PICS! Econo Car conversion to Kubota Diesel. 1997 Geo Metro, Kubota D1005 3 cylinder
 

Like you, I like cars. I like working on them, driving them, modifying them... pretty much everything about cars with the exception of body work.

I've owned a long list of cars and enjoyed every one of them; from the VW Thing to the Porsche Cayman. I've rebuilt some VW diesels, some gas engines, some motor scooters, and tons of other junk.

For every 1 project I've finished I've started 3, and considered 100.

In an effort to not lose focus, to draw on your enthusiasm, and to document my efforts I've decided to start this build thread, right here on Ecomodder.

First up, the patient:
A 1997 Geo Metro.
It's worse than it looks and has very few redeeming qualities. The seller was either dumb or slick. The buyer (that's me) was foolish and too eager.
http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j1...ay%201%20b.jpg http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j1...ay%201%20c.jpg
http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j1...ay%201%20d.jpg http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j1...ay%201%20a.jpg
http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j1...84188167_o.jpg
http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j1...8323_o%201.jpg

Engine Removed:

http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j1...14250747_o.jpg http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j1...43868612_o.jpg

And, the "new" engine before being parted from the generator head:
Click on it for the video of the startup:
http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j1...017_111755.mp4

And the engine, after all of the "stuff" was pulled off:

http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j1...017_170600.jpg
http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j1...017_170618.jpg
http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j1...017_170652.jpg

Game on, I suppose!

Is the direction of rotation right?

regards
mech

Yes indeed, the Kubota rotates CCW when viewed from the Flywheel.
The G13BA does the same, right.

I think this is what, a proven 90 to 100mpg setup.
Much more productive than chasing unicorns. (hho, fuel vapor and so on)

And I'm pretty excited to get it on the road (hopefully this year, 2015) and start playing with the aero stuff. I want something that seats 3, sounds like a tractor, gets great mileage, and looks insane.

This is as much a loss of productivity as the aformentioned Unicorn devices.
 

I would dare say most any mod other than change of driving style lacks a payback that allows you to break even economically ( depending how you value your time and effort ).


But, it is going to be FUN! And that is priceless.

Ahh, the fun is why I'm here!

If I needed the car for transportation this would not be a viable project.

Subscribed!!

Glad to have you on Ecomodder and eagerly looking forward to your progress :thumbup:

As far as aero mods are concerned, you cannot go wrong copying such legends as Basjoos's Aerocivic and Donkey CRX's MULE VX.

http://www.wired.com/images_blogs/ph...trebuild15.jpg
http://ecomodder.com/forum/member-th...4270706440.jpg

Kubota Backing plate acquired!
 

eBay score!

My engine came with an SAE #5 bellhousing. The bellhousing adds about 5 inches of length to the engine so I knew I would not be able to use it.

I scored this Kubota backing plate on eBay for a few dollars. I don't think I'll be able to use it in the car, but with a set of transfer punches I'll be able to get the critical holes marked out on the new aluminum adapter. (I've decided I can build the adapter my self. this ought to be good :rolleyes: )

http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j1...er%201%20b.jpg

http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j1...er%201%20a.jpg


For the actual in car adapter, I found a 13"x13" plate of 1/2" aluminum for 70 dollars. A bit steep, but a possibility. I'll keep searching.

Just saw this thread, subscribed. Good luck with your engine swap!
~CrazyJerry