Project Build Help
 

Hello,

I am new to the forums, but very interested in ecomodding.

I have an idea for a project, but I need help getting it planned so that I can build it.

Loving British cars is like loving women with self-esteem issues, it takes a lot of money to keep them happy.

I love Triumph Spitfires/TR6's, MG's, etc. If you know these cars, then you know how expensive they are to maintain. Fuel mileage is generally iffy at best.

Here's what I want to build:

Triumph Spitfire (or other British 2-seat convertible), with a small diesel or preferably turbo diesel motor. The goal is to match the stock 78HP or perhaps slightly higher, but I could go as low as 50HP if the economy could be improved by a lot.

I do not have the slightest inclination of what engines would work well, or how awful a diesel conversion is, so I need your help.

Post Away!

For a British Leyland product, not as bad as you may think. Look at the 2.25 liter diesel used in the old Land Rovers. Or if you want to go Japanese, a 3 or 4 cylinder Yanmar or Kubota out of a genset, loader ( more money, but their build quality and efficiency is really good ), the VW IDI ( used a lot in Suzuki Samurai swaps ).

Compare the weights and dimensions of your engine and then find something that will come the closest.

Then there's the old Mazda diesel, Isuzu diesel ( used in the Chevette ), Mitsubishi 4D55 ( might be too big ).

Maybe an air cooled Duetz of an appropriate size ( no radiator )

VW 1.6 IDI weighs about 300, non turbo does 52hp, turbos were 60-80, depending on model.

Great torque from any of them, 70-100tq.@ 2500ish rpm.

They also respond very well to alternative fuels. Be careful, the pump is lubricated by fuel.

1.9IDI is a taller block, weighs more, and makes more power.

Saw a guy in Diesel Power put a mildly modded 1.6 IDI into a Porsche 356 replica. Turbo, gasser GTI intake, makes strong power. Knocks down 74 mpg.

Tom.

moTthediesel on here and everywhere else. Met him in person at last years GGP. Nice guy.

Thanks for the response. I think he built the perfect car. Wish it had room for a couple of baby seats.:thumbup:

not sure what the direction of rotation is that you're looking for, or what your price range is, but here is an idea:

Kohler Diesel Engine — 1028cc, High Speed Open Power with Group 8 Interchange, Model# KDW1003-1001 | Diesel Engines | Northern Tool + Equipment

little low on power though

Don't forget that most diesels will have much better low-RPM torque than the equivalent gasser. So often a lower-powered diesel will "feel" like a higher-powered gasoline engine because it pulls harder down low.

Don't forget the gearing part of the equation, though! For FE, you want tall gearing. With a diesel, you want tall gearing. So getting something that lets the motor spin a nice lazy RPM at freeway speeds will really help.

-soD