It's pretty much done!

[R_Lefebvre]

Wow, that's kinda what I was thinking, needing half a car. So you figure $10k to bring one over? Ouch. Does really seem not worth it just to get the fuel savings. Would be nice if I could offset it by selling off my gas powertrain.

How do you think the truck would tow with the diesel? I know it's got a lot of torque, and probably feels sprightly around town, but it is only 120hp, I gotta think trying to get the rig up to speed with a heavy trailer would be pretty bad? That's one of my other concerns.

[Mercedesrover]

Wow, that's kinda what I was thinking, needing half a car. So you figure $10k to bring one over? Ouch. Does really seem not worth it just to get the fuel savings.

Fuel savings is not, has never been and will never be the reason for doing a diesel swap.

[revor]

I was trying to get it out with a trailer on this weekend but it never came to pass.. I think it will be okay up to what really should be towed behind a Disco, maybe 1500 pounds.

As far as the reason I did it. The car had 150ish so it needed a motor an it showed. Being less and less of a fan of the Buick V8 I figured why not. To rebuild would cost an honest couple grand so why not a low mile used Diesel. Better range better milage than the V8 at about 13MPG(after a week it's looking like about 25MPG around town) better power and more fun. It's even a little less complicated than a Gems car and only slightly more complicated than a 14cux.

[kevb]

Good job Keith, interesting project. I am a big fan of the Td5 having had 3 so far (D2 & 2 90s) and covered over 100,000 trouble free miles in them. On our recent trip with BB I was getting 19mpg off road and 25 on, even with a 90 that gives me a good range. (did Bill get his front diff cover done?)

How have you tuned the ECU? I have a Dastec in my green 90 and a Van Aaken in my good 90, both are a big improvement over standard but I want to go for a proper remap, been looking atTD5 Alive, they can do it by email for later ECUs if you have a Nanocom.

[revor]

Hey Thanks Kev!

It has been interesting! Given the options for a motor in a D1 I figured why not kick it up a notch! BAM!

Bill got his cover repaired, in the end we didn't use mine because of the complexity of the install (?) but after talking Rob the mechanic that worked on it it's all good now.

Haven't gotten a tune on this one just ye. I have the earlier ECU (late 2001) so it's a Piggy back unit or put a later ECU in it and buy a Nanocom. I'll buy the Nanocom regardless. Based on how my wife drives I might leave it stock (oh I'm in trouble now!!)

It is a very powerful and pleasent little engine. I'll be excited to see how it runs up the mountain!

[michaelgroves]

Fuel savings is not, has never been and will never be the reason for doing a diesel swap.

Until fuel starts costing US$9/U.S. gallon like it does here in the UK. Anyone doing a biggish mileage of say 50,000 km a year, can probably save around $5000 per year.

[michaelgroves]

I think it will be okay up to what really should be towed behind a Disco, maybe 1500 pounds.

Hmm, my TD5 Disco was quite happy with a 3-ton trailer. Change down for the steep ascents and descents, of course, and it's a little slow, but never gave the impression it was straining.