30 replies to this topic

[TopGearRules]

I'm just wondering, has anyone ever put a diesel lump into a mini before? I knew that BMC made a diesel version of the A series (for a tractor or something like that) and thought it would be great if someone stuck that in a mini! Just think of the MPG, even though it would be as slow as hell!!

[Jordie]

seen a metro diesel engine conversion

[Hrimfaxi]

I dunno if it's been done, but I for one couldn't have a Mini sounding like a taxi!

[minimaxie]

I think Z-Cars have built a Mini for a customer with an Audi 1.8 Diesel in, rear wheel drive too. Don't quote me on that though, probably wrong. Check their Facebook page, I'm sure I saw it on there a while back

[ian2000t]

Yeh, the 1.5 metro diesel engine (possibly made by Peugeot) has been used. Think there have been a few others. I think the issue is that the MPi diff is the highest ratio at 2.76, but with the size of the wheels/tyres that fit on a Mini it's still too low geared for a diesel - bearing in mind they only rev to 4-4500rpm usually.

 

Also read, that supposedly there is a guy in New Zealand (I think) who is using one of the diesel A-series (very rare) in a Moggy van, with a turbo, running on biodiesel. Couldn't put a diesel engine in my Mini, although a diesel A series would be a fun project, if they weren't so rare!

[Rob Gavin]

I remember a car in miniworld years ago had a 3cyl Daihatsu unit in it

[Dan]

  The A Series (ish, it isn't all that closely related really) Diesel engine is not good at all really.  Think how good an agricultural Diesel engine would have been in the 1950s.  Even many supposedly road car based Diesels from the 1990s are less than civilised.  I doubt it would return much better mileage than a well sorted A series, and it won't be fun to live with.  Also, it's pretty large.  I have always been under the impression that fitting it would be very difficult.

[Burnard]

Its all about getting the vauxhall (actualy izuzu) 1.7 derv lump and fitting it with a custom final drive in an allspeed frame.

Would chuck out more than enough power for a mini, and they sound MINT when done properly, with the right turbo :)

[iTomKart]

someones done a rear-engined volvo diesel iirc, i'll go research...

[brum,brum,mike]

I think Z-Cars have built a Mini for a customer with an Audi 1.8 Diesel in, rear wheel drive too. Don't quote me on that though, probably wrong. Check their Facebook page, I'm sure I saw it on there a while back

http://www.theminifo...sel-zcars-mini/

[minimaxie]

 

I think Z-Cars have built a Mini for a customer with an Audi 1.8 Diesel in, rear wheel drive too. Don't quote me on that though, probably wrong. Check their Facebook page, I'm sure I saw it on there a while back

http://www.theminifo...sel-zcars-mini/

 

Thought I'd seen it somewhere :) 

[cooperdan]

thats a horrid idea..
i can imagine it now...

"hi nice mini there, but your tappets need serious adjustment"
Ay, no its a diesel conversion

Oh god puke in the mouth and look of disgust...

Edited by cooperdan, 15 June 2013 - 01:33 PM.

[All-agroA+]

didn't the A series diesel only have 16hp?                  most 125 bikes have that much power or more from a single cylinder. stick a turbo on it and it may be bearable but the top speed would probably be around the 50-60 mark..it would be interesting to see though. if you could find one.

[petechap]

its a horrid idea they sound dreadful and stink, and everyone would think the postie has arrived, if someone was that bothered about reliability and mpg then a mini woulnt be the first choice its a fun car and diesel engines are not

[cagy]

mpg on a mini is pretty good as it stands