A local guy has seven 80s Toyota trucks that are all diesel with manual gearboxes. I thought about buying them as power train donors for my basket case S600. The rear axle would work with a 2" flare on either side at the rear. The front suspension could move over to as it is similar in concept to the S600 stuff (torsion bar, a-arms, etc). I believe they make 80hp or so and the wiring should be rather simple right? So would a oil burner S600 get me shot by purists or is it a semi-reasonable idea?
Sounds perfectly logical to me.
Might get you shot by purist but I don't think there are many of those here! Doooooo iiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiit! 
I just don't see an old N/A diesel being any fun to drive whatsoever.
While I love the idea of an 80s diesel Toyota truck, I'd think a high-winding screamer would be more fun in the S600 project. It seems a natural for a liter-bike engine, or larger.
But hey.....it's your project, do whatever floats your boat!
Umm. Wait. We are talking about one of these, aren't we? Or is it the Honda roadster? 
Honda roadster 
Before anyone grabs the pitch forks this is what is looks like ...
I love diesels, but I second the "screamer" engine suggestion. How about a 600cc Honda bike engine? Keep it in the family
I am going to plus on a high-rev motor.
I opened this expecting to be looking at a W140 chassis on twenties. Oh well...
Ian F
UberDork
6/29/12 3:29 p.m.
Reminds me of the guy who stuffed a Polo 3-cylinder TDI into a Mini... Why not?
...but I'm with the "screamer" group...
A diesel wouldn't be terrible, but I don't think that's the right diesel.
Does a VW TDI adapt to rear wheel drive at all easily?
Put me in the 'high winder' category as well. I recently had the opportunity to observe a TDI powered Fiat 124 which was meticulously and beautifully constructed. It was also rather underwhelming from a performance standpoint, it just built speed slowly.
Maybe those 'Yotas could be good rock climbers? No law says a man can only have one project...
I too would first vote 1000cc bike engine, but if you want to make a diesel, please hang a snail on it.
An '80s Toyota truck diesel is going to make those 2" rear flares seem awfully pointless...
Those Toyota diesels make very good boat anchors, but I'm not sure about anything else.
I might be biased, but they didn't live very long at all in Canadian winters.
Alright - you've got me convinced against it. I'll keep looking. These is a 1983 BMW 318i (not sure if that is a e21 or e30 as no pics with the ad) with a recent engine rebuild for $650 - that might work as a motor. Strut suspension is a no go though.
nobody says you cannot use the suspension from the truck and the engine and trans from the BMW
If the toyota diesels are turbo motors then.. why not try it.. I'd imagine weight might be an issue.
If they are not turbo engines... Walk away, as grandma moses produces more power on a unicycle.
I don't care what it is... putting a diesel in ANYTHING is a win.
I'm in the process of putting a Mercedes diesel in my 65 Scout and putting a Duramax in my 66 Bonneville.
If I weren't already married, I would marry diesel fuel. Its my second true love.
I think they are non-turbos -they sold them a little longer in Canada. I can't have both the Toyota and BMW at the same time as I'll run out of spousal understanding
Well I looked at the '83 BMW 318i. Turned out to be a E30 not E21. Car had new clutch and engine rebuilt about three and half years ago (he can get the paper work). Then three years ago it was stolen and taking for a joy ride. They buggered up the front suspension and wreaked the ignition. So car was written off and not started since. The side driver's window has been left down since then so the interior is not great. Wheels are from a four bolt Dodge Daytona oddly enough but have lots of tread. Price is $650 but I think there would be negotiating room there. But I think I'm going to pass on it though. I'd much rather start with something running as a donor. A 5spd S10 came up but it was sadly the 2.5L four banger model.
In reply to WhiteLX:
Even a G10T could work well...
But G13B would be much better :D
I just bought this. $200. It is a 1982 Toyota SR5 pickup truck with a 22R engine and 5spd gearbox. This is the good angle believe it or not. It is pretty darn rough - probably too rough to economically repair but it will make a fine donor vehicle for my Honda. Rear axle is right in the ball park size wise. Front spindles will work just fine. The engine and gearbox might even be ok - I need to run it a bit longer to be sure. I had a Hilux with a 22RE and while not overly sporty it was decent. Maybe like a Stalker V6 it will be fun in a light car. Or I'll come across something better. Lots of little bits like wiring, horns, seats, etc can be used. Shame it has to be that way as I love the styling and size of these. Getting towed home this afternoon (brakes need bleed and battery is toast).
