Fuel efficient (small!) diesel engine for Pickup truck

[bennelson]

I have heard from the veggie oil guys that they love the Benz 5-cylinder.

A quick look on FuelEconomy.gov
shows a 1985 300D as getting in the low 20's, but average reported from actual drivers as 27 mpg. I would think that I could get that higher with a manual transmission.

Also, that's a longitudinal engine, instead of a transverse engine, so that might make it a little easier to install in a rear-wheel drive truck as well.

Ideally, it would be nice to increase both fuel economy and towing ability through conversion to diesel, but I bet that's asking a bit much!

[Christ]

Anything diesel will help you out with towing b/c of the lower/more stable torque curves that diesels tend to have.

Flat torque is always going to be better than peaky torque... especially if you're using long gears, like you will be w/ a diesel. (Remember, 4K redline on most.)

[Christ]

It wouldn't kill you to use a turbo, would it? You could realize much higher output numbers with the same amount of fuel without ever going into positive boost w/ a turbo, just keeping it away from fully spooling, so that it keeps the engine running as though it were getting 100% VE as often as possible.

BTW - if you want something that will get you decent mileage, and will bolt into your truck with a simple mount kit - Olds 307 Diesel engine.

[The Atomic Ass]

Ben, if you're looking to drop a diesel in your dime, would you be open to the idea of buying a whole vehicle, and keeping the engine/selling the body?

Cause there's this nice little Rabbit Caddy going on the 'bay right now, fresh paint and recent veggie conversion, but I don't have the money to snatch it up.