[Vwdiesel] diesel conversions

[William J Toensing]

I haven't done this myself & lack the ability & tools to undertake this, but I have frequently thought about this. That said, unless you can find an adopter to mate a VW diesel to some other transmission & driveline, it might be easier & cheaper to find a good diesel & automatic transmission from a Peugeot, Mercedes, or small diesel pickup. If you could find an Isuzu diesel from a car or pickup, it might fit. The problem with Mercedes & Peugeot is I think they have closed driveshafts like pre 1949 Ford V-8s so finding an open driveshaft adopter might be a problem. The Isuzu diesel was an option for the 1980s era Chev Chevette & GM does have a tie in with Isuzu, or at least used to. According to my Old Cars Price Guide, GM started the Chev S-10 line in 1983. There is a book called the Hollander Exchange manual which shows what part from one car will fit in another. Junk yards are primary users so you might check with a local junk yard or local library as these books are expensive. Hope this info helps & share your findings.
I have one fantasy. Install a Chevy duramax diesel in a 1956 Packard Patrician I own. However, I don't have the money to follow thru & will probably sell the car instead. It is a high number 3 condition car with new correct upholstery & rebuilt Ultramatic, but the electric shifting is bad.