Project AlterEgo, Driveabeater take notice

[joemac]

So daily driving this heap with it's issues forces me to make some repairs as I mod it.

Find a center console lid, the edge even though smooth is surprisingly sharp and my arm can't take it anymore.



Fix the clip holding the brake line as it passes through the frame for the front right wheel. It rattles and drives me crazy.

Get a radio, it's gotten so bad not only am I talking to myself as I'm going down the road I'm starting to answer myself and laugh at my own jokes-out loud-scary lol

My short mod list, also very close to free mods

Rear shackle/hanger flip and leaf removal=4" low in the rear
Take off 1.5 coils of front springs=2" low in front
Install tilt wheel
Install mustang rear disc brakes

I am considering two options for my turbo diesel swap; the 1.9l VW TDI, undecided on the year or a 2.7l Mercedes from a Sprinter van. Each has it's pros and cons

The 1.9l will be an easier swap over all, the electronics will be head and shoulders easier and it is lighter. It's power potential is lower though. With a tune, injectors and turbo upgrade 175hp is possible with a proven 42 approx mpg.

The 2.7l is an I5 and more unproven both in swapping and performance and is slightly heavier. It also has an aluminum head and 20 valves. I don't believe the VW has 4v per cylinder. The electronics will be much more difficult but it is common rail and the stock power is 154hp 243tq. A tune will get 180hp 280tq. So obviously a turbo upgrade and injectors should put it up around 250hp and 310tq.

Help me decide, what do you think about it? Or recommend another turbo diesel as long as it's not a Cummins 6bt, Powerstroke variant or Duramax.

[Doober]

...not only am I talking to myself as I'm going down the road I'm starting to answer myself and laugh at my own jokes-out loud...

Thanks for the sig line! ;)

[joemac]

Thanks for the sig line! ;)

Glad to help, lol

[dusterbd13]

go the easier softer way, joe. trust me.

[joemac]

go the easier softer way, joe. trust me.

As far as the engine swap goes you mean? I'm still playing with the idea of both of them. They are pretty similar really. If I can get some info on this stand alone ecu for common rail diesels this might be the hot ticket for the Mercedes engine which is the way I'm really leaning. http://www.specialist-components.co....antPageDisplay If this system will work it will make it more or less what I call a nuts and bolts swap. Figure out how to get it bolted down and hoses hooked up and it's done.

I'm done with my tilt wheel swap as well, didn't go as easy as I planned and skinned one of my knuckles and installed the wheel 180* upside down but it's in. I have to finish tomorrow.

All torn down



All done, pretty happy with how it turned out. It sits about an inch closer to me and much more comfortable. I still have to do something with the auto shifter slot and I found out the auto cancel for the blinkers isn't working right.