Wife Swap a Better Idea Than Diesel
I bought a Dodge Ram 1500 a couple years back, and have been driving it less and less because of the appalling mileage. I've also been shopping around for a diesel pickup, and while I can't afford a new one (still making payments on the gas-guzzler), it occurred to me: would a Dodge diesel engine, as is made for the 2500 and 3500 series trucks, be installable in a 1500 gasoline-engine model? Thanks! ChrisWow Chris, it sound like you are willing to go the extra mile to save some cash on gas. However, I don't think you've chosen the right path in this case. Lots of people have swapped diesel engines into their gas-powered cars and trucks, and many have been very happy with the results. There are a couple of reasons I'd look elsewhere if I were you. The first, and most easy to do the math on, is the price of diesel. Diesel seems to be averaging about 25% higher at the pump than regular unleaded. That's a serious price difference. You'd have to make a huge jump in gas mileage just to break even.
The second, and more serious concern is the conversion itself. The diesel engine you're suggesting weighs a whopping 1,000 pounds, lots more than your gas engine. You'd really be throwing a curve ball at your trucks ride characteristics, and possibly safety, without making some serious suspension changes to compensate for the weight up front. I also think people underestimate the work and expense of an engine swap of this type. It's lots of work, even for a seasoned swapper. You can't just buy the engine, you will need most of an entire donor vehicle to get the correct harnesses, fuel lines, pumps, tank, etc. that are unique to the diesel. Bottom line, sell your truck and buy a diesel if you can't live without one. 1000 pounds for diesel engine. Need donor car, very involved swap.
Comments
Geeze… have you checked price on diesel fuel… maybe where you are it is cheeper… that could change soon. It is more expensive in the NW for diesel than gas. BioDiesel is even more expensive… there are many who use it… convert their old diesel over to use it… but now are being burned by rising bio prices… best thing to do… get a horse!
Hey, I have a Ford F250 diesel and I’d gladly trade you for your Dodge. Just because it runs on diesel doesn’t automatically make it get better mileage, also the cost of diesel has gone out of sight, here in Arizona it’s averaging 90 cents a gallon more than unleaded regular. The engine does weigh considerably more than a comparable gasoline engine and just hope and pray you never have to replace the diesel pump, $3,000 and up. Yeah, I’ll trade you any time you want. Ron
Ron,
I think your sentiments reflect a lot of people’s ideas on diesel these days. It’s just not as practical as it used to be. At least we have choices. If you drive over the road for a living, diesel is the only gig. Talk about expensive.
Any thoughts/opinions about switching
a gas-guzzling 7.4 cubic inch gasoline
engine on a older model 3/4 Ton Chevy
Silverado to Propane–Pros or Cons?
I know propane stations are few and far
between, but could one compensate by
having dual propane tanks installed?
I understand the additional weight of the extra fuel tank would lower MPG. But it couldn’t get much lower than it is now!
Thanks!
It’s not only very expensive and troublesome to swap in a diesel engine, but in some jurisdictions it may be illegal for emissions purposes. Check you local and state emissions laws first!
Forgot suggestion on how to increase gas mileage-air intakes, different hi perf muffler. Friend has ford stepside, 13 mmpg. New Borla muff only, gained 2 1/2 mpg.
There are tricks to get better mileage-tires at 35 psi (or read sidewall on max and use that figure), drive like you have a egg underfoot. Ignition sys repairs every 50k (cap, rotor, wires, plugs), alignment, and tire balance. Therre are more.
Not a good idea as it seems..you would be better of using after market goodies to make your truck more effient. better intake and exhaust parts, computer upgrade or go for hho injection.?? you are probably getting aout 12mpg now. you could inprove that my 4 or 5 easy.. good luck kenn
I put a GM diesel into my 73 C-30 when it was
new, had to sell it last year when it swallowed a valve on a long trip and I had no place to fix it. The engine was still fine up
to that point, a little noisy. BUT IT AINT CHEAP TO SWAP.