whats the deal with the diesel cutlass?

[Oldstech]

Im guessing that there is something wrong. But if you think about it... in 1980 the national speed limit was 55mph. I am guessing you don't do 55mph and maybe average 65-70? That extra RPM will bring it down. I know the 260 D engine did not get as high milage as the 350. And according to Wikipedia they changed the designs a little in 81 and added internal EGR which took away about 5 horsepower.

Plus a diesel (or any Olds engine) will run forever in poor condition with who knows how many problems. Properly tuned and with the crud cleared out of the injectors (or whatever they used?) new lines, new filter, tighten the rockers, maybe replace the cam/lifters (see some OEM on ebay) and replace the head bolts with the ARP and gasket with the new Felpro and that engine should keep on running. Assuming they head gasket leak was not bad and tore up the inards and the bearings are shot. How hard is adding an aftermarket fuel seperater? And how does the low sulfer diesel they sell today compare to the diesel sold in 1980? Would the car smell as much? My Jetta TDI does not smell like a diesel at all. In fact the air coming out of the tailpipe is sometimes cleaner than the surrounding air and there is NO soot at all in the tailpiple. It really is a "clean diesel!"

Well my cutlass is a no option car, Im was lucky to have a/c. But I deleted it. The car is gutted with only camaro bucket seats in the interior,. So Im probably 500 lbs lighter then the avg cutlass. I gained that 5 hp back when I put and electric fan, deleted the a/c, and dual snorkel aircleaner. Also have aluminum rims, rear wheels are 28" tall, aluminum drums, aluminum driveshift. Its still a dog and low 20's mpg if that. With 2.14 gear and 130hp its horrible. But runs like a champ. Being why I havent brought myself to removing it yet.

I still dont believe 40mpg from an 3800lbs box car. Unless it was downhill the whole way. Not really worth debating. But if my car got 40 mpg. The jetta with new technology and being a 4 banger should get 60mpg. IMO. I just dont believe it. Wiki isnt facts. Just wrote by ppls, probably same ppls who wrote 442.com. One day I will get my gps for some accurate mileage and try and do an avg mpg on my car. And try and get some accurate numbers

I daily this car, to my work it 30mins. Its 55mph the whole way with 5 stop signs. I have

 

[dogsht]

ribbedroof said it because it has a diesel vin its emissions exempt. So it you are looking to do a bad arse project car in an area where emissions would be a problem its a way out. Might be a good deal even if the motor is only going to be yanked and sold as their is a market for it. Ship it haul it whatever to your part of the country and put something cool and fun in it. 8)

 

[Oldstech]

ribbedroof said it because it has a diesel vin its emissions exempt. So it you are looking to do a bad arse project car in an area where emissions would be a problem its a way out. Might be a good deal even if the motor is only going to be yanked and sold as their is a market for it. Ship it haul it whatever to your part of the country and put something cool and fun in it. 8)

Lucky for me. My county doesnt require emission or vehicle inspection. So that was never an big issue. But the awesome part is. The car has no cats from the factory. I called a exhaust shop when I first got the car and was looking at installing an 403 I had. They really didnt have an answer. Being it is diesel vin. He just told me, to help them out. Just tow it up there. Say its my race car. And tow it out and no worries.

 

[docrocket1967]

my buddys car was originally a diesel according to the vin # and it came with a gas engine. Someone even went as far as swapping the gauges where it says diesel fuel only too unleaded fuel only or however it is printed. But i hvae yet to see one with a diesel engine. I might go look at one tomorrow its a cutlass i saw sitting in someones driveway and it could be a diesel. we will see. I know they had a diesel engine available in the el caminos as well but i havent seen one of those either.

 

[FE3X CLONE]

My Jetta TDI does not smell like a diesel at all. In fact the air coming out of the tailpipe is sometimes cleaner than the surrounding air and there is NO soot at all in the tailpiple. It really is a "clean diesel!"

This is likely due to better engine management and particulate filters in the exhaust. Believe me, if you modify the exhaust, it'll pour out the black smoke.
I've followed some kid that has a "hot rodded" Jetta diesel and just loves to shower the road in a cloud of black exhaust soot. He's right up there with the idiot rednecks and their diesel trucks that do the same thing.

 

[Ribbedroof]

Guy I know has a buttless Cutlass 4 door diesel...last I knew it was for sale.