Auto repair with Doctor Val

**Val** · 05-01-2008, 09:17 PM

These questions are getting damn difficult.
For the next time, I'll post it here and ONE OF YOU will answer it to me!

And you still think that it's veeeeery easy moderate a car forum huh?

Hello Val!

I bought a Dodge Ram 1500 a couple years back. You posted a thread about it last month if I remember. I 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!
Chris via email to me: valtinhosp@pop.com.br

Hello Chris!

And sorry for my terrible english!

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.

Any problems, just ask.

**Val** · 05-04-2008, 02:20 AM

Chris read the reply and loved the explanation.

charlespt · 05-04-2008, 06:13 PM

That's great

**Val** · 05-05-2008, 02:57 PM

My next auto repair will be replied by you Charles.
I'll send you a pm ok?

charlespt · 05-05-2008, 05:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Val

My next auto repair will be replied by you Charles.

Are you kidding?
No way.

I don't know almost nothing about cars.

**Val** · 05-05-2008, 08:02 PM

You must learn!
And post your car in the car topic!
It's an orrrrrrrder!

charlespt · 05-06-2008, 03:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Val

And post your car in the car topic!

I would love to do that if I had a car but unfortunately I don't

**Val** · 05-06-2008, 09:01 PM

Sorry to hear this...
but I don't forget the auto repair thread. I have a question here and I'll post to one of you, you or Eric, reply to it.

05-01-2008, 09:17 PM	#1 (permalink)
Val Gear Heads Moderator Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Brazil Posts: 7,614 My Profile	Auto repair with Doctor Val These questions are getting damn difficult. For the next time, I'll post it here and ONE OF YOU will answer it to me! And you still think that it's veeeeery easy moderate a car forum huh? Hello Val! I bought a Dodge Ram 1500 a couple years back. You posted a thread about it last month if I remember. I 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! Chris via email to me: valtinhosp@pop.com.br Hello Chris! And sorry for my terrible english! 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. Any problems, just ask.

05-04-2008, 02:20 AM	#2 (permalink)
Val Gear Heads Moderator Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Brazil Posts: 7,614 My Profile	Chris read the reply and loved the explanation.

05-04-2008, 06:13 PM	#3 (permalink)
charlespt Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Portugal Posts: 3,353	That's great

05-05-2008, 02:57 PM	#4 (permalink)
Val Gear Heads Moderator Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Brazil Posts: 7,614 My Profile	My next auto repair will be replied by you Charles. I'll send you a pm ok?

05-05-2008, 08:02 PM	#6 (permalink)
Val Gear Heads Moderator Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Brazil Posts: 7,614 My Profile	You must learn! And post your car in the car topic! It's an orrrrrrrder!

05-06-2008, 09:01 PM	#8 (permalink)
Val Gear Heads Moderator Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Brazil Posts: 7,614 My Profile	Sorry to hear this... but I don't forget the auto repair thread. I have a question here and I'll post to one of you, you or Eric, reply to it.

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