DIESEL Conversion - or Parts?

[Gauge]

I think this would be the perfect vehicle for a DIESEL conversion. Anyone up for the challenge?

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&rd=1&item=4547282555&category=13473

Even if you are not that ambitious, someone has to have a gasser to throw in there.

"Bad Engine" is a rather loose term. Wonder exactly what that means?

 

[sc40]

looks great!, buy it for me and i'll get right to work

 

[LoveTractor]

Oh, you had to go and do that! I've been eyein' it since it was posted and now everybody knows. Gee thanks!
No seriously. I am eyeing it. It was $200 yesterday and then some momo made 6 or 7 consecutive bids I guess to find the reserve. I emailed the seller and asked what made for the "BAD ENGINE" and he replied: "The engine (which is a strait 6 cylinder)has a lower end knock. It could be a bearing or a rod?" Not much info.
I might still bid. I've got a buddy in Detroit who might take a look this weekend.

 

[Gumby]

Yikes! $5100 and still not at the reserve with a rod knock? So you drop $4000 into an engine swap and you got about what it's worth.

How bad does the maintenance have to be to toss a rod at 70,000 in a 1FZE?

 

[LoveTractor]

I don't think I'm gonna bid now a)because the seller can't spell "straight" which kinda always scared me and b)'cause Gumby hinted that I shouldn't. Thanks, Gumby. I thought maybe at 70,000 miles, it couldn't be that bad and I'd just do a bunch of oil flushes and AutoRX on the way home and *maybe* it'd clear up. A gamble I was willing to take until the price started rising and Gumby's comment. Now, on with my search....

 

[Kalawang]

If you are interested in the vehicle, check out the cost of a total overhaul from a competent shop. I would not encourage anybody to do an engine change unless he was building a racer. There are just too many parts to a car for an average DIY backyard project. You need to be a better than average mechanic with a lot of tools already in house and even more skill and smarts to have a chance at success.


Kalawang

 

[HZJ60 Guy]

Depending on the engine you choose, you'll be into a diesel swap at LEAST 12,000 US.

Good luck.



TB

 

[rgsiii]

Depending on the engine you choose, you'll be into a diesel swap at LEAST 12,000 US.

Good luck.



TB

That is about the figure was guesstimated at by four shops that I discussed a similar conversion. I would find it hard to justify buying it, with the likely shipping costs, defects that will be discovered after purchase and the various miscues that will occur with the conversion. You could end up with an expensive problem.