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Re: Sonoma Diesel #395564 06/29/04 11:49 PM
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 222
Z
ZackaryMac Offline OP
Wheeler
Thanks for the kind words, mp46. The possible problem with a '94 and up is I believe the frame is different than the earlier models. I have no way to confirm this at all, and honestly have been curious about this myself. This is what I read once in all my searching for info before I did my conversion. This of course makes a simple swap not as simple. Front cross-member location would be my biggest concern. Mine fits with less than 1" clearance between the cross-member and my oil pan, which hangs down level with the bottom of the cross-member.
I would love to have a new direct-injection engine in a newer S10, believe me. Typical virus that affects us all : the $$$ bug. It seems to eat most of it and leaves us weak. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/lol.gif" alt="" />
As far as a price to convert, I couldn't really give you any idea. But I can give you some idea what may have to be done:
Motor - one that will actually physically fit in the rig your a-riggin
Transmission - has to be mated to the motor you picked, either with an adaptor plate or bell-housing
Drive shaft - my stock one happened to fit, otherwise a match fit or custom-made one would be required
Rear differential - may have to change this to get the right ratios to match the engine's output to some degree
Wiring - depends on the motor...mine was easy, I imagine newer direct-injected computerized would be considerably more work
Exhaust - have to be sure there is enough room to fit it from the manifold down under the cab
Radiator - I used the stock radiator, not only becasue it fit 100% but it was plenty big enough, though making hoses fit was something else
Intake - make sure it will fit under the hood ok
Misc - speedo has to work off whatever transmission is in there; vacuum pump for power brakes; power steering pump; A/C if you have it; fuel system upgrades, such as diesel fuel filters and water seperator; sensors for stock guages (if you have them/want them functioning); and a decal on your gas cap door in big, bright letters spelling DIESEL so you or someone doesn't put a whole bunch of gas in the tank and end up blowing up the nice, new project. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/ignore.gif" alt="" />
Oh yea, the gas would have to be pumped out of the fuel tank and lines before the first start-up or that could ruin your engine before you ever get to drive it.
This is why I picked a S10 to convert, as I knew (or luckily guessed) that it should fit pretty much right in place physically, and everything else was easily converted/adapted/modified.

This sounds like a lot, and it is. But it's far from impossible, as some peole have done some pretty amazing conversions. I've read about a guy in another forum whom is goiung to shoe-horn a Cummins diesel from a Dodge into a 4x4 S10. I haven't followed his progress for a long time, so I'm curious to see if he has it in yet. People will try anything.


1994 Chev S10 Ext.Cab with C223 5spd
1991 S10 Sonoma Ext.Cab with C223 5spd - SOLD

Kubota B6100 diesel with accessories
Re: Sonoma Diesel [Re: ZackaryMac] #395565 07/08/04 09:18 AM
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 10
M
MustangMarty Offline
Need a Spot
All good stuff. Too bad I wasn't part of it back in February. So what are the possibilities of converting my 77 Bronco over to Deisel?

Sorry to hijack this post, but the site wouldn't let me in any other way yet.

Last edited by MustangMarty; 07/08/04 09:19 AM.
Re: Sonoma Diesel [Re: MustangMarty] #395566 07/08/04 11:41 PM
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 222
Z
ZackaryMac Offline OP
Wheeler
Hey, no fear of hijacking this post. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />
Unfortunately, I can't tell you about the other Isuzu diesel engine models, as I only have experience with the C223. It looks like there are some nice alternatives out there, with much more power than mine (58hp). Newer, direct injection diesels are much quieter than the old indirect-injection types (like mine), are great on fuel, and usually start easier cold. My particular engine is of an old design, though reliable and simple. Look for something with a turbo for more power.
There are other possibilities as well, such as Toyota, which had a bigger diesel in their FJ series, Mercedes from an old car, which would have a transmission with it, and they are bullit proof. I've often thought I'd like to have a 4 cylinder version Cummins of the type used in Dodge trucks. I figure that should be fairly strong, though likely heavy, and probably noisy.
Conversion is possible, if you read the post I wrote before yours, it will give you some idea of what has to be considered. I'm sure there is more that I forgot.
I hope this helps in some way. Feel free to discuss this if you feel like it.
<img src="/forums/images/graemlins/cheers.gif" alt="" />


1994 Chev S10 Ext.Cab with C223 5spd
1991 S10 Sonoma Ext.Cab with C223 5spd - SOLD

Kubota B6100 diesel with accessories
Re: Sonoma Diesel [Re: MustangMarty] #395567 07/09/04 12:43 AM
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 1,541
jezeric Offline
Isuzu Moderator
Quote
Sorry to hijack this post, but the site wouldn't let me in any other way yet.


