Just did a search for the diesel fiero swap to no avail. With the price of fuel and the ability of making biodiesel, I'd like to know more about it. I saw the post long ago, it was some sort of 2.8 I think. Can anyone point me to the post or answer any questions I have about it?
------------------ carpe diem
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06:31 PM
PFF
System Bot
topher_time Member
Posts: 3231 From: Bailey's Harbor, for now. Registered: Sep 2005
One of my questions are, how do I find parts to turbo the 4.3D as well as all of my other driveability questions for dieselfiero. Propane sounds like it might add a bit of fun, but a small turbo boost with a modified pump sounds better!
If my VW VR6 swap goes well this winter, a VW TDI swap will be next. If all goes well, I'll sell that Fiero (TDI)....if anyone will want it. Dave
Any interest in selling some mount kits for one of those? A TDI swap is something I've wanted for a while, but I'm too poor to buy a one-off piece that someone spent alot of time and money in.
One of my questions are, how do I find parts to turbo the 4.3D as well as all of my other driveability questions for dieselfiero. Propane sounds like it might add a bit of fun, but a small turbo boost with a modified pump sounds better!
From what I understand, those engines dont take any sort of performance unless you convert to gasoline. The DX blocks can get over 1000 hp easilly with gasoline, but if you want to start pushing it when its in diesel spec you will crack the bottom end of the block as there simply isnt enough iron in the webbings.
Good luck finding injectors, as well. GM hasnt made those in a very long time and they are very expensive. I do wonder, though, if injectors from one of GM's modern diesel engines can be made to work?
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08:20 AM
BtotheB Member
Posts: 2581 From: Peterborough, Ontario Registered: Dec 2001
I've heard of a few guys using propane injection on their TDIs, usually only on seriously modded engines though. Additional fuel delivery isn't a problem at all; larger nozzles, bigger injector pump, lift pump plus a tune and you'll have all the fuel your turbo can handle. Lots of options for turbo upgrades though...
Lots of good reading at TDIclub. Check out the Performance section..
I've said it before and I'll say it again, a TDI Fiero would be perfect. If I could choose two cars to have in my driveway, one would be a N* Fiero, the other a TDI Fiero. In a few years maybe...
Brad
[This message has been edited by BtotheB (edited 12-04-2007).]
In order to get a TDI to run in a conversion, you need same serial number specific engine and parts to make them run out of the car. That means you need the same gauge pod assembly, same engine, same computer, same electronics, etc... to make it run. They won't run with different parts from different cars or years. The only way around this is to use a mechanical injection pump instead of the computer controlled injection pump.
Unless someone has cracked the code and passkey stuff with the computer. I haven't heard of anyone successfully modifiying the electronics to make it work independently of the VW car as of yet.
Another thing to keep in mind is the diesel personality regarding the rpms and power band range. Diesels have all the HP and torque at low rpms and the gas motors have most of their HP and torque achieved at high rpms--4000 plus. On the Suzuki Samurai diesel conversions that we do (www.acmeadapters.com), you can compensate for the rpms issue using larger tires or changing the gear ratios in the diffs. In a Fiero, you may have a problem with changing gearing wih the getrag, muncie 4 speed and Isuzu trannies, or not being able to run significantly larger tires to lower the rpm ranges. In the Samurai's I like to be no more than 3000 rpms at 60mph with a VW diesel engine. I would think rpms would be an issue in our Fieros running a diesel. The VW diesel motors, 1.6, 1.9's, like to run at 2200-2400 rpms for cruising at hiway speeds.
I don't think a stock VW TD or TDI will be strong enough for most people with the weight of the fiero at hiway speeds. You'll probably want to use a different diesel platform engine...something stronger unless you seriously modify the TDI for more power.
With the introduction of low sulphure fuels, diesel mileage has dropped compared to the old #2. I used to get 43-45 mpg in a 1.6NA Samurai. Now, with the newer fuels, my best milage has been 34mpg in the same rig. So, diesel mileage seems to be getting poorer.
I don't mean to be a wet blanket, as I love and drive VW diesels in Suzukis. just want you to know what I have encountered.
Bumping an oldie here Being a fan of the TDI I'm all for keeping up on any conversions dealing with them
As for the matching parts issue, I would recommend going through one of the eastern European used car part vendors. It's been a few years, but I seem to remember German having a vehicle tax structure that penalized people for driving old (less reliable, less safe, more poluting) vehicles. So they have a lot of turn over, and that coupled with the transition to commercialism in the eastern block countries has developed a strong used vehicle market. There used to be a company that would ship you the whole kit and caboodle from gauge pod to axles for a very reasonable price. Getting it all together means a bit more up-front cost, but a lot less computer problems.
As for the power issue, the TDI's hit peak torque at like 1750 RPM, but peak HP at ~4000 RPM. For the U.S. version of the 1.9l TDI PD, that means 90+ horses and 170+ ftlbs. That's enough to push the 2900lbs 2006 Golf down the road at a respectable rate. It's not going to be a Corvette killer, but it'll have no problem with spirited driving and passing.
And if you are looking for MORE, there is the new 2.0l TDI CR that are pushing out 250+ ftlbs of torque. That's going to get you moving! And if you need still more power, there are plenty of options for chips, injectors, and even some larger turbos. Although, if you get too crazy with the power adds, you might have to either go with a manual tranny, or some upgrades for the DSG.
So far as I've been able to tell, the easiest way to get a TDI Fiero would be to get either a wrecked 2006 Jetta TDI DSG auto, or any of the 2008 Golf/Jetta TDI autos, or look to Europe for a full drive train (note that the Euro versions seem to advertise more torque). I would look for the DSG auto tranny because you get all the efficiency of a manual tranny (2 clutches, no torque converter), and none of the hassle of trying to figure out how to run the shift cables. Once you have the parts, rip everything out of the Fireo. Engine, tranny, wiring harness, gauge clusters, etc... And custom build everything to get the VW drive train mounted, and use the VW gauges and ignition switch.
Anyway, troll around on the TDIClub web site, there is a ton of great info over there, and links to a couple of international vendors that can get parts to the US.
He beat you to it. 
