique shock setup. Are you saying any "normal" shock will mount on these?

Shocks were "one" of the parts I was concerned about them becoming obsolete.

Have people found any improvement (power or mpg) with larger or smaller tires/wheels? Sometimes smaller tires will improve torque. Actually, the diameter seems (looks) fairly large for the timeframe of manufacter.

(And, thanks for the guess (?) on releaseable hubs.)

The shocks ARE replaceable with several conventional shocks, no problem at all. Bilstein, Ranchos come to mind. There's also a guy (Bruce something) that rebuilds the OEM ones for about $500 total.

I can't think of a single owner here that has put smaller tires on...I think somebody said 255/55-18s were a tad smaller, nothing significant, and not going to really affect MPG as the OEMs weighed 34 lbs, and just about anything else weighs more than that.

T4B addressed the releasable hubs.

Think you really need to see one in person soon, so you can pull all this info together in your head. I will mention again, if MPG is a big concern, this is NOT the vehicle for you. You'll just be frustrated.

[samneil2000]

I will mention again, if MPG is a big concern, this is NOT the vehicle for you. You'll just be frustrated.

That said, my friend's g/f just picked up a Hummer H3, and they thought my mileage was "pretty good." If I figure mine just based on odometer and fuel, it goes to around 17. I think if you add in the extra inches I have in my tires, it's closer to 19. That's only a couple off what I get in my 2003 Ford Escape...

[VX KAT]

yeah, I know what ya mean, my big bimmer got 12, so my VX is "pretty good" too

Since a lot of this thread has turned to MPG.... a few months ago I noticed "Knight7" had a little "fuelly" logo in his sig line. I went to that site and it's a place you can keep track of your fill ups, gallons, and MPG. Shows a bar & line graph too. Can make notes on each fill up too. Kinda fun. I've been doin' it just to see if the full skid plates & roof rack weight /aero made any difference.
www.fuelly.com
http://www.fuelly.com/driver/vxkat/vehicross

[tom4bren]

Are you sayin that your 'nice rack' ain't aerodynamic??? It makes one wonder.