Convert Electric Truck to Diesel? - Page 3 - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

retmil46 · #31 03-25-2012, 01:16 PM

Dug the specs up on an 81 Courier with the 2.0 L Mazda gas engine and 5 speed manual tranny.

2.0 L Mazda 4 cyl gas engine - 77 HP @ 4300 RPM, 109 ft/lbs @ 2400 RPM

5 speed manual gear ratios - 1st 4.317, 2nd 2.455, 3rd 1.514, 4th 1.0, 5th 0.862

Rear end ratio on mine - 3.31

Tires - 185/75R14 (supposedly the stock size, Goodyear recommended 205/75R14 as the stock size years ago)

I had to look twice at the specs on that Mazda engine - but that's right out of the shop manual - even though it's a carbureated gas engine, it's almost a dead ringer in HP and torque for a VW AAZ 1.9 TD diesel.

rs899 · #32 03-25-2012, 07:06 PM

Unless you are a machining genius, I think you are asking for a lot of trouble trying to adapt the VW driveline to the Mazda. I also think the prices quoted for the VW powerplants are high, though I also realize that it is driven by the current oil situation and scarcity of VW engines.

Not that the VW isn't a bad one. In fact , I just dug through my current inventory of the older 1.6 NAs that I have squirreled away. I have an '81 VW Cabriolet that I have been struggling with for 5 years to put back on the road. I keep flip-flopping between gas and diesel. I have had 2 gas engines in it and still can't get it running right (blasted CIS). I am ordering pistons tomorrow to go in a slightly used oversized block. I don't find the 1.6 all that slow for around town, but I wish I had one of the rare turbodiesels.

retmil46 · #33 03-25-2012, 11:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rs899

Unless you are a machining genius, I think you are asking for a lot of trouble trying to adapt the VW driveline to the Mazda. I also think the prices quoted for the VW powerplants are high, though I also realize that it is driven by the current oil situation and scarcity of VW engines.

Well, this gent gets low mileage, complete engines shipped in from Europe -

Quality German Auto Parts ~|~ Home

As far as the machining work, I'm going to seek professional help on that one. This place is only 4 miles from the house, and has done quite a few diesel conversions, besides other work. Already went by and made initial contact, at least to get the injectors for the 87 tested -

Race City Diesel Home Page

Believe it or not, that Mazda tranny in the Courier, and a mid-90's 1.9 TD engine, use the same size and style clutch. Different spline count, but with everything else the same, you could slip the Mazda clutch disk onto the TD diaphragm plate and flywheel. Main problem then is adapting the bellhousing and pilot bushing for the tranny input shaft.

If you look on the Ford Courier Collector forum (believe it or not, some people actually value these trucks and have an active forum going), the most popular conversion is dropping in a 5.0 L V8!!!!

For gawds sake, if a Ford 302 will fit in one of these things, an inline 4 banger 1.9 L diesel ought to fit as well.

PowerstrokeJoe · #34 03-26-2012, 03:28 AM

I am just about done swapping an OM617 turbo into a Toyota. Its been a fun and rewarding undertaking. As of right now I am working on moving the engine and transmission back so I can clear the radiator and fan. Here are some pics.

I made the adapter plate from 1/2 inch plate and re drilled out the Toyota flywheel. I also had to machine a pilot bearing adapter to make it sit into the Mercedes crank.

Not trying to hijack your thread but if you have any questions about your swap that I can help you with give me a shout.