Funny you bring up this topic...

I have always *wondered* what a modern TDI engine would be like in the Fiero. I can tell you, these things drive and handle almost like gasoline engines now, they don't rev as high as modern gasoline engines do, but neither do the Fiero engines. And as for torque, the TDI has plenty, and it does not sound like a diesel at all. I almost didn't notice I was driving a diesel. No smell either.

And at about 4 bucks a gallon with our fuel guzzling Fiero dinosaurs, life is no longer as much fun as it was a few years ago.

But then, those engines are hard to find over here, and if you do find them, they're expensive, and I can buy a lot of gas for that kind of money.

Having said all that, remember that I said it would be an interesting project, not that I'd mutilate any of *my* babies...

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Visit my website: www.fieros.de for lots of technical and other Fiero related information

I was in Germany last year and went to rent a car at the airport. All they had left was some weird Mercedes very small city vehicle and an Audu A4 turbo diesel. Took the Audi, it was a blast TONS of torque in a narrow rpm range. The euro versions must be different as this thing really moved with the 5 spd. Unbelievable fuel mileage even in the city beating on it! And forget what you think diesels are like. There was NO rattle whatsoever (with the windows up), no smoke, easy starting.
I'll tell you though germans are weird. The drivers door wouldn't fully close all the way unless really slammed and we got cursed at for it. They would yell at us and point to their heads....something about "dumkoff". I didn't close it all the way the rest of the time just to see the reactions. I guess we were "out of order" and deserved to be abused!?

Saw a semi at the drags last night,no kidding.
It turned a 14.37.
The burnout was the funniest thing to watch.

For reference... Euro diesels will not work here. The problem is our fuel. It has too much sulfur in it to run the tight diesels used in Europe.

If/When the EPA ever get U.S. diesel cleaned up, you'll likely quickly see euro diesels showing up here.

The only source of U.S. fuel that is clean enough would be Bio Deisel but I'm not sure how the Euro motors deal with it. It's not practivle enough to meet mass market requirements so you won't see those motors here any time soon.

[This message has been edited by theogre (edited 07-14-2002).]

quote Originally posted by Dennis LaGrua: You're not going to win any "shootouts" with a diesel.

OH YEAH?! How about a MPG shootout? A the VW turbo diesel made Ward's Autoworld's annual "TEN BEST ENGINES" list a couple of years ago.

for the record, i never bought any of my fieros because they were sports cars. i know they have the potential to be viper-eaters, but i bought them because they were made of plastic (enduroflex) and therefore wouldn't (couldn't) rust. also, i like the way they looked, and they are cheap. and their gas mileage isn't too bad. now if only their engines would last 300,000 miles and if only i could fill up less often (i consistently get 800 miles to the tank with my VW Golf TDI).....enter the diesel.

well i just found a 1.6L diesel in louisville, and a transmission to go with it. not exactly what i wanted, but it's a great project. all for 150, and the guy said he'd deliver within 100 miles. crazy nice southern folk.

so the point of this response......anyone know what's involved with this? here is what he posted:

includes: good clutch, injector pump, injectors, intake manifold, water pump. mileage is 140,000. Motor came out of my '81 caddy and was running strong when removed. Just needs to be timed and new timing belt installed to be a good reliable motor.

if you care to help me (with ideas or more if you're local), here's the post of the guy who's selling the engine and transmission.
http://forums.vwvortex.com/zerothread?id=424777

what else will i need?

What make of engine is the 1.6L diesel? Who put it in a 1981 Caddy? Certianly not GM!

i just copied and pasted his post from the vwvortex.com forums. i think he meant cabby, which is an abreviation of the cabriolet, a volkswagen.

this is kind of moot. i was talking to some local people about this, and they told me that with my knowledge and experience, this is going to be way over my head. so i'm putting it off until my circumstances improve. i'm still going to do it, but i think that i'll just go straight for the 1.9 TDI in the future.

I think you're on to something here. As a matter of fact, I've been slowly crawling my way to such an engine swap myself for some time.

The critical enabler occurred 4 weeks ago when my son wrecked his Fiero (could never bring myself to hack a perfectly good automobile). I now have requests plugged into several salvage yard networks for a TDI engine/auto transaxle assembly at an extremely good price. If luck permits, I will use the TDI's unused (old style) mounting points for mounting to the Fiero's cradle, then attach the drivetrain via custom axles. Should have plenty of room.

