Galit ko sa Toyota Prius

Nothing says better what I think about the Toyota Prius than "I hate the Toyota Prius", either in English or Tagalog. And while somebody can think I'm "just a hater", there are reasons to hate the Prius.

It doesn't exploit the main advantage of the electric drive: reversibility, then no gearbox would be required for the electric motor. Or do we use a gearbox for our home cooling fans? Clearly not...

I don't understand why Toyota, so acclaimed and laureate, could make a hybrid like that. Instead of bolt the internal-combustion engine and the electric motor on the same gearbox, could benefit the handling and the efficiency using either a single motor bolted to a pair of half-shafts on the rear axle, or one in-wheel hub motor on each rear wheel. Even the extra weight from these setups could compensate the improvements over the efficiency on electric drive mode. Also, it would get 4-wheel drive ability, great for our hilly terrain in the Philippines, or even in Japan. Not to consider the notorious advantages to drive it in the rigorous Japanese winter and its snow.

Another problem: the traction battery packs. Not so easy to recycle Nickel metallic hydride, and an expensive proccess. The lifespan of a battery pack is often ignored by its owners and enthusiasts, who forgot the problems of heavy metals contamination on water, from the oceans to the underground water reserves. If it had a more efficient electric drive setup, the batteries could be smaller, then lighter, not sacrificing the range, at least reducing its environmental issue.

Another thing that just makes me mad is the lack of a diesel engine. If the intention is to get an eco-friendly vehicle, the most efficient thermodynamical cycle is still the Diesel cycle. And since it doesn't have an electric ignition there are less wasteful parts to be prone to fail and need replacement. Diesel engine blocks are usually stronger too, and lube oil usually has a longer lifespan. They're also easier to run on alternative liquid fuels, such as biodiesel, vegetable oils or even the nowadays acclaimed ethanol. Gaseous fuels would demand an assisted ignition, either from a spark system or a pilot-injection of a liquid fuel to be compression-ignited, and are also harder (and unsafer) to handle. But if you want to retrofit your Prius to run on a gaseous fuel, you can't do it: due to its "Atkinson-cycle", with the inlet valves timing setted to leave them open longer, intending to reduce the "pumping losses", backfire would be unavoidable, except if a supercharger was fitted to force the air/fuel mix back into the cylinders.

Just to compare:

1.8 Hybrid Synergy Drive: 99HP (134HP U.S.-spec)@5200RPM/142Nm@4000RPM + 82HP/207Nm from electric motor = 181HP/349Nm (216HP U.S.-spec)

1.4 D4-D: 90HP@3800RPM/205Nm@1800-2800RPM - with electric auxiliary drive would reach 172HP/412Nm, but the lesser 9HP wouldn't be noticeable at all...

2.0 D4-D: 127HP@3600RPM/309Nm@2400RPM - would get 209HP/516Nm with the electric setup

2.2 D4-D: 177HP@3600RPM/400Nm@2000-2800RPM - would not need auxiliary electric drive to superate the stock Prius Hybrid Synergy Drive setup, and not carrying the weight of the electric setup. And the 4HP difference would never be noticed, but if the electric setup came along it could reach 259HP and outstanding 607Nm.

To the karaniwan tao, the 1.4L D4-D meets all the needs, and being a Diesel it already goes more efficient than the hybrid setup. And it doesn't carry all that heavy electric driveline...

Ako gustong iakma ang isang diesel engine sa isang Ford Escape.Marahil dumalo upang gamitin ang isang mano-manong transmisyon (MTX-75) sa halip ng stock awtomatikong upang iwasan ang mga elektroniko malfunctions.Ay isang Kia J2 isang mahusay na opsyon?

Oo, Kia J2 ay mabuting makina para sa Ford Escape.Makatwirang lakas-upang-bigat ratio, busiksik sukat ginagawang madali upang umangkop.Gusto ko ang panatilihin ng awtomatikong gearbox para kaginhawahan, pero ito hinihingi ng isang naiibang tune para torque converter at adapters sa sensors input ng elektronikong kontrol.

