2+2 flywheel in a 240ZD...will I snap my crank in half?

[Dslsmoke]

I found this little writeup some time ago, see if it helps.

Link here


"Note to Admin, It is not my intention or doing , if this site prompts you to watch something else while downloading this file"

Dslsmoke

[asavage]

For those of us who can't or won't open a M$ Word document, here's a translation.

Technical Specifications
Veggie Car

Imagine cruising the highways and byways in a sports car powered by biodiesel getting 30 miles per gallon. That’s what I do with the Veggie Car – a 1971 Datsun 240Z powered by a Nissan LD28 2800 cc displacement diesel engine with approximately 93 horsepower. Since the 240z did not come with a diesel, I got a diesel engine from a wrecked 1982 Nissan Maxima. (The LD28 engine is a popular engine in Europe, Africa, Australia and Japan. In the US, it was only available in a few Maximas, some forklifts and some boats).

I only made two modifications to the LD28 Nissan diesel in-line 6-cylinder engine before installing it. I modified the oil pan to fit over the 240z’s front suspension and I replaced the 32-year old rubber fuel hose that goes to the fuel tank with a new Viton-brand synthetic fuel hose. The engine dropped straight in, mounted to the original mounting brackets and mated with the original transmission, which I have since replaced with a 1978 5-speed tranny.

Although biodiesel studies done show anywhere from a 0% to a 10% loss in power, I notice no power loss with 100% biodiesel (B100) in the Veggie Car - which easily accelerates to over 100 mph. My problem is not power loss – it’s speeding tickets, of which I now have a small collection. Doug at Fairlady Z Motors in Portland, OR will soon outfit the Veggie Car with a custom Turbocharger made. The turbocharger will increase horsepower by 25% - bringing the LD28 up to the same performance as the original gasoline L24 that came standard in the 1971 240z.

LD 28 Engine Specs [some are incorrect]

Manufacturer			Nissan
Year				1983
Model				LD28
Displacement			170.35 cu. in. (2792cc)
Bore x Stroke: 			3.327x3.268in. (84.5 x 83mm)
Type				4-cycle, OHC
Compression Ratio:		22.0 : 1
Combustion:			Swirl Chamber
Cylinders:			6, in-line
Horsepower*			Approx. 93@4400 rpm without Turbo 
				approx. 116@4400 rpm with Turbo
Torque				Approx. 148 lb-ft @ 2000 rpm without Turbo
Transmission			5 spd manual
Weight (Dry):			Approx. 415 lbs (238 kg)

* The horsepower of the diesel without the turbo is estimated to be approx. 75% of its gas counterpart.  [this is incorrect]

[240ZD]

Two modifications my ass.

[davehoos]

LD28 are rare in australia.and as popular as the comon cold.

Diesel powed cars have been discoraged since the first perkins-holden of the 50s.australia does not have the oil needed to produce quality diesel.

[240ZD]

Maybe not petrol diesel...

Well, the 240Z diesel is on the road, and it's not slow, even with the skinny stock Z exhaust still attached. Can't wait to add a fat exhaust and turbocharge.

Beware that this engine swap is way more of a pain in the ass than "advertised." You can't drill into the block's oil gallery/boss to use a stock sump tube; you have to weld one and modify a gas car oil pan to fit, both of which are quite difficult due to the tight spaces involved. I even had to shim the passenger-side engine mount, and the welded addition still just touches the steering crossmember. You also must add a drain fitting for the alternator's oil output to the oil pan.

-You must use the gas engine mounts and cut up the right-side one a bit to clear the IP pump lines
-use the gas oil pressure sending unit, on the diesel's L-shaped elbow
-make simple throttle adapter
-the gas car's clutch fork doesn't work properly with the diesel flywheel and clutch. I assume I need the diesel clutch fork. Ya, that was a nice suprise. I was able to adjust the slave cylinder just narrow enough to work for now.
-the gas alternator's plastic "T" electrical plug doesn't fit the diesel alternator, which has an EXTRA connector. Does anyone know what that circuit's function is? Because the alternator seems to work fine without it hooked up, HA!
-I was able to use the stock oil dipstick, but depending on the pan modifications, one might have to drill the diesel block to fit a gas dipstick tube.

It's a nice swap, but only if you know in advance about things like the clutch fork and oil pan, know a good welder, and have all the right tools, spare metal and time.

[asavage]

-the gas alternator's plastic "T" electrical plug doesn't fit the diesel alternator, which has an EXTRA connector. Does anyone know what that circuit's function is?

Bulb check relay connector. When no power is on that terminal, it grounds a relay, which lights a lot of the lamps in the dash. It is not needed in your 240Z.

[diesel doer]

You will find that the Z2.4L engine flywheel, clutch, and transmission from a pickup, 84 and up will fit the 2.8 L engine. I've used one for years, and it cures the auto trans blues.

[asavage]

You will find that the Z2.4L engine flywheel, clutch, and transmission from a pickup, 84 and up will fit the 2.8 L engine.

Will it fit the LD 2.8l ? Have you put a Z24 flywheel on a diesel LD?

I've used one for years, and it cures the auto trans blues.

Heh, some of us like a good AT

[Midnightz]

Thanks for the update, 240ZD.

Can you post pic's of the mod's that you had to do? I appreciate the work you are doing and thanks for sharing.

Paul

[240ZD]

Here are a couple pics of modified parts.

I just have to reiterate how badass the LD28 is. I think that the majority of you Maxima owners undersetimate the power and refinement of your LD28 engines. As a long time proponent of Z cars and L-series engines in general, all I have to say is that I should have done this swap ten years ago, and that I think the LD28 is the best and most refined of all the L's.

The sump tube


The pan...beware, the stubby nose of the welded "channel" actually needs a 45-degree slope on the front end...



The engine in the car.


More detailed pics and info are pending the the turbo system addition, which will be completed as soon as I can freakin' get the thing together. Have you all heard about the 60's impala with the turbo diesel that SMOKED a 2007 lamborghini? It was on that show "pimp my ride," with Arnold Schwarzenneger as a guest. Look it up on google! Not to mention the Cummins dodge trucks that are smoking EVERYTHiNG at the track lately!

The diesel rolls with way more presence than the dumb gas engine!~


-samee-

[asavage]

I really appreciate your sharing these pictures and your experience so far.

Does the oil pickup tube have a brace? I don't see one, and it definitely needs one.

[Midnightz]

thanks!

can't wait till when I get to drop a LD28 in my 240z.

[240ZD]

There's no brace, but I should add one. Just a lot of loctite, and the sump screen rests on the bottom of the oil pan.

[asavage]

That's a pretty long piece (the oil pickup) that's subject to a lot of vibration and supported on one end: a brace would be a good idea.

Great work!

[240ZD]

Ya, a braced is definitely in order, and easy to make and mount. I already obtained the proper drill bit and tap for the job, but it's ugly to have to pull that pan off again so soon. UGH!