TDI engine in rear wheel vehicle? (idle, hybrid, exhaust, truck)

[Valkyria]

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!

[TheViking85]

There's no reason why it wouldn't, just get a TDi out of an RWD vehicle for ease of installation maybe?

[Narfcake]

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

[SD4020]

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.

[ferretkona]

Originally Posted by Narfcake

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.

[Narfcake]

Originally Posted by ferretkona

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.

[K'ledgeBldr]

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

[Mac_Muz]

Originally Posted by SD4020

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.

[StealthRabbit]

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

[M3 Mitch]

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.