Diesel car differences?

[rebelgtp]

I was wondering if there were any chasis or driveline differences on the diesel cars over the regular gas engine cars?

The '80 Cutlass I just picked up started off life as a diesel and I was wondering if that meant the rear end or front suspension was any beefier then the standard stuff. Is any of that worth saving or just toss it during the rebuild?

 

[dan2286]

It might have an aluminum hood and some other aluminum parts that I cant think of right now. There is nothing good about the drive train, the diesel made no power so they did not need to upgrade anything. It might have beefier springs.

 

[Joray]

Hi

I believe the fuel tank has a sock in it to collect mosture.
You might want to change to a gas tank.

 

[axisg]

Hydro-boost brakes ( they run off the PS as the diesel does not make enough vacuum ) and I think they used to come with a TH400 trans.

Heavier front springs and some cars got an alum-hood and rad support to take some weight off the nose

 

[rebelgtp]

Well by golly good call guys the car has an aluminum hood I never noticed that. Took a magnet out and yep fenders, door and roof attracted it the hood did not.

Hmmm there goes my plan of cutting a hole in the hood for a shaker. Seems like a shame to cut up an aluminum hood that is such great shape.

 

[85 Cutlass Brougham]

The wiring will be different too because of the glow plugs. You will need to run a switched 12 volt positive wire to the ignition.

 

[rebelgtp]

The wiring will be different too because of the glow plugs. You will need to run a switched 12 volt positive wire to the ignition.

That part should already be done considering it has a Pontiac 400 in it already.

Nice little bit of news I was given a set of body work hammers and hand anvils today by my grandpas neighbor that found out I was working on the car.