frogeye/bugeye turbodiesel engine conversion

[bravo]

I'd like to acquire a decent frogeye bodyshell,and install a small turbodiesel engine in it. Has anyone heard of this being done? If so, what type of turbodiesel and tranny was/could be used? I'd like use a turbodiesel due to the fact that we own a construction company and the fuel type is readily availabilty to me, and also because I'd like to make it into a neat little daily driver. I've heard of MG's swapping out for Suzuki Samurai turbodiesels, and wondered if anyone's heard of something similar for sprites, namely the frogeye. Our company has a garage and body shop, so there's no problem getting the work done. Thanks for any advice.

 

[Trevor Jessie]

Not many turbodiesels here in the states due to misguided EPA regulations. But, I'm certainly eager to hear more about the project.

 

[rulle7]

Great idea! /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/yesnod.gif Keep us all posted on your progress.
Seems to very much in the spirit of the car and wouldn't be surprised if a turbo diesel would have been fitted had our spridgets been made today.(European car, after all)
Good Luck and Welcome to the forum. /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbsup.gif

 

[Cottontop]

Bravo,

I am the web master for the Modified Austin Healey Registry - www.ntahc.org/modifiedhealeys

Our Registry is a collection of over 350 owners of Austin, Jensen, and Sprite Healeys. Almost all of which have had
engine/driveline transplants/swaps. I have pictures and profiles of about 200 of these cars on the web site.
www.ntahc.org/modifiedhealeys

While I don't know of a Sprite with a Turbo-Diesel in place, I'm sure that one of our owners who has already
modified a Sprite can give you some pointers or head you in the right direction.

We also have an active off-line "chat" group, giving paritcipants the opportunity to discuss their ideas modifications.
The address is on the web site - www.ntahc.org/modifiedhealeys

Go to the web site and find my Email address at the bottom of the home page.
Email me off line and I'll see if we can get you lined up with some of the modified Sprite owners.

Tim

 

[Cooper]

You'll probably want to use a TD from a VW Quantum. It's transversly mounted, so you'd be able to use the manifolds. As for a tranny, you probably would need a custom bell housing to mount maybe a Toyota T50 or similar 5-speed to it or even use the stock tranny. I can't think of any Audi real wheel drive cars, but you may be able to use the Quatro tranny and block off the outputs for the front drive. The Audi transmission should mount to the VW block w/o any problems.

Finding the engine should be the easy part. Good luck and keep us posted!

 

[Tullamore]

[ QUOTE ]
Our Registry is a collection of over 350 owners of Austin, Jensen, and Sprite Healeys. Almost all of which have had
engine/driveline transplants/swaps. I have pictures and profiles of about 200 of these cars on the web site.
www.ntahc.org/modifiedhealeys

[/ QUOTE ]

Why are descriminating against the Sprite MK II-IV????

 

[Cottontop]

Tullamore,

We ain't 'scriminatin' 'gainst NOBODY !

"Sprite Healeys" was just an expedience of words.
If it's a Healey, it's welcomed with open arms.

In fact, as soon as I finish re-restoring my 66 Mustang GT FB,
I'm gonna' be in the market for a Sprite for my wife.

Why not drop a SBC or SBF in YOUR MK IV and come on over ?

Tim