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Old 09-26-2010, 12:09 PM
 
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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?

Any advice would be greatly appreciated!
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Old 09-26-2010, 12:19 PM
 
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There's no reason why it wouldn't, just get a TDi out of an RWD vehicle for ease of installation maybe?
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Old 09-26-2010, 04:30 PM
 
Location: Pomona
1,955 posts, read 10,628,574 times
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Most VW TDIs are FWD. Even so, it's doable with some ingenuity (and a fab shop). Here's a VW TDI in a 1992 Volvo 245 ...


YouTube - TDI245 idle
Volvo 240 wagon TDI - TDIClub Forums
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Old 09-26-2010, 07:54 PM
 
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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.
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Old 09-26-2010, 08:09 PM
 
Location: Columbia, California
6,664 posts, read 29,522,178 times
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Narfcake View Post
Most VW TDIs are FWD. Even so, it's doable with some ingenuity (and a fab shop). Here's a VW TDI in a 1992 Volvo 24
The Volvo 245 diesel used a VW straight 6 truck motor. Never really see any used ones for sale.
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Old 09-26-2010, 11:16 PM
 
Location: Pomona
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Quote:
Originally Posted by ferretkona View Post
The Volvo 245 diesel used a VW straight 6 truck motor. Never really see any used ones for sale.
That was the 80's one - it sucked. The one in context is a modern 1.9L TDI.
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Old 09-27-2010, 11:16 AM
 
Location: Johns Creek, GA
16,648 posts, read 61,412,326 times
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Here's the place to ask the question-

Fred's TDI Page. TDIClub.com. VW TDI Enthusiast Community

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:

http://www.acmeadapters.com/store_engine.php

And you might want to read through here:

http://forums.vwvortex.com/forumdisp...rid-Swap-Forum

Last edited by K'ledgeBldr; 09-27-2010 at 11:28 AM..
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Old 09-27-2010, 11:56 AM
 
19,023 posts, read 25,016,572 times
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Quote:
Originally Posted by SD4020 View Post
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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Old 09-27-2010, 01:01 PM
 
Location: We_tside PNW (Columbia Gorge) / CO / SA TX / Thailand
31,483 posts, read 51,927,553 times
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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
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Old 09-27-2010, 02:59 PM
 
Location: Eastern Washington
16,416 posts, read 53,625,277 times
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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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