Kia J2 is a good engine for a Ford Escape. Reasonable power-to-weight ratio, compact size makes it easy to fit. I would prefer to retain the automatic gearbox for comfort, but it would demand a different tuning for the torque converter and adaptors to the input sensors of the electronic controls.

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I recently bought a surplus Fiat Fiorino Mk1, driveline is OK but body with a lot of rust, with the same 45hp 1.3D of a Fiat Uno. Was willing to patch its rust holes but now considering to swap its motor into an Aveo. Would it worth the effort?

It's actually not the best option at all but can handle an Aveo reasonably. I'd rather get an Isuzu C180 or a Toyota 2L. But if you're going with Fiat why not to also consider the 1.7D or the 1.7TD?

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What was the worst advice you've ever received?

Once a guy who I used to consider a good friend adviced me to buy a surplus European Ford Courier (99 model-year), that I didn't buy because it had some head gasket failures and was gasoline-powered - if I would buy a piece of junk like that it would at least be an oil burner.After my refuse to buy that, his lolo did it. It later had some major failures and then turned into the most expensive hennery I've seen.

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Ako handa retrofit ng makina Nissan TD27 ang sa isang 21-seater Urvan sa aking GMT400 Chevrolet Tahoe 2WD. Binili ko ito sa labi may masama motor. Gusto ng SM465 na mahusay na tugma sa TD27?

Ang SM465 maaaring magbili, pero hindi mo magkakaroon sobrang pagkuha sa hila kakayahang na may TD27 sa loob Tahoe. Pero isang overdrive ng magiging gustong.

The SM465 can deal, but you won't have too much towing ability with the TD27 inside the Tahoe. But an overdrive would be desirable.

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Kasalukuyan ko nakatira sa Brisbane at ang aking 97 Ford Longreach van kung saan gusto ko halawin ng diesel makina ito. Aling payo puwede ninyo sa akin?

Paghahanap para sa mid-size trak / ute motor. Ford Courier/Ranger isang opsyon.

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Ba ang TD27 magandang makina para retrofit sa Chevy Lumina Ute? Akong bumabalik ang Pilipinas mula Qatar at gustong magdala aking trak sa akin.

Nissan TD27 ay magandang pagpipilian upang kumasya sa Chevy Lumina, pero hindi mo dapat umasa ito maging speed demonyo.

Nissan TD27 is a good option to fit into a Chevy Lumina, but you shouldn't expect it to become a speed devil.

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Ako kasalukuyan sarili ng '96 Chevy S10 sa mga makina Vortec 2200 at 5-bilis gearbox. Ako ay gustong ipagpalit kasalukuyang makina para sa diesel. Gusto C240 ay ng OK?

Oo, ang Isuzu C240 ay isang magandang pagpipilian sa S10

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Would a biodiesel conversion make more sense than replacing an old gasoline-powered car by a brand-new hybrid?

With a biodiesel repowering there are many parts and industrial processes not required, and a vehicle that maybe could be considered a "residue" would actually be "recycled". There are also some weight-savings due to the absence of a large and heavy battery pack that ends up being just a dead weight on road. Even considering the less-elaborated aerodynamics in some older vehicles they can get some nice fuel-efficiency numbers with their no-frills old bodies powered by a diesel, such as the early Isuzu Gemini.

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Diesel engines: some misconceptions remaining

