21 replies to this topic

[Miniphil]

I have been running my LDV van, and the wifes Fiesta on home made diesel.
Only costs me 30p per litre to make.
Have decided to put a diesel engine in my Mini.
Only problem is - I have no idea which diesel engines will fit comfortably.
Vehicle is an A reg Mini Mayfair.
Any help would be appreciated.
Cheers, Phil

[South West Minis]

I have seen a Daihatsu Charade Di Turbo engine in a Mini and a Citroen Ax/Saxo 1.4 Di in a Mini Pick-up.

You could properly fit a VW 3 cylinder 1.4 PDi in as they fit that in a Lupo and maybe a Citroen C2 1.4 HDi which has 90bhp.

[Spiffingly Good]

I have a peugeot 106/saxo diesel engine and gearbox sat here at the moment, i'd dare say it would fit without to much hassle as they seem to be a fairly compact block, and the gearbox is narrow. Also they are a nice reliable motor capable of about 60mpg.

The only problem I could see with it would be the gear linkage setup, althought this could be over come, however they do run a cable clutch, so something would have to be figured out in regards to that aswell.

[onefastmoke]

I've seen the older type vauxhall 1.5td (was fitted in nova's and corsa's) fitted into a mini before, not sure how much work would be involved though

[garrett3]

Metro diesel.

K series subframe kit will work with it too.

[MiniDick]

I'd definately go for a diesel engine if I had the time and resources. The Peugeot group engines are quite big blocks from what I've seen. The VAG 3 cylinder would be a really good option. I may be wrong but don't older diesels runn better on bio diesel or am I wrong?

Edited by MiniDick, 18 October 2008 - 08:30 AM.

[Git]

I'd definately go for a diesel engine if I had the time and resources. The Peugeot group engines are quite big blocks from what I've seen. The VAG 3 cylinder would be a really good option. I may be wrong but don't older diesels runn better on bio diesel or am I wrong?

Depends on what kind of fuel you use... Straight cooking oil is good in the older car, whilst if you are using processed 'Biodiesel' (B100) then cars post 97 are best as the rubber in the fuel system (valves etc) have been changed to synthetic.... the rubber biodegrades. you can use an older car, but you'll need to swap out the rubber bits.

Might be wrong, but that's my take on it, feel free to re-inform me.

[South West Minis]

The PSA Pug/Cit engines are also in the Metro and all use the same gearbox, this means there are 100's of these things kicking about.

[Miniphil]

I'd definately go for a diesel engine if I had the time and resources. The Peugeot group engines are quite big blocks from what I've seen. The VAG 3 cylinder would be a really good option. I may be wrong but don't older diesels runn better on bio diesel or am I wrong?

Diesel engines run a lot quieter on Biodiesel
Only problem is, the Biodiesel cleans out the inside of the fuel system.
All the gunk lining your pipes has to go somewhere, and it is usualy into the engine.
Fuel filter will need changing after 500 miles, then again after each 4000 miles.
Best thing about Biodiesel is the emissions - Practicaly none.
M.O.T test centre checked to see if EGA sensor on their tester had dropped out.

All rubber in contact with fuel will rot in a short while, also lucas pumps not good with bio. ( Bosch rules )
Makes the cost of running a vehicle very low. 30p per litre will take you a fair distance.
PS. If anyone on here has an available engine, I would be very interested.
Cheers, Phil

[Ouster]

At Gaydon I parked next to a guy who had a Metro diesel engine in his mini. Sadly I didn't take any pictures!

[Rhyd]

There was a Mini van at the Newark show with a Metro (pug/cit) diesel engine, but he'd extended the front end.

I've heard the same about Lucas pumps not liking bio and Bosch being much better.

[richardsoniscool]

was looking for a new engine myself came across this metro engine see link - metro - its a bit far for you maybe, good luck

Edited by richardsoniscool, 19 October 2008 - 06:28 PM.

[Miniphil]

was looking for a new engine myself came across this metro engine see link - metro - its a bit far for you maybe, good luck

Thanks for the tip
However it is a little too far for me.
Cheers, Phil

[Miniphil]

May change my mind about the diesel engine.
There are lots available, but not very popular, as an engine for classic Mini.
I need to keep the value as high as I can, for resale purposes. ( Just in case credit crunch comes calling at my door )
So what are my alternatives for petrol?
Which donor car can I get an engine from, and is it popular.
Thanks again, Phil.

[AndrewJ530]

A yaris D-4D? I think the blocks a very small and light plus there's no reliability issues. I dunno what power they are putting out but i'm sure ya could find out easily enough.