Diesel Swaps into 50s/60s Classics

[lacolocho]

Um, that's what conversion systems are for...
Heat up the oil before it even gets to the IP so it thins out the fuel. With a two-tank system there's no worry about a cold engine either

[SwamiSalami]

Originally Posted by lacolocho

Um, that's what conversion systems are for...
Heat up the oil before it even gets to the IP so it thins out the fuel. With a two-tank system there's no worry about a cold engine either

I was referring to the gentleman from New Mexico, which I indicated by quoting him in my reply. This is customary on forums in which multiple users are responding to other users. Things can get a little sticky conversationally.

[lacolocho]

I was referring to the gentleman from New Mexico, which I indicated by quoting him in my reply. This is customary on forums in which multiple users are responding to other users. Things can get a little sticky conversationally.

I was as well, sorry for the confusion

[oil pan 4]

The DB2 serries can pump anything as long as you dont over do it.
I have burned many gallons of used motor oil, used vegetable oil, used hydraulic fluid, used turbine engine oil. Used motor oil causes you to go through a lot of fuel filters, thats why I use a G3 fuel filter as a primary $3.50 each and they last at least 3 or 4 months and with my more powerful duel electric fuel pump setup they should last a lot longer.

[euromodder]

Originally Posted by lacolocho

If I'm doing the swap myself, where is this cost factor coming in?

The engine.
Time spent - though that'd depend on how you see this project.
Assorted stuff you may need to complete the conversion - adapter plates, different length shafts, ...

[Ladogaboy]

In my opinion, there might be a market, but not necessarily in the area you are thinking. The "classic" muscle cars might not see much benefit from these swaps because the people who are drawn to them would rather be running high displacement, high HP motors.

You might be better off converting the less desirable cars from the 50s, 60s and 70s. Quite a few hipsters/scensters want to be different and driving something that matches their fedoras, cardigans, and 35mm cameras would fit the bill. They are only interested in image anyway, so they probably wouldn't even be bothered with what's under the hood. Then again, if they could brag to their friends about a 40 mpg "classic," that would be even more of an incentive.

Also, because of different safety regulations, many of the cars from that era are remarkably light sans engine. You could probably get away with swapping in ~ 2.0L diesels (with or without turbos) and be fine.

Anyway, I think your idea has legs. Never underestimate a person's willingness to pay to be different. What was it Walt Disney said about the first idea he would work on was the one that everyone told him wouldn't work?

[lacolocho]

Assorted stuff you may need to complete the conversion - adapter plates, different length shafts

No need for adapter plates! I'd either be doing the GM diesel swap or an entire Mercedes OM617 swap with engine and tranny together.

You might be better off converting the less desirable cars from the 50s, 60s and 70s. Quite a few hipsters/scensters want to be different and driving something that matches their fedoras, cardigans, and 35mm cameras would fit the bill. They are only interested in image anyway, so they probably wouldn't even be bothered with what's under the hood. Then again, if they could brag to their friends about a 40 mpg "classic," that would be even more of an incentive.

This is EXACTLY the market that I'm referring to!

[lacolocho]

Also, because of different safety regulations, many of the cars from that era are remarkably light sans engine. You could probably get away with swapping in ~ 2.0L diesels (with or without turbos) and be fine.

I agree. The problem is that I would want to put an engine in that is easy to find parts for rather than something obscure. I really like the Nissan LD28 that was put into the Maximas: 2.8L straight six with timing chain instead of a belt.
Although, essentially what's most important is what I could get my hands on for cheap that has low miles and in good shape.

[oil pan 4]

Originally Posted by euromodder

The diesel conversion is going to cost a lot; diesel is more expensive in the US; and these cars are unlikely to be driven the kind of miles that would make diesel operation economical; swapping in a 6+ L diesel is hardly an economy measure.

GM killed the diesel car market in the US a long time ago and our government works to surpress diesel applications in anything but heavy duty passanger pickups and vans so all we really have for easy to get old diesel engines are these old truck engines.

Originally Posted by euromodder

Those old battleships often have plenty of space, why not add LPG to a petrol engine ?

The same thing can be done with diesels with intake fumigation you can run them off both LPG and diesel while being able to still run off diesel alone.

Originally Posted by Ladogaboy

You could probably get away with swapping in ~ 2.0L diesels (with or without turbos) and be fine.

The problem with non-turbo diesels in the 2L range is they are only going to put out about 50hp.

[Ladogaboy]

Originally Posted by oil pan 4

The problem with non-turbo diesels in the 2L range is they are only going to put out about 50hp.

In a sub-2,500 lb car with the proper transmission/gearing, would that be a problem? Besides, the people who would drive these cars would appreciate the extra attention they get by not being able to drive the speed limit.