Is Diesel even an option?

[tlhfirelion]

Hey guys, this may be sacralage being my first post and all, but Im a big diesel nut. I am contemplating a roadster kit, but after searching to no avail, has anyone on here considered a diesel engine?

I dont know if a VW TDI would work, or anything larger from the big 3? The VW TDI has 236 stock ft lbs of torque in a 3000 lb golf, Id bet that would be not only a fun little engine in an 1800 lb car, but easily get over 50 mpg as well.

Am I just off my rocker here?

Thanks!

[DARKPT]

Read up on the 818 project on this forum. You might just forget about the roadster. :)

[tlhfirelion]

Read up on the 818 project on this forum. You might just forget about the roadster. :)

I did look at that thread earlier and while it is a cool car, I dont normally gravitate towards that style of car. Lambos/lotus/saleen styles are neat, but they dont excite me like the older cobras do. However I'm kind of into diesel, mainly biodiesel if possible and would love to marry a diesel and a cobra too. I would drive this car as a daily driver. However I'm very new to the kit car scene so my goal may be unatainable without substantial modifications.

Thank you for your reply.

[riptide motorsport]

dont think it would be too dificult, they can stuff a 4.6 in there a small VW diesel shouldf be only a matter of engine mounts.........and undercar exhaust which has also been done..........Steven

[Magnus]

I know this is slightly off topic, but it's a point of reference: here is a clip of a diesel powered AC Cobra (as they are called "over there").


http://youtu.be/o71s282dopw

Jeremy goes to a race track and wrestles with a diesel-powered Jaguar: "all the horsepower comes in a big lump, and then it's time for a gear change." (at the 6:15 mark)

http://youtu.be/c2584f1_8ug

[tlhfirelion]

dont think it would be too dificult, they can stuff a 4.6 in there a small VW diesel shouldf be only a matter of engine mounts.........and undercar exhaust which has also been done..........Steven

Good to hear, maybe I'll put a duramax or a cummins in there then! :) That would be wicked.

[PhyrraM]

The '83-'92 Lincoln Mark VII was available in certain years with a BMW sourced turbo diesel that fits in the same engine bay normally reserved for a 5.0 . I assume the motor mounts are different, but you never know. I bet it's a heavy sucker though.

There was also a Mitsubishi sourced turbo diesel in the Ranger sometime during the 80s.

The newer VW units are likely a better overall choice though.

[WAYNES WORLD]

The VW TDI is pretty small and there are some aftermarket goodies for it so I don't see why it could not be made to work. At work we mated one to a Saturn CVT trans for a "project vehicle" and it ran greatThe only problem we had was related to the CVT trans. Would you use an auto or manual trans?
Wayne

[fastlane82]

cummins is probably out, unless you modify the oil pan, I don't know if I would take one on any long trips without 3 gallons of oil in it, though. Plus the engine is so long, being a straight 6 its got to be every bit of 4' with belts. I don't think the tranny would be a problem its relatively small compared to how big my dodge looks. I have seen a powerstroke block and it's about the same size as a big block, but the turbo sits on top. (height issues)I think it would be cool especially if you could get it to belch smoke out of the side pipes!! you would need a stout drive train thats for sure.

[teebee9320]

I would love to see it...I love seeing people do things that nobody else has done before.

I never understood the obsession some people had with diesel until I drove my a VW TDI recently....and I have to say the torque is very fun...I certainly see the appeal for it in a daily driver.

[Raceral]

Maybe you can get some tips here
http://www.dieselpowermag.com/features/ford/0901dp_1994_ford_mustang_duramax/index.html

[Dennisb]

Just "borrow" a BMW 335d out of a nearby X5