Im just modeling it after that, using aluminum instead of fiberglass, which while giving a few more molding options, will also offset the whole idealism by adding too much weight.

 

I found my cortex tuner on eBay at a reasonable price! I have found that the foam sheets at artsie fartsie places is easy to work with and light, good to controll air going to the intake. It's only an eighth inch thick or so, so it bends easy.

 

with all that you are doing, why don't you consider looking at a hydrogen cylinder? I've seen them add quite a few mpg's to some vehicles.

 

I think your talking about coroplast ?
got a link for that tuner ?

Ive thought of that, also considered using a diesel, but the costs far outweigh the savings for going that route.
the typical engine Ive found in the states that I feel would work best (to date) are either a JDM 3.5L diesel out of a toyo 4runner, or a Mazda 3.1L diesel. both of which cost in the range of $3000.0 for the engine alone, not to mention then having to convert everything on my truck to run with the engine, think probably another $1500-$2000 at the very least. I simply cannot afford that. I can almost import a diesel ranger from mexico for that amount

 

rock on man. if you can do it on the cheap, for long hauls it will be worth it.

I saw a dodge a few months back running around KC that had a particle/chip board hatch mocked up like that. It honestly didn't look too bad. If he had used better materials, it'd look nice. If you plan on making the skin aluminum, I think you could get it looking nice.

if you did a belly cover, wouldn't that trap heat in from the exhaust??

 

We don't get Diesel Rangers here in Mexico... gotta go a little far south...

Now, regarding a Diesel engine swap. It'd be expensive at first, but in the long run, the savings would be much higher, don't you think? All this if you're planning on keeping your truck for a long time.

 

I think that guy might be on ecomodders, or at least I know there is a post about someone doing aero mods on a dakota.
the bellypan will retain some heat, but Im planning on putting a couple of heat ports near the rear to draw most of it out, also will be wrapping the entire exhaust with exhaust tape. I'll also have to extend my tailpipe out some so fumes dont get stuck under there, as well as go over the entire exhaust system with a fine toothed comb to make sure there are no leaks or loose connections.
its also why I plan on using aluminum over coroplast.

not really, the mpg rating for them is around 30mpg, which is in the area Im trying to get to
Ive been figuring costs and its looking like I would be spending about $700.0 for materials + my time. with those costs, this plan would pay for itself in 1-2 yrs in savings if I can push my mpg up to 30+mpg.

I thought you had linked a crewcab diesel for sale near you several months ago ?
meh, that does kind of suck as I had considered going that route, by selling my ranger to get most of the money together.
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did mockup of the front grill and stage 1 of where I plan on going with the front bumper.
this isnt all within scale, Im pretty sure the perforated material has smaller holes.

 

I joined Eco and with the AAA thread have realized that some are just hard headed. Simple physics don't make sense to them.... Adding pressure over recommendation doesn't wear out the center treads? My axles and differential!! Use caution there! Ever watch funny cars warm up and see the tires balloon? Some dude thinks it's not possible!

 

The cortex is an awesome tuner and data logger from Superchips. 3 levels, performance, tow, and economy.
Coraplast is the plastic version of cardboard if memory serves me.

The front ends looks good on it's own with out the economy reason. (I like a smooth look) post the result pictures when you get it done! I think it's great.