Why do I want a Diesel so badly?

I had a 7.3 in a superduty. I don't know what milage I got but it was as reliable as gravity. For the last two years the glowplugs were no good so she needed a squirt of either in the morning but once it was going it would run all day. I couldn't fell much more power than my 6.9 but that was in a lighter truck.

Just went through Austin TX CL. Yup, some cheap diesels there, especially Fords. Some seriously funny ads, too.

this is the only place i've ever seen truck prices so cheap...

There isnt really a minimum price for trucks or any kind of 'truck tax' down here. They're just as cheap as cars and just as common in the 0-3k$ range.

Vans in general are cheap. I remember hearing that the turbo diesel vans had some cooling issues or something though.

I dont think this is what you're referring to but i know the 7.3 powerstroke vans didnt have room for an intercooler so that could definitely become a cooling issue if you're trying to turn it up. I think you could manage a very nice air/water setup with only a large amount of effort and money, though.

If I'm looking for a diesel truck that gets the best mileage, what's the best option? It would only tow 3-5k lbs, so any of them would do weight wise.

Wife just asked what I wanted for Christmas. I told her a '93 Dodge W250 with a 5.9.

Ill take an F-350 or E-350 with a IDI 7.3. Hell, I'll take a Suburban with a 6.5. Not picky!

If I got the Van, I'd just need to make it as cool as possible... Or as less "electrician's vehicle" as I can!

It's hard to beat a 12v Cummins for mileage with little effort. I consistently get 20 with my 4*4 without trying too hard and when I drove it more often 22 wasn't uncommon. My best was a bit over 24 with some effort, but not really using a lot of hypermiling techniques.

For such a relatively light load, a Sprinter would work too.

At the same time, really consider how often you would be towing. Once a week? Once a month? How far? Think about it and do the math before automatically assuming a diesel will be the cheaper option.

Ian F wrote: Think about it and do the math before automatically assuming a diesel will be the cheaper option.

I personally would never argue that a Diesel is the cheapest option (I know you weren't directing tha toward me). I just have a passion for a Diesel. Simplicity, low-rpm torque, sound, smell. Just seems bad-a$$ to me. And all the ways to make crazy power sound fun as heck.

I watched a video about "40 hp in 3 minutes" with a simple fuel pin from M&H Inc. This excites me.

I agree. When my truck is running right, it certainly is fun to drive in a Tim Allen sort of way. Unfortunately, the times when its not broken are too few and far between as well as costly. I'm just not having very good luck with my cars lately...

there is a guy at work that has one mint.

He normally drives his Liberty instead. I have no idea why. I will get some photos and post them on the next day he comes in.

Flight Service wrote: there is a guy at work that has one mint. He normally drives his Liberty instead. I have no idea why. I will get some photos and post them on the next day he comes in.

Liberty Diesel?

ebonyandivory wrote:

Flight Service wrote: there is a guy at work that has one mint. He normally drives his Liberty instead. I have no idea why. I will get some photos and post them on the next day he comes in.

Liberty Diesel?

I wish, Merc, This thing is pristine.

mw wrote: If I'm looking for a diesel truck that gets the best mileage, what's the best option? It would only tow 3-5k lbs, so any of them would do weight wise.

Either a 6.2 GM product or a 12-valve Cummins, I'd imagine.

I was just talking about my want of a 80's Suburban diesel with a guy at work and he mentioned Banks makes a turbo kit for the 6.2 that supposedly really wakes it up

Although not a truck, I've got a new Merc C220 CDI 6 speed manual in Germany...it will got 140 mph! Twin turbo, 2.2 liter...and returns 43 mpg on a run to the UK and back with 130 mph cruise on the autobahn.

I also had a new BMW 320D 6 speed manual. It mileage was even better (slightly) and would top 150 mph! I was beside myself as it surged past 130 mph (my guess at topspeed)...I have a feeling it might even be limited.

Very unusual to be doing that speed...and pass a police car...legally.

For a commuter...I'm sold on diesel...Hope they bring more to the States.

In reply to rebelgtp:

Uh oh... you said the "B-word"... It's been awhile since I spent any time on the Cummins forums, but I do remember few things could send a thread into a tail-spin faster than somebody mentioning "Banks".

ebonyandivory wrote: In reply to DoctorBlade: http://providence.craigslist.org/ctd/3443263533.html http://providence.craigslist.org/cto/3438074216.html http://providence.craigslist.org/cto/3358598958.html

You want the 300. 240s are only slightly slowly then sloths. The 300s are slightly faster then previously mentioned sloth.

Also here is a good forum for making them faster....

http://www.superturbodiesel.com/std/

Ford just announced today that the new Transit Connect will be available in the US with a 5cylinder diesel (Econoline replacement)

In reply to Ian F:

How come? Or should I just join one and try it for E36 M3s and giggles?

rebelgtp wrote: In reply to Ian F: How come? Or should I just join one and try it for E36 M3s and giggles?

I've seen some Banks' work. Can't see anything bad. In fact, Gale Banks won me over when I heard him talk about making Diesel fuel out of American corn and to quit buying it from people that hate the U.S. (not to get all political on ya).

ummmmmmm.... although its gotta be molasses-slow it serves so many of my loves at once!

http://maine.craigslist.org/cto/3457503793.html

http://maine.craigslist.org/cto/3425518978.html

http://maine.craigslist.org/cto/3410259989.html

In reply to ebonyandivory:

I have the 5.7 diesel in one of my Cutlasses. It is coming out in favor of a 403.

I would say the vanagon would conceivably end up being the least used of the 3 due to it not having much of the diesel upsides. I almost traded for one once but that was only because i had something to trade.

I think the wagon is pretty cool. I almost bought one of those too and honestly im kicking myself for not doing it (it was 400 and came with decent wheels and was drivable). That particular guy said 25 mpg for his wagon.

Vigo wrote:

this is the only place i've ever seen truck prices so cheap...

There isnt really a minimum price for trucks or any kind of 'truck tax' down here. They're just as cheap as cars and just as common in the 0-3k$ range.

ya that amazed me and still does when i'm looking at buying... in the redneck rivera of Panama city FL a 20 year old I6 beat to crap chebby was still a $3000 truck... I do recall seating a few beat to hell early s10's that needed a new engine that you could get for $1500 or so...