Started on May 27 by ww

Datsun '72 Veggie Powered Turbo Diesel 240Z

30

Here’s my Veggie powered Turbo Diesel 240Z. With the high price of gas, I figured I’d convert one of my rolling chassis’ with an early 80’s Maxima Diesel motor, make an adapter to attach a 280ZX turbo exhaust manifold and throw some veggie oil in the gas tank! Don’t let the Hawaiian flower seat covers fool you, they add at least 5mpg EACH!

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Comments
fiat22turbo
May 30, 2008, 2:27 p.m.

I just can't imagine a diesel engine sound coming from a 240z, but do it and take some video!

gamby
Dec. 16, 2008, 10:15 a.m.

That is BRILLIANT. From a purist standpoint, it's a nightmare (maybe a night terror even). From an enthusiast standpoint, it's epic. Great job.

friedgreencorrado
Jan. 29, 2009, 8:26 p.m.

I'm often asked by my non-enthusiast friends what I'm going to do when alternative fuels become widespread and gasoline becomes scarce. I just point them to cars like this. Enthusiasts will survive. Hell, we'll probably lead the way.

Tim
Baxter
Jan. 29, 2009, 8:52 p.m.

Awesomeness.

Goldmember
Feb. 24, 2009, 9:11 p.m.

Two thumbs way up. Reminds me of the veggie powered BMW road racer in the mag a few years ago.

Luke
April 21, 2009, 6:02 a.m.

Brilliant, indeed! How do fellow Zed enthusiasts react to your diesel creation?

ww
April 21, 2009, 8:09 a.m.

They generally react poorly! HAHAHA!! The "real" GRM enthusiasts all love it, but the Zed "faithful" think it's an abomination!

Nashco
April 21, 2009, 2:33 p.m.

Are you still planning on converting this thing with gas prices being half what they were this time last year? Having done two Suburban conversions, I can say the most difficult part was finding a consistent source of decent waste oil. I bet it would be an even greater challenge down there, supply and demand being what it is. As hard as I try, I can't imagine driving a diesel Z car.

ww
April 22, 2009, 1:06 a.m.

Oh yeah! I grabbed a 1982 Diesel Maxima and converted the oil pan to rear sump. I don't plan to run it exclusively on waste oil. We have a couple of places down here that sell B90 and B99, so they're the ones doing all the leg work to find and collect the waste oil. You're right, about the demand, but that's what's driving the vendors to collect, process and sell it!

racetearoffs
May 13, 2009, 1:04 p.m.

My skool bus gets a 30 gallon shot of veggie oil from my buddy and saves me $$$$$$$ , cool idea !! Nice looking car also .

mstuber
May 22, 2009, 11:40 p.m.

Freakin' nutty! (Peanut oil... get it?!) I love it!

integraguy
Aug. 23, 2010, 9:28 p.m.

I haven't been paying more than a passing interest in the majority of "Reader's Rides"....but this car REALLY got my attention. This car (mostly because I once owned a gas-guzzling 4 speed 280Z), is beyond terrific. Folks have often asked why VW never made a diesel Scirroco, they should have asked why Nissan (with DECADES of diesel truck AND car experience) never sent the U.S. anything other than a few diesel Maximas, Sentras, and hardbody pickups. A turbo-diesel Z car...having your cake (almost for free) and definitely feasting on it too.

ww
March 25, 2011, 10:25 p.m.

For all those that gave me crap for still doing this conversion with gas prices half what they were at their peak a few years ago... All I gotta say is "Where are the gas prices now baby?!" ;) Ok, now I just gotta finish off this "little" project... :O

crankwalk
July 20, 2017, 8:42 p.m.

Did this ever actually happen?

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