mscafide wrote:I like the Diesel Spider engine swap because it is reasonable and took thought and effort.
These are not rare cars unless they are close to perfect originals. If it were a really rare Pinto, Vega, Gremlin or Pacer there would be a reason to be outraged because they can't be found in the numbers Fiat Spiders in just reasonable, driveable condition. AND it's hard to get parts.
I did not put the diesel in myself however since getting the Diesel Spider I have been a bit surprised at how many car/truck/SUV brands around the world use Isuzu diesel engines and transmissions. Honda, BMW, Chev/GM, Holden, etc. My wifes Saturn VUE on the other hand has a Fiat transmission with a Getrag shifter in it. It is getting pretty global out there to be sure so at times a transplant is almost a drop in. On the Spider the engine mounts do not appear to have required any modification at all and while tight to the fire wall the Isuzu diesel engine appears to have dropped right in. No really big mods to the wiring were required either aside from a button to engage the glow plugs during cold starts however it is more reliable now with the addition of a few relays. It is amusing when I get comments on how great the engine sounds. Some have asked what exhaust mods I did to get it that way however truth be told I really haven't got a clue as there are no really identifiable markings on the muffler however the lack of Fiat hangers on it and the strap bolted through the bottom of the trunk (I really dislike that) indicate that its not the original from the spiders gas engine.