The Design and Engineering of the
"Veggie Mobile"

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Phase 1:                                                                                                

In phase 1 we propose to take a 1981 Oldsmobile Delta 88 diesel and make minor modifications to create a vehicle with better mpg. We plan to do this by altering 4 aspects of the car which include, changing the oil, buying new tires, acquiring a new air filter, and cleaning the fuel system.

Changing the oil in the car and using better quality oil will allow the car to run more smoothly and takes less diesel to operate. New tires, with the correct air pressure, will affect the efficiency of the vehicle greatly. The tread and correct air pressure decrease the tire’s friction with the road, which increases the miles per gallon the car receives. If a tire has low pressure, it drags, increasing friction, and decreasing the MPG achieved. A new air filter lets the engine “breathe” better and allows an improved mixture of air and fuel. A better air and fuel mixture increases the miles per gallon. Cleaning the fuel system ensures that all lines and injectors are clear of any obstructions that would inhibit fuel flow. If there is no sludge stuck in lines, the fuel flows better and no fuel is wasted because it is stuck in a line.

Budget

Phase 2:

           As the car is now, it needs to run on diesel for awhile until the vegetable oil in the tank reaches 190 degrees.  At this temperature the oil is viscous enough to flow through the fuel system without clogging it.  To remove the need of diesel, we found a way to heat up the vegetable oil so it can be used instantly.

           This can be done by using an EverHot instant hot water system.  This system includes a tank that plugs into an outlet and maintains a fluid temperature of 190 degrees.  Diesel vehicles have to be plugged in if sitting for long periods of time so it’s easy to plug the EverHot system in along with it.  The EverHot system will be placed adjacent to the oil tank.  At the start up of the car, it will run off of the already hot oil in the EverHot tank.  There is enough oil in this tank to run the car until the oil in the regular vegetable oil tank is hot enough to be used.  If the car needs to be started away from a source of electricity, Bio-diesel can be used.  Bio-diesel will also be used to purge the tank at the end of every ride.

Budget

Phase 3:

           The purpose of this phase was to promote the use of vegetable oil in the car and the website that goes along with it. Also, we wanted to endorse the fact that Petoskey High School students developed the ideas and concepts for altering the vehicle to make it better. To accomplish these goals, we plan to make some changes to the vehicle.

          First, we will paint it green to go with the theme of caring for the environment. Also along those lines, we put sunflowers on the car. The website attracts attention with the large, white letters on the side of the car and people will be urged to visit the site. People noticing the car go by will know that it was created by Petoskey High School Students by the Northmen head emblem located to the rear of the side of the car. 

            Also, to make the overall visual appearance of the car better, the windshield, tires, window tint, hubcaps, and light covers will be replaced. As mentioned in phase 1 the tires will increase the miles per gallon of the car and also boost the look. Currently, the car’s headlight and reverse light covers are cracked and in need of repair or replacement. Adding window tint would make the car look sleeker.  New hubcaps will add to the look of the car.  If you look at the windshield, right off you notice the jagged crack running through the middle of the viewing area. Replacing the windshield will not only enhance the appearance, but also increase the safety of the driver. 

Budget

Works Cited

(2007). Fuel System Services. Retrieved November 4, 2007, from Jiffy Lube Web site: http://www.jiffylube.com/autoservices/fuelsystemservices.aspx

Riley, R. (2003). Amsoil Series 2000 0W-30 Motor Oil. Retrieved November 4, 2007, from Amsoil Web site: http://images.google.com/imgres?imgurl=http://www.synthetic-motor-oil-change-and-filters.com/amsoil_products/images/amsoil_4ball_comparison-product-code-tso.jpg&imgrefurl=http://www.synthetic-motor-oil-change-and-filters.com/amsoil_products/amsoil_series_2000_synthetic-0W-30_motor_oil-product-code-tso.php

(2003). Riding Tips. Retrieved November 4, 2007, from S&M Scooter Club Web site: http://images.google.com/imgres?imgurl=http://www.3dman.com/SMSC/images/tire_pressure.gif&imgrefurl=http://www.3dman.com/SMSC/riding_tips.htm

(2006). Five Minute Finances #1: Clean Your Car's Air Filter. Retrieved November 4, 2007, from The Simple Dollar Web site: http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2007/02/19/five-minute-finances-1-clean-your-cars-air-filter/

(1996). P.i. Performance Improver Concentrate (API). Retrieved November 4, 2007, from Amsoil Corporate Store Web site: http://www.amsoil.com/StoreFront/api.aspx

(2007). Air Filters. Retrieved November 4, 2007, from Automotive Filters Direct Web site: http://www.automotivefiltersdirect.com/index.php?option=com_frontpage&Itemid=1

(2007). Retrieved November 4, 2007, from Wal-Mart Web site: http://www.walmart.com/

(2001). Instant Hot and Cold Water/EverHot. Retrieved November 4, 2007, from Water Inc. Web site: http://www.waterinc.com/instant_hot_cold.htm