Why am I doing this? Well, while I like the torque of our LT-1 and Vortec equipped vehicles - I really don't like their fuel appetites. It became very clear to me when we purchased our first foreign made vehicle in 20 years (Jetta TDI) - that all future purchases from this household would probably be diesels. Diesels are the only way to reliably achieve high fuel efficiency without giving up torque.

Since I can't convince GM to offer the tool I really want - the only option remaining is to shoehorn a modern powerplant into their aging but capable space frame. When finished, I expect a reliable 130HP @ 200ft/lbs from this 1.9L engine (chipped only) - and this will become my daily driver (if the wife doesn't rob me)

Would really prefer to purchase a new Fiero of identical specification.....

And for those who hold their nose - I give them this :

http://www.competitionplus.com/04_24_2002/diesel_doug.html

Over here in the UK, VW have brought out a new Version of the Golf TDi.

Its called the Golf TDi PD 150

Only a 1.9 diesel engine, but it knocks out 150BHP at 6000RPM. Gets to 60MPH in 6.5 sec and tops out at 140MPH.

And the new Golf is a heavy car, Stick that lump in a Fiero and it would go like a rocket !.

Paul Taylor. UK.

It starts next week. I'll pickup my 2001 TDI wreck next Saturday. First problem on the agenda....recoding the immobilizer (they lost the key).

Many struggles ahead. Hope I find a way to make the "Fiero TDI" happen. If I do, it should yield a vehicle of real utility.

I run diesel engines in two of my work boats,they are Yanmar.They get great fuel economy and last forever. But the performance as for as top end wont compare to gas engines.One of my boats has a 460 ford and it will run away from the diesel boat and is 3 times as fast.If I were you I would get a VW golf already set up and keep the fiero for your fun zippy sports car.

Bought the donor today. These links might be of interest:
http://www.stealthtdi.com/Upsolute.html
http://forums.tdiclub.com/cgi-bin/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic&f=4&t=001434

If anyone can find a gm 4.3 deisel front wheel drive with perferably a standered PLEASE Email me. I have been looking for one for a couple of years I have an idea to try.
It dosnt need the heads or intake just the short block and tranny.

If you have a LOT of money Mercedes makes one of the most advanced deisles used in a car to date. it makes 340hp and 480ft-lbs and gets about 22mpg city and 33hwy in a bit heavy sedan. and has a 6k rpm redline
and for $50,000 the engine can be yours

Are you going to post a website or pictures of your progress?? How bought some pics of the donor fiero and the wreaked 2001 TDI? You've sparked our interest now followup ;-)
ALEX

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Silver 85 GT modified 5 speed
Black 87 GT Getrag 5 speed 7 speaker sound
Black 85 coupe parts car (need any parts?)
SOLD! Blue 87 coupe

RIP 86 white coupe 49k miles (Unrecalled) Burned to the ground :-(

AIM: (please IM ME LETS TALK. I love to BS about Fieros) IAMKURTDCOBAIN (old sn cant lose it)

EMAIL : Anaverin@juno.com

so you want a diesel
cool
want the specs
here we go a few yeasr ago gm built
some buics and olds with a 4.3l v6
auto trans axel diesel
oh yes I know what your thinking
you could use that trans axel for a small
block and void the V8 Archie kit
true as that may be you need to change the gears for a gass motor
but hey they do have the 4.3 diesel and that is too cool

https://www.fiero.nl/uploads/imgs2003

Here is the donor vehicle. I'll followup with something better once I get past some other issues with this circus. Dealer just called to tell me that he had input the wrong VIN to order the ignition keys, and I still must defeat the immobilizer.

quote Originally posted by Art Doyle: https://www.fiero.nl/uploads/imgs2003

Your address gave me the following error message;

Service Unavailable

For some reason, you have been denied access to this site. For more information,
you can send an email to: The Webmaster

For security reasons, your IP has been logged:

just to touch on that old 'intercooler' argument.. the correct term would be charge cooler or aftercooler... an intercooler is a charge cooler that's used between the first and second stages of a 2 stage supercharger. Aftercooler goes between the supercharger and the intake manifold

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1988 Quad 4 Coupe 5 speed
More pics of the coupe
1986 GT 5 speed, 1984 SC Auto
AOL: LastMinuteBastrd AIM: SavedbyJebus

quote Originally posted by Standard: just to touch on that old 'intercooler' argument.. the correct term would be charge cooler or aftercooler... an intercooler is a charge cooler that's used between the first and second stages of a 2 stage supercharger. Aftercooler goes between the supercharger and the intake manifold

An after cooler is used on boats and utilizes water to cool the exhaust gases and aid in extraction.

