Warthog Build and Adventure Thread

[2014 Warthog]

Crawford Eco Block Testing

Sooooooooo....

Remember that Crawford Eco Block MAF spacer thread a bit ago?

Ok, I'm not an idiot. We'll not so much these days, I was when I was 20 of course. I got scammed good at the swap meet with a "Spark energizer" thing that you popped onto the top of your coil to "Increase the intensity of your spark" to get better gas mileage. The guy had a car there and everything and would pop the thing in and out of the car while it was running and it ran great when in and not as hot when out.

Turns out he was standing on a piece of carpet with a switch under it that would cut out half of the plugs when he stepped on it making the engine run like crap on command.

Serious life lesson learned!

So I'm super pessimistic of EVERYTHING (Just ask anyone!). Intake cyclone? Gimmie a break, Fuel Shark? Is anyone THAT stupid? Etc etc etc...

Ok so the Crawford Eco Block MAF spacer... Here we go again... Only.. after reading everything I could about it and just relying on my general knowledge on the way the world works, both from an engineering and from a "Everyone is a scam artist" angles. I decided that there just /might/ be something to this.

So I quietly bought one a few months ago and gave been testing it. I've just got enough data to give what I think is a pretty solid test result.

I have a very strict set of habits when checking my MPG. I always gas up at the same station and usually the same pump. I always gas up just before and just after a trip so I completely separate my daily commute from any large outings. I'm a generally mellow driver, though not a hyper-miler.

For these results I averaged out my MPG only for completely full tanks and ONLY for 100% normal commute + weekend errand driving. Trips to the desert/Utah etc have WAY too many traffic/weather/random gas station variables to be very accurate.

Also, as an FYI, I live at nearly sea level and in California there is not really much if any of a summer/winter blend any more. It USED to be that in summer the MPG went DOWN because of anti-smog additives, but we get those year round now. So there is no big mileage drop/boost from winter to summer here any more like there used to be.

The numbers:

Completely stock
I only went through maybe 3 tanks completely stock and I didn't save the numbers...

Lifted, 265 (stock size) Toyo AT2 tires (Covers an 11 month period from April 2014 to March 2015, no Summer/Winter gas issues at all)
18.06 + 18.78 + 18.69 + 18.58 + 18.81 + 18.38 + 18.53 + 18.97 + 18.71 + 18.48 +
18.33 + 18.86 + 17.89 + 19.41 + 19.65 + 18.58 + 18.02 + 18.42 + 17.79 + 18.27 +
18.63 + 18.22 + 17.93 + 18.48 + 18.08 + 18.03 + 18.26 + 18.61 + 18.38 / 29
18.476

Same as above but 275 BFG KO2s
16.8 + 17.66 + 17.31 + 17.18 + 17.66 + 17.51 + 17.38 / 7
17.357 - 1.119 MPG

Same as above but with the Crawford Eco Block
18.15 + 18.21 + 18.66 + 17.92 + 18.27 + 18.45 + 18.11 + 18.17 / 8
18.24 + 0.883 MPG

Results
* 1.1 MPG drop from Stock AT to 275s
* 0.9 MPG increase using the MAF spacer with all other variables constant.

I was already as light on the pedal as my Patience would allow with the 275s knowing they were sucking my mileage down so there was no further room for pedal shenanigans with the spacer in.

So given where I drive and how I drive, those are the concrete numbers. The results were immediate and consistent, both for the tire change AND for the MAF spacer install. I'll pay for itself after about 5 months for me, and after that it's like getting a free gallon of gas with every fill. Not too bad.

So what about more power?
While I believe the dynos which show a + 5 HP across the range, I absolutely could not feel a thing on my first drive after install. The % gain in HP is just too small for me to notice.

What about mileage on trips or offroading?
I have no idea and may never really know... For example though I only lost 1 MPG going from 265 to 275, that is only for my mellow daily commute of 50 miles. When going heavy throttle out up a mountain, or if I had a lead foot, the loss could be more like 2 mpg as others have reported. My daily commuting is so utterly consistent but the gains, while there, are small enough, that I don't think even if I drive to Utah twice a year for 5 years if I could tell if I got better mileage when driving all out than before given the HUGE variation in MPG per fill up on my last three trips due to traffic, weather, energy level etc.


In the end I'm pleasantly surprised and quite happy to have nearly eliminated my 275 oversize tire penalty and will likely make going to 285 at some point less of an MPG disappointment

[Edit 08-04-15] Added 2 more tanks to eco block group and plotted mileage.



After plotting the data, the changes from stock to over size tires, then the addition of the eco block becomes even more clear.

There is a slow downward trend in my stock MPG over time, likely due to my adding bumpers, winch, battery and skids during that time increasing weight. However the mast few tanks seem relatively stable as I slowed down my "building". There is also no indication of any seasonal change in MPG due to gas reformulations.

