Corvette V8 diesel conversion - 40 mpg (US) avg.

[diesel_john]

Which is more efficient more cylinders or less cylinders?

[roflwaffle]

Even w/ diesels, efficiency depends on BSFC compared to gearing, although I imagine fewer cylinders with more displacement would be better compared to the same with more cylinders. I've noticed for my Rabbit, if I drop down in around 40mph cruising the loss in load and increase in BSFC mostly make up for the decrease in energy needed.

[Cowspots]

DJ,

Less cylinders inline is the most efficient in my opinion per equal displacement. There are less frictional losses.

No angular torque loss & less rotating mass than a V design. The V design exists for easier packaging in a chassis than an inline engine. Less valvetrain complexity, weight & cost.

Notice how GM went back to all-new inline 5cyl & 6cyl engines in the Trailblazer & Colorado?

That is my two cents.

Cowspots

[apgrok1]

So a 3.0L 3-cyl diesel would be optimum (or close to it) for a minivan?

[roflwaffle]

Depends on the choice of gearboxes and possibly differentials. Too small an engine might have to rev too high, which could hurt efficiency. Too large an engine and it could be at too low of a load...

[Cowspots]

Apgrok1,

No 3L 3-Cyl Diesel exists to my knowledge. There are 3L 4-Cyl Common Rail Diesel FORD Rangers in Taiwan. VW had the cast iron and more desirably the aluminum block Lupo 1.2L TDI in Germany and the UK.

FYI: The Lupo was the most economical ICE (internal combustion engine) production car ever produced at 78 US mpg which ended production in 2005. It used so little fuel that it had to have an axillary electric heater just to keep passengers warm. Heck, I'd be all warm inside knowing I was getting 78 mpg! WHY? WHY? WHY did VW kill it? Just when we need it the most? NOx emissions standards, I would guess.

Just like the GM Electric car. DEAD! The manufacturers killed them off!

Conspiracy theories abound! Time for my meds!

Goodnight,
Cowspots

[Chris D.]

we had a 3 cyl diesel generator at out shop way back when..

[diesel_john]

3 cylinder 3.3L

http://www.tractordata.com/td/td612.html


3 cylinder 854cc
http://www.deere.com/en_GB/products/.../hpx_specs.pdf

[Cowspots]

Thanks DJ,
WOW! I'm surprised to see that there was a 3.3L 3-Cyl engine produced in a US market tractor.
I wonder what the dimensions and weight are of this engine? I'll bet it's tall, very heavy & low RPM.
It's a shame it wouldn't be practical for any little econocar project.
I was seriously tempted to put an '83 GM 4.3L diesel into an '79 El Camino this week, but I just couldn't justify the cost of doing it. The seller of the Olds couldn't verify the drivetrain was good or even send me better pics.
I think that a '93 GM 6.5L TD running BIO-D/WVO in a 95+ Camaro with 6-speed & 2.73 F/D would be fantastic!

G-Night!
Cowspots

[Chris D.]

why not an isuzi 4 cyl diesel in an el camino?

that would be a nice little saver? or a mitsubishi turbo diesel out of a mini truck..