[new_bug]

Looking for opinions on the "easiest" or "lightest" vehicles with rear or mid engine to swap a smart 450 fortwo diesel engine/drivetrain into.

the 2005-2006 fortwo was sold in Canada with this engine but cant technically really be imported to the usa..

Some brief background, the .8l cdi is integrated with the transmission and computer, so donor body will get a complete engine/trans and complete wiring harness, cluster, ecu swap, with everything unneccessary deleted and coded using mb star diagnostic program by a master mercedes mechanic.


70-80s vehicles, or possibly earlier... are probably the sweet spot, as it just helps to avoid all the emissions and electrical headaches that come with newer vehicles when doing a swap. this will help keep it (relatively) low budget

I will share a large list of vehicle options i have come up with, but want to hear some suggestions first so i dont influence anyone with my prior ideas.

I am in the states (so selection is a lot different than europe) and there arent really a lot of rear engine vehicles. there are some out there obviously and some european and asian oddball imports that have been imported with enough frequency to consider them.
however in my situation, anything extremely rare or extremely expensive is not an option. I'm not going to use a lotus, for example.

the avion is one custom vehicle that has used this engine. im sure there are a few others, and LOTS of people who have thought about the idea..


the goal of this project will be ultimate mpg at 55mph with a more utilitarian and universally appreciated (or just different) body style vs the fortwo (people either love it or hate it). it would be cool if the vehicle could double as a mini "pickup truck" work car, or hauler, but obviously not required.

although aeordynamics is an important consideration, it is not going to be the biggest consideration in picking a body platform. light weight of the (stripped to a bare minimum) platform IS a very important concern, as the cdi is a little sluggish (although adequate) in the fortwo with a curb weight of 1775lbs...

thank you for any input!!!