TDI engine in rear wheel vehicle? (idle, hybrid, exhaust, truck)
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My boyfriend has a spitfire that he wants to get working again. It needs a new engine and he would like to put a TDI engine in it if that is possible. The spitfire is rear wheel drive. Can you put a TDI engine in a rear wheel drive car?
It's a fairly common swap in RR (not to be confused with Rolls Royce)- apparently "their" diesels sucked. I bet somebody who's a member has done a swap, knows somebody who's done a swap, or some other type of FWD to RWD swap using a VW engine.
Here's a company that does adaptor kits for Samurais and Geos- it will give you an idea of the complexities involved in such a swap:
Yes it would be possible and frankly would be quite a cool deal. The TDI is front wheeled drive so the swap would or should be somewhat easier.
The main thing will be the angles of drivelines and fabrication of motor mounts.
I am confused as to whom you are speaking. The OP's car is a rear wheel drive triumph spitfire. I am not sure the bonnet is anything like tall enough to fit this engine with out bonnet mods.
I don't know what year this spitfire is but neither the 1,200 or 1,500 cc engine were as tall.
I assume you are talking to someone else on the thread.
However i would like to see someone try this TDI engine in a spitfire.
It would be a very large project to accomplish, much more than a little bonnet work.
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This will be a challenge with height (as mentioned) (and too narrow to tilt TDI engine on side, as in Vanagon)
1) Use a 1Z or AHU TDI ('96-199.5). Same block as VW inline 4 cyl Water Cooled applications, 1976-1999.5. Need TDI Donor ECU and Throttle potentiometer. Dashers and quantum had N-S orientation (different oil pan, pump, oil filter housing, accessory brackets (AC / PS / Alt), Water fittings, clutch, starter, intake parts and exhaust).
2) look at the Samurai conversions, thought height is an issue with them too.
3) Vanagon TDI conversion info can be of help too.
4) an IDI TD from a Quantum will have most of the donor engine parts you will need.
(You may need to use vanagon / quantum intake and turbo configuration).
also this site is good for VW-D resources TDI Engine
Goes without saying that the Spitfire would be worth way more money with the correct type gasoline engine it came with. If the car is otherwise complete and intact (does it run at all? Why do you say it needs an engine?) you could sell the Spitfire and buy a TDI equipped VW car...
As noted the conversion would be a lot of work, I just don't see enough upside to make it worth doing.
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