I see GM has a DOHC, 4-valve V-8 that makes 330hp and 520 tq. They say it can fit in the same space as a small block V-8 gasser. It uses a NOx aftertreatment system with diesel particulate filter to meet 2010 EPA emission standards. Could a diesel engine in a spotscar be around the corner? (Don't think about the Audi R8C as those are full of unobtanium.)
I see GM has a DOHC, 4-valve V-8 that makes 330hp and 520 tq. They say it can fit in the same space as a small block V-8 gasser. It uses a NOx aftertreatment system with diesel particulate filter to meet 2010 EPA emission standards. Could a diesel engine in a spotscar be around the corner? (Don't think about the Audi R8C as those are full of unobtanium.)
The underlying problem is weight of a diesel engine. They are just way to heavy to fit in a passenger car... Physically, yes, you can make one fit.
My dream was to build a hot rod with a duramax. I'm settling for putting a Detroit 453 in my '37 Ford 1.5 Ton dually. I love diesels... Loud, obnoxious, and lots of black smoke. Just for reference, this engine, a "petit" 4 banger, 53 cubic inches per cylinder, weighs in over 1100 lbs, and puts out about 140 hp. Granted this is an industrial purpos engine, Detroits are heavier than most, but you get the idea.
The 5.9L Cummins also tips the scale at close to 1200 lbs if I remember correclty.
Now, in the coming years, yes I can see auto makers producing smaller diesels for use in passenger cars. Out of all automobiles in the US... something like 3% are diesel. In Europe, that number is like 40% or something outrageous compared to us gluttons.
Bottom line... I like Diesels almost as much as roasting the tires in my vette. Now just imagine a 1937 dually roasting 4 tires with a plume of black smoke pouring out the stack.
OH yea, forgot... the new electronic diesels that are out on the market now barely smoke at all. Excellent engines.
I'd guess light duty truck apps like the Silverado 1500. DCX will be doing it soon with a small(er) V-8 Cummins in the 1500 Ram.
Also keep in mind that although a diesel will always be heavier due to much higher cylinder pressures versus a gas engine and therefore must be built to withstand said pressures, most people will think of the weight of a medium duty engine like the Cummins 5.9 (one of the best engines ever designed, IMO). And yes they are pretty heavy, about 900 lbs not including manifolds, charger, pump. Now a diesel specifically for car apps, the strength of a medium duty diesel would never be needed. If you look at how the 5.9 was designed as an example, the engineers considered a duty cycle of 100% for 400,000 miles. For comparison, the modern gas engine is designed with a 60% duty cycle for 150,000 miles, although most will last quite longer with proper care. The time will come when we have access to more of these engines light duty deisels, but remember that they will be LIGHT duty, so many of the benefits you seek to gain, will be negated by a weaker engine. Kinda like when some of these clowns out there try to boost a Powerstroke or Duramax like the Cummins guys do.... pooooooof!
Not to dispute you opinion but to share some experience from when these motors were first introduced back in the mid 80's
Before the automotive world got these motors they were dumped in the marine market where they used a lot of people for guinea pigs after they had forked over big bucks. These motors first came out in 210 HP then 250 w/turbo before going up to 300 with an inter-cooler.
They became a nightmare to most owners who had come to appreciate the reliability of the old Cummins 4 stroke diesels. The pistons for these early motors were made in three different countries and if you were unlucky enough as most were and got pistons made in Mexico, failure was not a matter of if.
Fortunately I had purchased an extended warranty because I blew 3 engines in two seasons. However as a charter boat operator I was financially destroyed by missing two consecutive seasons. Cummins was a real pain in the butt to work with and had to be legally forced to honor the warranty.
Through seeing how this company performed product wise and morally (not) I would no longer ever even consider any of their products. I also happen to know a number of other boat owners that share my sentiments exactly. They may have a good product now but it has come at the cost of a lot of good folks that they put out of business. The decisions made at Cummins then is now common in corporate America and why this country is in so much trouble. Companies like them are a major contributing factor to what is happening now in our job market and trade deficit.
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Diesel Power For Corvette?
