gas hog

[albyneau]

Howdy folks~
Stumbled across your page here, and thought I'd chime in. Good to know what's goin on on both sides of the economic fence~ I normally build hotrods, resto-rods, and classic cars, but the motivation of the day is a *really* old datsun pickup that I'm converting to 4x4, AND econo-modding~ aiming for 35+mpg. I know that doesn't sound like much compared to electric jellybeans, but it's a reachable number~ and I need a TRUCK for all I do!

Scott

[skyking]

What year truck Scott? We purchased our first Datsun pickup in 1968. It trained a whole family of drivers, hauled wood, manure, tools, three big guys across the cab (center guy had the gas pedal and shifter, driver got the wheel, clutch, brake)

[albyneau]

I'm in shock~ someone took notice of my lowly project! It's a '71, with the old reliable L16 motor. It was converted to an automatic by the original owner. I'm only the third in line here on a 40 year old truck...? Wonders never cease... I'll be putting Suzuki Samurai drivetrain underneath, and the engine trans combo yet to be determined. Any ideas/suggestions? I *definitely* want something newer~ electronic ignition, EFI, etc., and fairly mainstream so as not to buy into parts availability issues down the road. Aluminum head is a MUST, as I'll be pumping up the CR as much as practicable. Large stroke, small bore also quite desireable. That's all for now~ not gonna give up all my super top secret strategies just quite yet!

[skyking]

Well I have a bias, I'd be putting a diesel in there myself. Can't wait to see what happens next.

[albyneau]

Thought of that, Skyman~ but finding lightweight and narrow (52.5") 4x4 axles geared for low-rpm diesels just aren't out there. With the Sami axles I'm committed to running the Sami divorced transfer case as well (offset output shafts)- so noroom for an overdrive to speak of.... The diesel idea's STILL in the back of my mind~ but it's of diminishing practicality....

[UFO]

I've got a 1989 Toyota 4x4 that gets mid-twenties without any hypermiling. I've been flogging it lately and I'm pretty sure I can get 30 mpg without any modification at all.

[euromodder]

In Europe, Suzuki put Peugeot's 1905 cc (1.9 L) XUD 9 turbodiesel in the Samurai.

There's an outfit in the US that sells VW TDi conversion kits :
Suzuki Samurai Turbo Diesel conversion kit for Suzuki Samurai

[crisco]

oh man i love those old datsuns! that would be an awesome project! i would be interested in seeing some of your non-eco projects too... i've been involved in some cool resto - mods too.

for your project i would whole-heartedly recommend a cool turbo diesel if you can get your hands on one... they are all over the place in central america on small pickups and suvs. also the nissan frontier came with a killer turbo diesel in other countries...

JDM Engine Corp Engine Details - Nissan Frontier YD25DDTi Turbo Diesel Engine YD25 Neo

[user removed]

Model 1 Vehicle Characteristics

1984 Sentra factory diesel, if you could ever find one, but it would be very hard for me to trash the car if it was decent and complete.

Welcome to ecomodder.

regards
Mech

[user removed]

84 Nissan Sentra miles: 104,XXX

Here is an 84 Sentra diesel in Little Rock, just over 100k miles. Original EPA highway was 49 MPG, high speed engine with good power and economy.

regards
Mech