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Turbo Indian · 01-04-2009, 08:57 AM

I have given some thought to this idea, and I know many will say are you hitting the crack pipe!! my plans are to take a VW TDI and installing it into a 70-73 TA clone. the way I have it figured it will be one of the most fuel efficient TA's on the road. no it will not be a power house but it would make a great daily driver. most will say the weight is going to kill the fuel mileage, well a jetta weighs in @ 3300#'s, and a Pontiac with that little 4 cyl I figure will weigh in about 3700#'s tops. besides with the diesel technology out there you would be surprised how much power you are able to make with that little diesel. OK lets hear all of the

4dblnkldude · 01-04-2009, 09:39 AM

Its the worst idea I've heard in a while.

65lemans · 01-04-2009, 09:58 AM

Why ??? Why buy a muscle car and worry about Fuel economy ?
Sell your car and get a ricer !

Turbo Indian · 01-04-2009, 10:06 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 65lemans

Why ??? Why buy a muscle car and worry about Fuel economy ?
Sell your car and get a ricer !

why not have the best of both worlds? a nice looking car & good fuel economy. it's not like it's going to be a race car, it would be a daily driver. hell it would probably out run some of the 301 powered "muscle cars" Pontiac produced.

Ron Genovese · 01-04-2009, 10:09 AM

You might want to consider keeping it forever, because it will be completely unmarketable in that form.

TheMonkey · 01-04-2009, 10:35 AM

i like thinking about weird ideas, but if you are capable of that swap; some other ideas i like a bit better.... (my 2 cents - others will also hate these alternatives)

- wait for the new duramax motor to come out this year and put that in
- install an LS3 or some kind of equivalent and get 30 mpg
- CNG conversion, or some other alternative fuel
- consider a second car for fuel efficiency

BIGBLUE · 01-04-2009, 11:26 AM

I agree with others, there are better choices that make more sense. Correct me if I'm wrong, but some Quad 4 GM motors made 200+ HP, and got real good mileage. A better swap.

Also, if you put a small motor in a muscle car, you are going to constantly get picked off by ricers and punks (Same thing, I know) who will be looking to put another notch in their hair brush. Do you want to be responsible for having the youngest generation spit on classic cars? Don't do it.

Turbo Indian · 01-04-2009, 03:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TheMonkey

i like thinking about weird ideas, but if you are capable of that swap; some other ideas i like a bit better.... (my 2 cents - others will also hate these alternatives)

- wait for the new duramax motor to come out this year and put that in
- install an LS3 or some kind of equivalent and get 30 mpg
- CNG conversion, or some other alternative fuel
- consider a second car for fuel efficiency

well I'm glad I'm not the only one that thinks outside the box. as for the D'max, it has already been done, & the cost factor is astronomical. as for the LS motor, I think you would be very hard pressed to 30 mpg with that body style car. we own a C5 & that does get over 30 mpg highway, but it has excellent aerodynamics. if & when I get my swamp buggy running I plan on running propane.

TheMonkey · 01-04-2009, 03:52 PM

i'm not sure the new duramax has even been produced yet. will be out for 2010 model year for light duty trucks. it's a baby duramax that will be 4.5 liters, 72° bank angle, with exhaust & turbo in the valley where intake traditionally goes. smaller design that is supposed to drop right in where any LS motor can fit. this small version will only produce 520 ft# torque in stock form. this swap should be much easier than the 6.6, but i'm sure the motor will be very expensive.

i like the idea of swapping an M70 BMW V12. old 750il would get 28 mpg in a very heavy car.

Turbo Indian · 01-04-2009, 06:46 PM

AHHH that new D'max.

x-bird2 · 01-04-2009, 06:50 PM

interesting thought, how are you going to package the drivetrain in the car. i've been thinking about some modern inline 4s for my mga, but getting one i like with a rwd config is near impossible.

Turbo Indian · 01-04-2009, 06:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by x-bird2

interesting thought, how are you going to package the drive train in the car. I've been thinking about some modern in line 4s for my mga, but getting one i like with a rwd config is near impossible.

to be honest I have only given the trans part minimal thought for 2 reasons, #1 I have about the best VW mechanic in the US around the corner from me & if there is something out there, he knows about it. #2 a friend of mine can make damn near anything in his shop, & he would love to make an adapter to go from the TDI to a rear wheel drive tranny, just to say he did it.

Overkillphil · 01-04-2009, 08:56 PM

I drove one of those TDI's. They are quite powerful considering the weight of the car, size of the engine, and awesome fuel mileage! I remember being able to get rubber in most of the gears.

I say go for it. Alot of challenges and I preduct your biggest hurdle will be converting the engine to work with the rear wheel drive (tranny?).

And the Poncho is just a clone anyway, so your probably just yanking a boring base or Espirit model drivetrain.

I wanted to do a similiar project but using a 7.3 Powerstroke diesel. But they are a bit too big and heavy.

455Grandville · 01-04-2009, 09:29 PM

Seen a few Duramaxxes/Cummins 5.9 conversions; plus they have the potential to outrun many big blocks - .02

I think the Duramaxx is 850-900 lbs; so for a diesel its pretty light.

FLYNLOW · 01-04-2009, 10:19 PM

You should see mid 20's with an LS swap. The Bird will also likely be a bit lighter than 3700 pounds with the TDI or LS. I know guys are making real good power out of those 4 bangers in the new Cobalts SS's. The turbo'd ones, not the supercharged ones. Exhaust and tune away from 300WHP.

My vote is for LS swap, even if its a 5.3.