Laying the KO2 sequence and finally the Eco Block added sequence on top of just the end portion gives the clearest picture of the MPG changes due to those two items.

Calculating only the last 8 fills of the stock/no eco block sequence instead of the entire thing and the numbers look like this:

Lifted, 265 (stock size) Toyo AT2 tires
18.22 + 17.93 + 18.48 + 18.08 + 18.03 + 18.26 + 18.61 + 18.38 / 8
18.249

Same as above but 275 BFG KO2s
16.8 + 17.66 + 17.31 + 17.18 + 17.66 + 17.51 + 17.38 / 7
17.357 - 0.892 MPG

Same as above but with the Crawford Eco Block
18.15 + 18.21 + 18.66 + 17.92 + 18.27 + 18.45 + 18.11 + 18.17 / 8
18.24 + 0.886 MPG

Results
* 0.9 MPG drop from Stock AT to 275s
* 0.9 MPG increase using the MAF spacer with all other variables constant.

So in the end the spacer completely offset the drop from the 275 KO2s. Nice!

 

[RAD4Runner]

Cool to see the Warthog on the road today!

 

[2014 Warthog]

Cool to see the Warthog on the road today!

You too!

With that Kayak on the roof I'm guessing you were coming back from having more fun yesterday than I was at work

 

[RAD4Runner]

You too!

With that Kayak on the roof I'm guessing you were coming back from having more fun yesterday than I was at work

Was on my way to pick up my buddy. Then proceeded to paddle from la Jolla Shores to the "Mushroom House" just north of Scripps Pier...

 

[2014 Warthog]

Was on my way to pick up my buddy. Then proceeded to paddle from la Jolla Shores to the "Mushroom House" just north of Scripps Pier...

Nice

I'm surprised that building is still there! Remember seeing it as a kid wandering the beach in that area almost 40 years ago...

 

[BeachRunnerSD]

Was on my way to pick up my buddy. Then proceeded to paddle from la Jolla Shores to the "Mushroom House" just north of Scripps Pier...

That's blacks, isn't it?

 

[RAD4Runner]

That's blacks, isn't it?

Yes, south end of Black's. just south of this is Scripps pier.

 

[comp_engineer]

In San Diego for work and what do I see: Warthog spotting on Mira Mesa Blvd Wednesday afternoon.

Nice truck! Inspirational.

I was going to wave but figured some dude in a little rental Subaru frantically waving wouldn't be that cool.

 

[2014 Warthog]

Ha, nice

Heading home from work...

Hmm yeah if I see someone in a Runner waving I know what they mean. In another car I might think my tail end was on fire or something

 

[BackpackingDad]

Your advice

I have my first 4runner sr5 and I love what you've done. I'm sure you've been asked this before but what is your favorite mod. For a rookie, where would you suggest I start?

 

[2014 Warthog]

I have my first 4runner sr5 and I love what you've done. I'm sure you've been asked this before but what is your favorite mod. For a rookie, where would you suggest I start?

Thanks Favorite? Nnnnot sure. Maybe my drawers and tie-downs for the back?

But as far as order or importance, pretty much the order I did it in my thread

Assuming getting it ready for offroading:

#1 is tires (and wheels if you don't like the stock look)

#2 is a lift for a couple of reasons. It raises the front enough so that small bumps don't bottom out the front end and send you rebounding off your bump stops. The only time I ever hit my head on the roof was before I lifted it. Then for the back to raise your bumper out of the way as it will drag a lot at stock height.

#3 is sliders as that area is the most vulnerable spot even for light offroading. I was making a sharp left from one wash to another on a skinny trail once and I didn't see a rather large sloping rock on the right side. My front passenger wheel went right up it and over the top before I could stop it and I came down hard on the passenger slider... slid off the rock and kept going. No slider would have meant a massive smash-in on the rocker panel and one of the doors...

Those would be the most "important". Then others as you want:

* Rack, lights.

* Front/rear bumpers and skid plates for more protection if you want to get crazier.

* Radios for communication if you plan on wheeling with a group.

Various things to help with camping etc, depending on what you want to do with the truck

 

[RAD4Runner]

Warthog spotting...
I was going to wave but figured some dude in a little rental Subaru frantically waving wouldn't be that cool.

Ha, nice
Heading home from work...
Hmm yeah if I see someone in a Runner waving I know what they mean. In another car I might think my tail end was on fire or something

LOL! About a week ago I was at fueling up at Chevron when Warthog drove into the parking lot. Was hoping to have a photo op for ForeRunner and latest 4Runner but you had already parked and left the truck.

What did you have for lunch, Habanero's Mexican? Spices Thai?

 

[BackpackingDad]

Thanks for the reply

I really appreciate the response. That really helps.
Due to budget and basic needs, I plan to start with the storage space. I will consult your thread but would appreciate any additional advice you might have based on what you learned along the way. Thanks again for the guidance!:bluejump:

 

[2014 Warthog]

Met up with several fellow t4r peoples in Carlsbad for a meetup today. Quite a turnout!



