T25 5 Speed Gearbox

[Aidan]

you can't really make a T3 economical; for every 5mph over 60 you'll use an extra 10% fuel at least, it's a brick, 8 cubic metres of air to displace and that takes power and power requires fuel and the faster you go the more work is required exponetially that's why a falling object reaches terminal velocity just accept the fuel economy you have or slow down
You can stick a more modern engine in and get a bit more economy or you can change to diesel and stick a more modern engine in and modify the gearbox and get more fuel economy than a petrol but neither is an economical way of achieving a bit more fuel economy.
In the meantime a proper service by someone who really knows these engines will get the best out of it

[California Dreamin]

Well.. a very popular solution would be a scubby conversion....all the modified parts that enable the conversion are now readily available from RJES? components.
Basically more power with better fuel consumption.
Look in the engine mod section.

Martin

Having looked at RJES, that is a really expensive option...to get them to do it, is about £4k, and the fuel economy doesn't seen any more than 4mpg better!!1

What am i missing?

MrBeard

Understand I've not carried out a Scooby conversion myself but I've spoken to several people that have. None have spent anything near 4K infact one did his on the cheap for under a grand.
Now the issue of cost will always raise it's ugly head...and if you intend to pay someone everytime you carry out a repair then you are in for a very expensive time of ownership.
It seems that the practical and economic answer to T25 ownership is you just have to do much of the work yourself.

Martin

[Ian Hulley]

It seems that the practical and economic answer to T25 ownership is you just have to do much of the work yourself.

I entirely agree with this ^^ they are now an 'enthusiast's vehicle' ... you have to be enthusiastic to reasonably own and run one, and that means getting down and dirty with it. Buy the best parts you can get and get the van in the very best possible condition rather than falling into the trap of sticking flashing lights, fancy wheels and a diamond encrusted chrome tiara on a heap of crap.

As I said before if you are expecting speed and economy you really have bought the wrong van ... the T4 (or preferably T5) with the 2.5TDi engine is the one for you.

[Plasticman]

not talking of both. you seem to fail to understand what I and others have said. . that is changing g box or whatever will make klittle difference , a certain amount of fuel needs to be consumed to produce sufficient power to move your van at a given speed, play with the gearing all you want but in this instance 70mph costs fuel .and little you do will make a noticable difference, so slow to 55-60 and there you have your savings, that else get a different van
M

[Pootle]

Having looked at RJES, that is a really expensive option...to get them to do it, is about £4k, and the fuel economy doesn't seen any more than 4mpg better!!

If you do 10,000 miles a year a 4mpg improvement will save you roughly £550 a year. Insuring the van could be a problem though, I expect insurers demand a premium for a non-standard engine?