I've not only thought about it, I am doing it right now!!!!

I've had a 82 Buick Century with the 4.3 V6 diesel since it was new and the body was getting pretty tired so I decided to pull the engine and tranny and put it into a Fiero that I had bought that supposedly had a bad engine. It turned out the engine wasn't bad just the exhaust manifold cracked in half, so I'm driving it now as my commuter car.

I bought an extra engine cradle and am installing the diesel onto it. I hope to have it ready to install in a couple of months. I need to put new rings in the diesel after 180k miles.

quote Originally posted by Michelhaugh: ... I expect to get 40+ mpg in the little Fiero. .... I've got an extra set of heads and manifolds that I will be modifying the intake and exhaust on. You're no crazier than I am!!! Join the club. Rick M.

Good luck with your project. I'd love to see it when finished.

A pontiac 6000 diesel about an 85 might fit

I'm putting an '83 Olds 4.3l V-6 diesel in mine.

I've got the engine motor mount modified to fit the spare Fiero V-6 engine cradle that I bought and
have the engine mounted.

Next to work out the wiring harness. The diesel harness is really pretty simple compared to the 4 cyl gas engine. I want to make it a plug/unplug so I can slap the 4 cyl back in when I want to do some modifications to the diesel.

Then I will pull the engine and put new rings in it. The engine runs great but burns oil pretty bad.
It looks like there will be about an inch more clearance between the right side of the engine and the right fender.
I'm not sure yet whether I will have to modify the accessories and brackets on the front of the diesel engine. I think not but the alternator looks like it might be close to interfering with the dogbone mount.

The final touch will be to work out an exhaust system and swap the new cradle w/diesel for the 4cyl which is currently in it.

I think I will be making biodiesel fuel for her to eat.(maybe not immediately).

I am hoping to get 40+ mpg(it got 38mpg hwy in the Buick Century) and I know from experience the stock V-6 diesel engine is peppier than the Iron Duke 4 cyl.

Maybe later I will turbocharge the engine and modify the injection system for more power and efficiency.

I'm making progress on my Diesel Fiero. I found a turbocharger that looks like it will work enough to give me 10 lbs boost.

I had to take a little time off to fix a friend's Grand Am. He threw a timing chain and so I replace the engine with one from a salvage yard. It runs great!!. I can see why some guys are putting the Quad4 DOHC engines in their fiero. It is HOT!

I found a stainless steel Fiero 6 cyl exhaust system at the salvage yard for $10.00!! I have it installed on the cradle with the V6 diesel engine.

I need to finish the wiring harness mods and make the crossover pipe into a Y pipe and connect it to the V6 exhaust system and I could put it in and have it running soon.

My next task is to modify the exhaust manifolds and the pipes to mount the turbocharger. I am running into some space conflicts with the radiator outlet and the autotranny TV cable. They are right where I would like to mount the turbo. The exhaust outlet for the turbo also points the wrong direction so I will have to modify it too.

I'm thinking about putting the engine into the car and getting it all running before I do all of these mods for the turbo. What do you guys think I should do?

Thanks.

Rick

bad ass

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[ My Fiero and WhiteFieroGT's Here ]
[ 1987 GT - 5 Spd - 69K ]
[ El Gauges - C5 Corvette Yellow ]
[ Mr.Mikes Seats - FieroGT Floormats ]

Just curious - what is the bell housing / trans? Did they alter the bell housing on the block? - I'm assuming this is a modified 4.3 gas. And it would seem that a 4.3 diesel would have more torque than a TH125 is rated for.

quote Originally posted by Michelhaugh: I've not only thought about it, I am doing it right now!!!! I've had a 82 Buick Century with the 4.3 V6 diesel since it was new and the body was getting pretty tired so I decided to pull the engine and tranny and put it into a Fiero that I had bought that supposedly had a bad engine. It turned out the engine wasn't bad just the exhaust manifold cracked in half, so I'm driving it now as my commuter car. I bought an extra engine cradle and am installing the diesel onto it. I hope to have it ready to install in a couple of months. I need to put new rings in the diesel after 180k miles.

