Subcompact diesel swap?

[GO 4LO]

Hypothetical question. Let's say you want to build a diesel car with maximum fuel mileage in mind. What make/model car would you start with? What engine would you swap in? Or would you just buy a VW TDI? A friend of mine was considering this project since we could probably build something cheaper than a used TDI. So we were looking for some good ideas - prefer cars and engines that are commonly available here in the US and not too expensive... Thanks.



Chris

 

[Skydiver]

There is lots of info out there about people making >80 mpg cars.



128-mpg Diesel-Powered Sports Car



10HP_Chevy

 

[Forrest Nearing]

there just aren't that many small domestic diesels available... not that I'd want to rely on at least.



I'd just buy a TDI

 

[JHerr]

The difficult issue is the complexity of newer diesels and the electronics required to run one. The term "simple diesel swap" is quickly becoming an oxymoron.



Myself, I have considered a swap of a TDI eingine into an older Rabbit chassis. I don't see why this wouldn't work, especially due to the fact that TDI engines will be similar to a Rabbit's old 1. 6 NA engine. I would think that with some tall gears and using a car that weighs 1,000 lbs. less than a current Golf or Jetta, 60+ mpg would be possible. Trouble is, TDI engines are not cheap.



If you do succeed, you will likely have a relatively quick car, too.



Try searching Fred's TDI Page. TDIClub.com. VW TDI Enthusiast Community or VWvortex.com for others who have done the same thing.

 

[Philip]

The little Izzuz deisels were pretty good. My brother drove an IMark for about 10 years and 250k miles. All he ever did other than oil changes was 1 timing belt.



It took about 1/2 mile to get to the speed limit. But it did get 50 MPG.



Those cars have very little resale value. So your looking at a cheap small diesel engine. They also had 5 spd's in them.

 

[EKlem]

It is definitely possible to beat the VW's for mileage but it will require a lot of time and effort and money. I have always wanted to swap a TDI engine into a vigillante which is a 3 wheeler(I know but the design actually works well). It would get great mileage and even better performance. The website hasn't been updated in a few years so I don't know what the deal is with these cars but it is fun to look at.
Welcome to the home of the VIGILLANTE

I know that it isn't diesel but if you are looking to maximize mileage, don't rule out an electric. You can calculate an mpg equivalent and you would be surprised at how well they do. The Ford Ranger that I converted gets the equivalent of 60-70mpg. They are super cheap and fun to drive and aren't that hard to convert. If you are looking to commute more than 60 miles or so each way though, they aren't too good.