Quote:
Originally Posted by RCPlayland
Hello,
I have been facinated by the high MPG trucks from the 1980's. I have done some research only to find myself drowned in data.
I am joining this forum due to a google search that brought up a topic from Diesel Dave and his record setting 50mpg 3/4ton truck. WOW!
So with that said, I feel even more like a novice on this topic. So I will be doing a ton of reading and asking for help here or there to figure this all out.
What I would like to have is a 50+mpg S-10 or Ranger size truck.
I know that diesels would be the best bet. Yet the ones I have found are older and hard to find parts for.
Yet I have seen some youtube videos of newer style s-10's/rangers being swapped with diesel engines and getting sometimes up in the 60mpg range. Holy moses!
So my goal is building or buying a 50+mpg diesel truck newer style. Might possibly go with an older one, but again... parts availability.
One last thing that I couldn't find that much data on... does cummings make a diesel engine currently that fits in the newer style trucks? Or can I buy one of the overseas motors and stuff it in a newer truck?
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Those youtube videos that show late model diesel mini pickups begs the question of legality. Unless you do not expect to ever have your vehicle scrutinized you can pretty much put any diesel engine in your late model mini. However, if you intend to drive it and register it longer, I suggest you go to the guidelines found at the EPA website concerning engine swaps.
If I were you, I would start by targeting my base truck so that you will have your year and specifications set. Then you can proceed to research what diesel engines are available that can fit physically and legally. The later model trucks will obviate late model diesel engine swaps from certified sources such as VW, BMW, Mercedes, etc.
As someone mentioned, there were diesel mini pickups available during the 80s by the Big Three via their Japanese affiliates. These pickups could be the basis for a "HOTROD" diesel pickup since most municipalities do not require extensive testing on these vehicles. Parts for some of them are more common than you think. But, in reality, since you will be swapping in another engine and probably a transmission, it doesn't really matter about parts. You are free to hotrod what you need. All you want is a clean body/frame and VIN. There will be a modest amount of fabrication, but nothing beyond what you could find at many home shops.
The third option would be to find a truck older than 1975. Since there is no requirement for emissions, you can pretty much do whatever you want engine wise. I would choose one of the classics such as a Ford F150 which were made in the millions and carried suspension pieces through many model years. A gasoline version is fine as there is no emissions checkup required. I would build around the frame and suspension a tube frame aero body along with a Cummins 4BT swap. This option requires the most in planning, tooling and execution but would result in a most satisfying and exclusive vehicle.
I hope I have not scared you off your project. But these are the realities. They do have their pitfalls and benefits and somewhere along the lines is a path for you to reach your goals.