Mini Diesel engine options and suitable gearboxes
Discussion
Beyond the known Mini diesel conversions that make use of either the 993cc 3-cylinder Daihatsu CL-Series, 1.4-1.5 PSA TUD and odd 1.5 Isuzu 4EC1 units, what other small diesel engines could realistically fit into a Classic Mini?
Have looked at the 41-53 hp 799cc 3-cylinder Turbodiesel from the Smart Fortwo CDI (that can apparently be remapped to produce around 69-75 hp) though even if the engine could easily slot into a Classic Mini, could the existing transmission be made to cope with the torque/etc from the 799cc 3-cylinder Turbodiesel unit (especially when remapped) or any other small diesel engine for that matter?
If not, what would be a suitable gearbox or would one have to settle for using the Smart's existing dodgy semi-automatic gearbox?
In the case of a remapped Classic Mini 800 CDI conversion, the prospect of 1275 Cooper S-like pace with potential 83MPG and 86g/km Co2 figures is very appealing (at least in theory).
Have looked at the 41-53 hp 799cc 3-cylinder Turbodiesel from the Smart Fortwo CDI (that can apparently be remapped to produce around 69-75 hp) though even if the engine could easily slot into a Classic Mini, could the existing transmission be made to cope with the torque/etc from the 799cc 3-cylinder Turbodiesel unit (especially when remapped) or any other small diesel engine for that matter?
If not, what would be a suitable gearbox or would one have to settle for using the Smart's existing dodgy semi-automatic gearbox?
In the case of a remapped Classic Mini 800 CDI conversion, the prospect of 1275 Cooper S-like pace with potential 83MPG and 86g/km Co2 figures is very appealing (at least in theory).
cpas said:
Just a quick question. Are you doing this just out of interest to see if it can be done, or are you after economy? Have you calculated the mileage you would need to do at the extra MPG to pay for the conversion cost? Also, the CO2 figures won't mean you pay any less car tax.
Mainly to see whether it can be done though given the Mini is lighter than the Smart Fortwo, it would be interesting to see whether the mpg figures remain unchanged or are somehow improved upon. I have see in mags some done but cant remeber what I did yesteerday let alone what they were. Nornly the older engines are easyer to fit but newer work better. But I say go for it. I think making old cars what we want keeps them alive. Two may are left as they are to rust on the drive.
Cooperman said:
It always seems a bit sad somehow to turn a classic car of any type into a 'hybrid'.
It's a bit like putting an American Ford V8 into an E-Type Jag.
A Ford V8 powered E-type would still be a fun to drive car, and would sound amazing (and would be worth doing to watch peoples faces as you lift the bonnet)It's a bit like putting an American Ford V8 into an E-Type Jag.
A diesel mini would sound awful, and lose the fun from one of the "funnest" cars ever
What about some of the modern 1.6 3 cylinder VAG units ? I think I had a Seat Ibiza hire car that was one ( it was defo 3cyl, cant remember what size though )
Having only 3 cylinders is bound to be a huge help, especially when retaining the VW gearbox too.
Wiki lists VW as making 1.2 and 1.4 TDI 3cyl engines.
Obviously they're modern so wont be cheap though
Having only 3 cylinders is bound to be a huge help, especially when retaining the VW gearbox too.
Wiki lists VW as making 1.2 and 1.4 TDI 3cyl engines.
Obviously they're modern so wont be cheap though
Someone close this thread!
The only reason people are able to say "you can't tell it's a diesel" is because of the huge amount of time, effort and material that goes into sound deadening in a modern car.
You will not be able to kill the clanky sound of a tdi, it will sound awful in a Mini.
The only reason people are able to say "you can't tell it's a diesel" is because of the huge amount of time, effort and material that goes into sound deadening in a modern car.
You will not be able to kill the clanky sound of a tdi, it will sound awful in a Mini.
A Ford V8 engine in an E-Type Jaguar! I can inform anyone interested, that such a conversion was completed in about 1969-1970. Said vehicle had an HP-289 V8 engine and four speed gearbox fitted. I saw this car in a London street in about 1972. It was yellow with a fibre-glass top so must have been a convertible. Sounded really good and disappeared from view in a flash. I recall being very impressed. Must have been around Tottenham Court Road where all of those American cars used to be parked in the streets by various car sales concerns.
We used to have a BMC mini tractor on the farm when I was a lad, ours had a 1500cc B series diesel but some had a 948cc A series diesel. Maybe with the right crank that motor could be built up onto a standard mini transmission, or possibly the diesel pistons / head etc into a petrol block. I have no idea what, if anything was strengthened for the diesel version. Of course, its not going to have modern diesel performance either.
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