Redline
Likes to Drive and Ride
Vw 1.9l
Very nice, ambitious project. I strongly support your use of a VW 1.9L turbo-diesel (TDI). The 1.9L TDI in my wife's 2000 Golf has been a great little engine for 80k. Economy is great, even when driving hard/fast, and performance is good (5-speed).
For your application I would consider some performance modifications for the engine. You should have more torque/power available with few if any penalties when you're not using the extra juice. You will work that little engine harder with that weight and less aerodynamics, but I'll bet you will still be in the 30-MPG range on the highway at around 65-MPH. My guess is that 25-MPG will be quite low for your completed rig (depending on your driving style & gearing) and 30-35+ may be achievable. Can't wait to see the finished project in a few weeks!
Very nice, ambitious project. I strongly support your use of a VW 1.9L turbo-diesel (TDI). The 1.9L TDI in my wife's 2000 Golf has been a great little engine for 80k. Economy is great, even when driving hard/fast, and performance is good (5-speed).
For your application I would consider some performance modifications for the engine. You should have more torque/power available with few if any penalties when you're not using the extra juice. You will work that little engine harder with that weight and less aerodynamics, but I'll bet you will still be in the 30-MPG range on the highway at around 65-MPH. My guess is that 25-MPG will be quite low for your completed rig (depending on your driving style & gearing) and 30-35+ may be achievable. Can't wait to see the finished project in a few weeks!