It's not unusual to see a bunch of "unadvised" people taking some lies about diesels as a postulate. The problem is more about the currently-available diesel fuel, petroleum-based and sometimes with an enormous ash content that increases its particulate matter emissions visibly, and sulphur that leads to the acid rain. What some dumb asses forget is that diesels don't need expensive changes to run on an alternative fuel currently too neglected: biodiesel. Even the great Rudolf Diesel, PhD, predicted these engines could help a sustainable agricultural development in areas like Africa and wherever there is a rural settlement. After some failed attempts to use coal dust, due to safety issues, he had an idea: using peanut oil, and it worked. But petroleum-based fuels like kerosene and then a heavier oily one named "Diesel fuel" were also used, and since there was never too much intention to really develop the "under-development" world in a sustainable way, the petroleum-based fuel started to be the standard. But the Arab Oil embargo opened the world's eyes for a while, when the phenomenon we currently know as downsizing had its roots. Once again, biodiesel was neglected.
And currently a war in the Middle East. Some dictators are getting out of scene, but lefties are always intending to blame on the United States for all the evil in the world. But since American troops went to Afghanistan, for example, men can shave their beards and not be beheaded for this, women can use those islamic veils instead of the burqa, and there were not just "nice Arabian guys" who had their lives changed in the war.

So, how many nice guys would need to die or get mutilated just for some drops of gasoline?

Would the entire driveline of a Mitsubishi L300 be a good option to fit into a GCC-spec '06 Crown Vic. I'm currently in Dubai but willing to return to Makati and bring my car with me.

Power and ratio wouldn't be the highest ones, except if you do some tuning in the 4D56 engine. It can be perceived as underpowered, but the fuel savings would worth. I'm just not sure if the rear axle would fit, because the Crown Victoria is wider, but its Ford 9-inch axle has a wide range of gear ratios available, and a lower one would be desirable to make it feel less underpowered - with a lower gear ratio it will have a lower top speed, but quicker throttle response and better performance on hilly terrain.

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how did u become a biodiesel enthusiast?

I heard about biodiesel for the first time when I was still 14, back in 98. Have already seen some diesels running on palm oil before, mainly used to move gensets and kuliglig tractors. I used to think bad things about diesel engines before that, because of their noise and lack of engine-brake power like a regular gasser (nothing than an exhaust brake couldn't solve), but already had a deep respect for their heavy-duty unbeatable reliability. My nose is deformed because of a jeepney crash when I was just 12, the main brake failed and even using the e-brake it wasn't so effective as would be if paired with an exhaust-brake.

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I live in Jakarta and recently bought an Opel Blazer with a blown Quad-4 engine and have a Kubota V2203-T sitting in my garage. Any objection for drop it into the Blazer? I could easily get an Isuzu 4JA1-L but I got the Kubota for dirt cheap.

Nothing against the Kubota V2203-T, but you must not expect the Blazer to become a power beast with it. I know the Quad-4 is a little beast and its resemblance to an Offie is turning it into a wish for some hot-rodders, but if your intentions are to get a die-hard and fuel-saver vehicle the Kubota is a reasonable choice.

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Handa kong iangkop isang diesel engine sa akong GMT400 Chevy Silverado. Kasalukuyang engine ay ng 5.7 V8 at transmisyon ang 4-speed Muncie SM465. Isipan ko panatilihin ng SM465 pero ay walang ideya kung tungkol sa mga karamihan angkop opsyon engine.

Ang orihinal na SM465 ay sapat na malakas na humawak ng metalikang kuwintas ng isang diesel engine pero may isang mas moderno overdrive 5-speed transmisyon gusto iyo kumuha ng kahit malaking pagbuti sa panggatong husay. Isang malawak na saklaw ng engine maaaring angkop sa trak. Tungkol sa 1-litro sa 1.2-litro bawat silindro ay maayo parameter upang makatulong iyo pumili mga karamihan na mga pagpipilian. Isang surplus Isuzu 4BD1T maaring mahusay tumugma sa SM465, dahil ang mga sukat at gahom panumbasan ay malapit sa mga 4BT Cummins tinatanggap ginamit para sa repowering sa trak tulad inyo sa ibang bansa, o ng di-turbocharged 4HF1/4HFG1 na may ring makatwirang. Iba pang pagpipiliang maaaring ang Toyota 14B gamitin sa Toyota Dyna.