Also got to see [MENTION=50014]Desert[/MENTION]Dawg s old runner now owned by [MENTION=125143]SD G-Mote[/MENTION]

After seeing it on the forums for so long it was almost like meeting a celebrity

 

[SD G-Mote]

Thank you, but I was equally humbled in the presence of the Warthog. What a fantastic looking rig. Great to meet you in person and I look forward to hitting the trails when it starts to cool off a bit!

 

[2chains]

2014 Warthog; How are you finding the compressor and that side mount location on the fender? I've just picked my ARB up and had planned on that exact side mount and was surprised at the compressors weight. Was wondering how it has held up and where you located the switch?

 

[2014 Warthog]

2014 Warthog; How are you finding the compressor and that side mount location on the fender? I've just picked my ARB up and had planned on that exact side mount and was surprised at the compressors weight. Was wondering how it has held up and where you located the switch?

Compressor is doing fine there. My only worry is the heat from the engine compartment. No problems so far, used it a lot, but not sure if it might be shortening it's life or something :/

The mounting bracket I made is really sturdy and it bolts to preexisting reinforced mounting points on the body so it's really solid!

As for the wiring. I bought the ARB harness to SPod adapter and plugged it into the SPod. Then used one of the switches on ITS cable. (I did pry off the ARB logoed switch rocker and pot it on the SPod switch )

I just realized I never took any pictures of the SPod or where I mounted the switches... But anyway the hollow slot at the bottom of the center console behind the drivers cup holder was just large enough to make a metal bracket to hold all 6 SPod rocker switches...

 

[2chains]

Thanks for the update on the compressor. Great looking switch bank! I put my switches to the left of the steering wheel, wish I'd gone the same route.

 

[2014 Warthog]

Thanks for the update on the compressor. Great looking switch bank! I put my switches to the left of the steering wheel, wish I'd gone the same route.

I was initially going to do that! But the switches it came with are too big to fit the holes And it wasn't going to be "easy" to make it work so I cut up part of an old computer case to make the holder for the slot instead

 

[crusier007]

pricing

Well my tiedown rack has worked well, but it doesn't provide any real storage space and I have to remove it every night for sleeping so I'm making something new to replace it.

A pair of drawers with a carpeted top to match the interior will be permanently mounted in the back. On the Pass side will be a place for mounting the fridge. On the Driver side there will be a removable extension that goes up to the back of the folded seats that will be a sleeping area. The entire top will have several hideaway tiedowns for securing gear while moving, then I just need to move the gear off the sleeping area for the night. Nothing else has to be taken out.

I bought all the wood and some hardware and the fuzzy interior cloth covering material. So far the cost is $202. Some glue and drawer hatches and the tiedowns will probably push it close to 250 total.

One of the drawers will be slightly shorter than the other to accommodate a pull out utility table from beneath is as well

Pic of the materials. Will update as I put it together...

View attachment 155633

Final materials list
(Not everything shown above)
Note that this list is mostly accurate from receipts but not guaranteed to be 100% correct.
Especially if you do mods or to fit different gens. All mods require some amount of on-the-fly
engineering always

Wood:
* 1/4 x 3/4 x 8 foot trim molding (Drawer side/back topping)
* (2) 1 x 6 x 8 foot pine plank (Sides of main shell and drawer fronts)
* (2) 1 x 2 x 8 foot pine stick (Various places though out build)
* 1 x 12 x 48 pine panel (12 + 20 inch panel == 32inch deep platform top)
* 1 x 20 x 24 pine panel
* 1 x 24 x 48 pine panel (Sleeping extension)
* (2) 24 x 48 1/4in birch plywood (Drawer bottoms)
* (4) 3/4 x 4 x 36 "Craft" pine (Drawer sides)
* 1/4 x 24 x 48 plywood (Pull out table)

Glue:
* 1/2 bottle wood glue
* 2 cans of super 77 spray glue

Hardware:
* (2) pairs of 24 inch 150 pound drawer slides
* Box of 2.5 inch wood screws.
* (10) D ring Tie downs
* (20) sets: M6 x 30mm bolts, washer and locking nut
* (2) shallow drawer pulls (So to not hit the plastic on the rear hatch when closed)
* (2) Black barrel bolts (for securing the drawers closed)
* (20) large round head Philips screws (For attaching the metal brackets to the wood drawer frame)

I used spare bits of wood, shims and scrap metal in various places as needed.
Also used staples and staple gun already available.
Bolting to vehicle body done with on the fly welded scrap steel and existing frame nuts for rear slider tray which was removed.
Look closely at the pictures below for other details...


Covering:
* Three rolls of lightweight interior "carpeting" (Pep Boys). 2 black, one grey.
If you are not doing the bed extension, you can get away with only two rolls.

How much would you charge me to build this same set up for my TRD PRO 4RUNNER?