any suggestions?

[Kravur]

Hi
Does anyone have any suggestions on what type of diesel motor would work best in a 1977 280Z? I have a buddy who wants to take the stock inline 6 out of the car and replace it with a good diesel motor. I personally do not have any experience with any type of diesel, so ya, i would appreciate any help that can be given. thanks

Kravur

[MagicRat]

I cannot imagine why anyone would want to do such a thing. A diesel would get slightly better gas mileage, but the thousands of dollars required for such an unlikely and difficult conversion would pay for all the extra gasoline used about 10 times over.

Any diesel engine small enough to fit would be less powerful and slower to rev, thus ruining the fun of driving such a sports car.

Diesel engines are generally more expensive than gas engines; if the original six is worn out, a rebuild would be cheaper than buying a new diesel.

Swapping in a diesel would be difficult and expensive and probably would require a different transmission and a custom installation (mounts, plumbing, wiring etc)

[Kravur]

Originally Posted by MagicRat

I cannot imagine why anyone would want to do such a thing. A diesel would get slightly better gas mileage, but the thousands of dollars required for such an unlikely and difficult conversion would pay for all the extra gasoline used about 10 times over.

Any diesel engine small enough to fit would be less powerful and slower to rev, thus ruining the fun of driving such a sports car.

Diesel engines are generally more expensive than gas engines; if the original six is worn out, a rebuild would be cheaper than buying a new diesel.

Swapping in a diesel would be difficult and expensive and probably would require a different transmission and a custom installation (mounts, plumbing, wiring etc)

I believe my buddy jim understands the pain in the ass of installing this setup into his car. I side with him when it comes to the idea of having a 1977 280Z with a strong diesel motor under the hood, plus it would be one of a kind. this is why when we choose a motor we must have it right. because like you said: if the plumbing, electrical, and ect. get to complex then he would be forced to change it out. jim doesnt want to risk spending the expense unless he knows it can be done 100%. that is why were are going to a third party like yourself for suggestions. thank you for the response.

anyone have an suggestions on a good diesel motor to use?

[Moppie]

Originally Posted by Kravur

anyone have an suggestions on a good diesel motor to use?

Find one from a 1970s Mercedes, they a straight bolt in swap.
All you need to change is the fuel lines and pump.
Engine mounts and gear box ar a direct bolt up as the 280, like the 260 and the 240 used a Nissan built copy of a Mercedes motor.


Of course diesel engine technology in the 70's was crap, and the motor will smoke and preform accordingly.

[Kravur]

Originally Posted by Moppie

Find one from a 1970s Mercedes, they a straight bolt in swap.
All you need to change is the fuel lines and pump.
Engine mounts and gear box ar a direct bolt up as the 280, like the 260 and the 240 used a Nissan built copy of a Mercedes motor.


Of course diesel engine technology in the 70's was crap, and the motor will smoke and preform accordingly.

Thanks, I appreciate the help.

[UncleBob]

they had a diesel in the early maxima's....probably would be easy to convert. I don't know if thats the mercedes engine you're refering to

But man were they gutless

[Kravur]

Originally Posted by UncleBob

they had a diesel in the early maxima's....probably would be easy to convert. I don't know if thats the mercedes engine you're refering to

But man were they gutless

ya iv looked at those. it would be on the easy side for a conversion, but i was leaning more towards the Audi A3 diesels. either the 1.9l or the 2.0l.

anyone know much about the Audi diesel motors?
or any other recommendations?

[vgames33]

Audi is owned by VW, right? I've heard that VW TDs are pretty good engines.

[Moppie]

Originally Posted by vgames33

Audi is owned by VW, right? I've heard that VW TDs are pretty good engines.

Audi and VW are part of VAG, or the VW Audi Group.
So they share lots, and lots of things;chassis, engines, wifes etc

[Kravur]

Originally Posted by Moppie

Audi and VW are part of VAG, or the VW Audi Group.
So they share lots, and lots of things;chassis, engines, wifes etc

so do you believe i can make one of VAG's 2.0 TDI motors work? as long as i get the mounts, tranny, and drivetrain assembly done correctly? how hard would the electronics be and would i have to send it to a professional?

[Moppie]

If you can make a modern, German, common rail, transverse 4 cyl Diesel engine work in a 1970s Japanese sports car, I will be very, very impressed.

[athertonracing.com]

Why diesel? Lots of weight there! However, it does seem like Audi knows how to race w/ a diesel. I would go with a small diesel if any.

[Kravur]

Originally Posted by Moppie

If you can make a modern, German, common rail, transverse 4 cyl Diesel engine work in a 1970s Japanese sports car, I will be very, very impressed.

oh no it will happen. haha i hope :P
thanks for the help.

Originally Posted by athertonracing.com

Why diesel? Lots of weight there! However, it does seem like Audi knows how to race w/ a diesel. I would go with a small diesel if any.

because diesels are powerful, and i believe an inline 4 diesel motor will work in this situation, for his type of car. will be a one of a kind, just will cost my buddy a pretty pennie.
______
so does anyone know much about any Audi TDI motors? say the 1.9L or 2.0L diesels?
and the electrical system with it?

[UncleBob]

Originally Posted by Kravur

because diesels are powerful

I hope thats not why he's doing this....to make his car faster. Would take an awful lot of work to get a TDI into the "fast" catagory

[Kravur]

Originally Posted by UncleBob

I hope thats not why he's doing this....to make his car faster. Would take an awful lot of work to get a TDI into the "fast" catagory

I said powerful...not fast. if i wanted fast i would put a small block 350 with a 471 blower sittin' on top.
me and my buddy wish to have a one-of-a-kind 280Z. and we want it to be powered by a diesel.
thanks for the coments