What problems are you having getting in? Your other post seems to be just fine. I put a response in that thread to your question.

James

Re: Sonoma Diesel [Re: ZackaryMac] #395568 07/24/04 10:29 PM
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 10
M
MustangMarty Offline
Need a Spot
I like the torque and simplicity of the Cummins 4BT, but not the noise. I'm still along way off from doing this conversion, so I have plenty of time to research and find the quietest, powerful diesel that will fit in the Bronco. Whatever I use will need to be mated to an overdrive automatic transmission. Do you think an old Mercedes might have what I'm looking for? What models should I be looking at?

Re: Sonoma Diesel [Re: jezeric] #395569 07/24/04 10:32 PM
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 10
M
MustangMarty Offline
Need a Spot
At the time it would let me "reply" but not "post." However, it works fine now. It may have just been because I had only barely registered and my account wasn't fully active yet.

Re: Sonoma Diesel [Re: MustangMarty] #395570 07/25/04 03:19 AM
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 1,541
jezeric Offline
Isuzu Moderator
Quote
Do you think an old Mercedes might have what I'm looking for? What models should I be looking at?


A mercedes diesel might work out nicely for you. In the larger engien bay of the Bronco, you might have room for the inline 5 turbo that's found in many of the late 70s-early 90s sedans. Look for the 300TD/SD series and you should find what you're looking for. If you aren't determined to have 4wd, I'd seriously consider just swapping engine and tranny together for this sort of thing, otherwise you'll be looking at crafting some sort of adaptation in addition to motor mounts and everything else.

James

Re: Sonoma Diesel [Re: jezeric] #395571 07/26/04 02:20 AM
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 222
Z
ZackaryMac Offline OP
Wheeler
While not the most powerful of diesel designs, the Mercedes are certainly known for their rock-solid reliability and long life. Seems like at my end of the world, the cars rot out long before the motors are done. It would make a nice conversion, I believe. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/kewl.gif" alt="" />


1994 Chev S10 Ext.Cab with C223 5spd
1991 S10 Sonoma Ext.Cab with C223 5spd - SOLD

Kubota B6100 diesel with accessories
Re: Sonoma Diesel [Re: ZackaryMac] #395572 07/26/04 02:49 AM
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 10
M
MustangMarty Offline
Need a Spot
I've been dong some checking on the 300 turbo cars. There are some smokin' deals out there! What kind of torque numbers should I expect from this motor? I wonder what kind of mpg I would get out of it in an early Bronco? How noisy is this engine compared to the big 4 cylinder Isuzu diesels? Torquey, but quiet with good mpg is what I'm looking for. Lots of questions, I know; but I gotta start somewhere... <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/pfft.gif" alt="" />

Last edited by MustangMarty; 07/26/04 03:19 AM.
Re: Sonoma Diesel [Re: MustangMarty] #395573 08/09/04 03:48 AM
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 222
Z
ZackaryMac Offline OP
Wheeler
Had to make a quick 320 km trip today to a city and back, so I decided to take the truck as it rarely sees the highway, it spends most of it's traveling time on smaller highways (biways) with posted limits of 80km\hr, verses 110km\hr.With the tach showing 2600 at 110km\hr, it buzzed along like this for 1¢ hours until I got there, then the same back. Even before I got there it was working better, smoking less and requiring less fuel for the hills. It was good for the old thing. I guess I must lug this truck too much. I do drive it easy, and it needs more trips like this one. It was holding it's speed better on the hills afterwards. I've thought about putting a turbo on this, but I see the Isuzu manifold has 4 studs to hold the turbo on, whereas my turbo here has three. So mounting the turbo isn't going to be as easy as I had hoped. Oh well. It's not as important to me right now anyway. Too many other things to do, it seems. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/pfft.gif" alt="" />

MustangMarty
Sorry for a slow response to your Mercedes questions, but I really can't give you too many answers. HP figures should be easily has from the internet, and I find the noise to be not bad with them, cetainly no louder than my little C223. They too are good for a billion miles when looked after. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />


1994 Chev S10 Ext.Cab with C223 5spd
1991 S10 Sonoma Ext.Cab with C223 5spd - SOLD

Kubota B6100 diesel with accessories
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