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88 4cyl auto Fiero, AC, sunroof
"And isn't sanity really just a one-trick pony anyway? I mean all you get is one trick, rational thinking, but when you're good and crazy, oooh, oooh, oooh, the sky is the limit!" - The Tick

quote Originally posted by Michelhaugh: I'm making progress on my Diesel Fiero. I'm thinking about putting the engine into the car and getting it all running before I do all of these mods for the turbo. What do you guys think I should do? Thanks. Rick

I don't know, maybe set the engine in place, you'll see where you can add the mods. Then make the room for them.

Taking any pic's along the way ?

Hmmmm

When my father wrecked his Audi TDI and bought a new daily driver he gave me the engine to "play" with.

I think it's a 1999 2,5L v6 TDI with aprox 310 Nm and about 130kW. The weight is just about average and the mileage was VERY low compared to any gasoline engine and it sure didn't sound like a diesel.
When it was in the Audi my Fiero didn't have a chance!
Well the engine is working and is still in the garage in mint condition but I'm not planning any conversion for the Fiero. I just love my spoiled 2.8 v6

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Jorgen Larsson
1987 Fiero GT
1968 Corvette Conv.
1998 Ford Escort RS Ghia

quote Originally posted by cccharlie: Just curious - what is the bell housing / trans? Did they alter the bell housing on the block? - I'm assuming this is a modified 4.3 gas. And it would seem that a 4.3 diesel would have more torque than a TH125 is rated for.

The 4.3L Diesel is NOT a gas conversion. It was designed as a diesel from the ground up. I've been driving it for 20 years and it is a great engine. It originally came bolted to a TH125c in the Buick. In fact, the original Buick Tranny is going into the Fiero with it. I believe it is geared slightly differently for the Diesel engine's power curve.

[This message has been edited by Michelhaugh (edited 09-09-2003).]

Bump

Things are going a bit slow on this project. I was hoping to drive it to the Fiero Anniversary Meet next week but I don't think I will make it.

I have had trouble getting parts, namely the injector pump driveshaft bushings. They messed them up removing them from the block and now I can't find them anywhere!! Looks like I will have to get some custom made at a machine shop.

I'm taking pictures of the project and will post them in a couple of weeks.

[This message has been edited by Michelhaugh (edited 09-09-2003).]

Hope to see you at the 20th !!

Please look me up, if you can, bring any photos you have so far. I'd love to see them & hear how your project is going.

Dave

WOW! I haven't see this post in a long time! I was intrigued by the idea of this and would like to see some pics also. Glad to see you haven't given up on it.

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A coward dies a thousand deaths..................A soldier dies but once.
Red 86 SE
Yellow 87 GT
Gold 86 SE (wrecked)

I'm a workin' on it. I got the old 4-cyl out, what a pain!! The 2 front engine cradle bolts were rusted in place. After hours of pounding I gave up and cut them out. The two rear cradle bolt were a pain too. The captured nuts up in the frame both broke loose and started spinning. I had to take the rear body parts off to reach up the frame to hold them. of course, the frame in that area is rusted pretty bad and will require some cutting and welding. I might as well do it now while I've got it open!!! Everything else came out pretty easy.

I've got the 4.3D mounted on a Fiero engine cradle and I stuck a radiator on it and fired it up!! sounds great!! It still is blowing some blue smoke after the rebuild but that should disappear as the rings seat. After measuring and comparing the 4.3D to the 4 cyl, it looks like it will actually be an inch shorter than the 4cyl. I still must work out where to attach the dogbone after I get it in place.

I will probable get the rust repair done this week and get the engine put in next weekend. Wish me luck!!

If Shirley Muldowny found a diesel would outperform gas, she'd use it.

The fact is that we chose to drive a clearly superior designed sports car that is made to go like hell and eat rice burners for lunch.

A diesel would turn it into a grocery getter.

No thanks, I'm not going there. The thought is just demeaning.

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Arn Brown

Just go with a well tuned 2.5 Liter 5 sp Fiero (87-88) We get 38 to 42 MPG on the highway