Diesel Engine swap into 1971 Mustang Fastback...

RR News · 2005-12-31T12:03:57+00:00

Just wondering about the feasability of placing a Diesel engine in a 71 Ford Mustang. I've always liked the 71 Fastbacks, and with the added bonus of them having one of the largest engine bays, I assume that this swap is possible.Of course this would be for a biodiesel project, and perhaps eventual conversion to WVO (Waste Vehicle Oil) but I don't want to start looking at any fancy new type of diesel engine (common direct rail, etc). I was just wondering if anyone would know off-hand what Diesel of the Ford line-up would be the least amount of hassle for this swap.I think my last post to this group was in the year 2000...things have changed.Where is Bill S.?Thank you for your time,Bruce LortzMililani, HI (replace .net with .com)Former 66 Mustang ownerFormer 72 Mustang ownerCurrent 93 Escort owner (sucks to be me)

Dec 31, 2005 23 Replies

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RR News 20 years ago

Availability of BioDiesel makes B100 more appealing to me. I'm not sure if Hawaii has ethonol available anywhere.

As stated in a subthread, when prices for regular gas in Hawaii spiked close to $4.00 a gallon (petrol diesel also jumped up to a similar price range). Biodiesel was still available for $2.69 a gallon. Although, I again reiterate that this project is currently nothing more than idle musings. Although methanol is used for the production of BioDiesel (or so I've read), I really don't have an interest in brewing my own. Apparently Hawaii State law classifies "used cooking oil" as a hazardous material, and you need a special liscense to haul it away/dispose of it. Plus, I have a hard time mixing kool-aid properly, no way I'm going to brew BioDiesel.

I do appreciate the input though, and the talk of stainless steel fuel lines is something that I've seen mentioned in some BioDiesel forums. Apparently, BioDiesel, being a solovent, has a nasty habit of destroying rubber fuel lines.

Thank you for your >

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Ritz 20 years ago

Seems like it would be so much easier to pick up an old VW Jetta/Golf w/existing diesel engine. I guess if you have sufficient budget and time, and you don't assign any value to your time, you can make almost any engine work in almost any car.

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Brent P 20 years ago

The big sugar planation on maui.

Hawaii can make tons of ethanol which is why they were trying to pass a state ethanol content law.

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RR News 20 years ago

Unfortunately, I live on Oahu, and I've not heard of any ethanol available here (although they are trying to produce and ethanol plant down at the Cambell Industrial Park area). But BioDiesel is available right now.

Regarding Ritz's post above: Yes, I've kicked around the idea of buying a used Mercedes Diesel (1995 range) from E-bay, and experimenting with BioDiesel. My funds aren't a HUGE worry to me, but they are finite. More important to me is space, I have a two car garage, and enough space for two extra vehicles in the driveway. This would prevent me from maintaining two project vehicles in the garage.

Right now, I've been toying with the idea of using my Escort as a "trial run" for a biodiesel swap. If I can source one of the UK 2.0liter Diesels, this may allow me to whet my teeth on this sort of project. I already have the chassis. I just need an engine now (and knowledge, intelligence, etc etc). That being said, perhaps it would be better to look into having a german made Escort/Focus sent to me with a diesel engine (Although I'm positive there wouuld be tedious import laws and regulations to work with).

But as always, thank you for your >> Availability of BioDiesel makes B100 more appealing to me. I'm not sure >> if

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