NissanDiesel Forums

I recall reading an article about the history of the National Hot Rod Association's history here in America.

Somewhere in that old article was mention of the founder's side interest in fuel economy (was a national obsession at the time). This was shortly after the first contrived fuel squeeze in the early 1970s.

The man repowered a Dodge or Plymouth 'A' body with a small Nissan diesel, entered it in an official fuel economy race, and turned in some truely stunning MPG figures (don't know if "Texas Overdrive" was permitted or not).

For the time period, seems to me the Nissan engine would have to have been either an SD22 or SD33.

Anyone have information?

There's been at least one '70s LeBaron or similar running around with an SD33 in it, I've seen the ad a couple of times over the years.

When I installed my Tug NA SD33 in my 1980 Scout (3.73 gears and 31" tires) in summer of 2004 I kept carefull track of my MPG for one year. I averaged 24 MPG for the year (dropped the highest {28 MPG}and lowest {19 MPG} to come up with that AVG). I think that is good for a Scout think pushing a sheet into the wind for areodynamics. I also found that if I kept my RPM's below 2200 RPM I got better MPG.

I didn't watch either of the two SD33T that I've had that close, but I don't think they ever did over 22 MPG one had 3.54 gears and one had 3.73 gears with 235/75/R15 tires.

I know of an SD33 powered El Camino and an SD33 powered Datsun 240/280, but I don't recall the MPG.

dieselscout80 wrote:I know of a . . . SD33 powered Datsun 240/280, but I don't recall the MPG.

It's more common to put the LD28 in the Z, because it pretty much bolts up. It's been done several times. This is the first I've heard of the SD in a Z -- are you sure?

asavage wrote:This is the first I've heard of the SD in a Z -- are you sure?

Here is a LINK to such a conversion many moons ago,,,,,



Dslsmoke