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The original SM465 is enough strong to hold the torque of a diesel engine but with a more modern overdrive 5-speed transmission you would get an even bigger improvement on fuel efficiency. A wide range of engines can fit into the truck. About 1-litre to 1.2-litre per cylinder is a good parameter to help you to choose the most suitable options. A surplus Isuzu 4BD1T can be a good match to the SM465, as its size and power ratio is close to the Cummins 4BT widely used for repowering in trucks like yours in other countries, or the non-turbocharged 4HF1/4HFG1 that are also reasonable. Other option could be the Toyota 14B used in the Toyota Dyna.

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Hey weekend racer, are you sure diesel engines are slow?

Diesels are usually reported as slow, but it makes a heavier and less aerodynamic Chevrolet Silverado beat the Ford Mustang. Sure, not the same displacement, but the torque of a diesel is what matters.

So, what about a better comparison? Now, a double-cab Silverado against the double-cab Dodge Ram SRT-10. The famous "Viper engine" was initially developed to be an alternative for the gasoline-addicted average Joe who would want a gasoline-powered engine to have the same strength of a diesel engine. But it ended up as just another sports engine.

Never underestimate a diesel powerplant.

I'm willing to convert my Suzuki Vitara to use either biodiesel or vegetable oils. Which would be the most suitable engines? I'm in Mandaue.

Good options could be Toyota 1L or 2L, but the most suitable would be the 2C. From Nissan there are good ones such as the CD20, and there are reports that even a TD27 would fit in the Vitara's engine bay. Isuzu also has some good options such as the 4JA1-L, and even the old C180/190/223/240 could be reasonable options. In other countries Volkswagen/Audi TDI engines are a common choice to convert Suzukis to diesel.

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So you think a 4 cylinder diesel engine is more eco-friendly than a V8 gasser in the same displacement range...

Sure. Not having all that electric ignition devices, that would end up as e-waste after a vehicle lifespan, for example. Also its fuel consumption is lower due to the higher thermal efficiency comparing with an average Otto-cycle engine, and it's easier to adapt it to run on alternative fuels (except for gaseous ones that would still need to be blended with a liquid fuel that would act like a spark promoter). Not to talk about the engine design itself, simpler, demanding less productive processes to be manufactured and easier to servicing. And since its lifespan is usually higher it would need less replacement parts that would need more materials to be made of.

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Is pork lard a good feedstock to make biodiesel?

Animal lard is often reported to be not the most suitable feedstock to biodiesel production, but it can also be used. One of the biggest meat producing companies in the world, the Bertin group, is currently using some lard-based biodiesel blends in its ranch trucks.

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Just bought a Russian Volkswagen Pointer and willing to have a diesel engine. Cold start capability is extremely important for me, and if I could get an air cooled engine it would be good but need a cab heating provision. I'm in Gavar, Armenia.

For an air cooled engine you could take a look at Lombardini/Kohler engines or some 2-cylinder Deutz. An option to get cab heat is a pipe inside the engine bay like happens in some small piston-engined aircrafts, but if you would also want a heater that could operate with the engine off check some diesel-fired supplementary cab heaters. As far as cold start goes, you can use a device similar to the Lucas brand ThermoStart used in a lot of Perkins engines, diesel-fired. Glowplugs are also a good option, but you will need a good battery and alternator setup. Another common cold start helper are those plug-in electric heating pads.

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Going to switch all my vehicles to run on biodiesel. Does castor-based biodiesel worth or should I blend it with other varieties such as palm biodiesel?

Castor oil is reported to be quite thick in comparison with other oils, but has some recognized lube properties in 2-stroke spark ignited engines. But using the pure oil as fuel is supposed to not damage the engine. It's just a trouble when there are rubber parts on the fuel lines.

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Diesel motorcycles: yes we can!

Usually, motorcycles are more associated with lighter and higher-RPM gasoline-powered engines, but it's not every time the only option. And I'm not talking about ethanol commonly seen in Brazil (Honda even offers some flexfuel motorcycles, including the very first one in the world, and its avant-premiere took place in Brazil where ethanol has an enormous market share in the energy market) or CNG/LPG widely used in China (currently in some cities such as Shanghai new motorcycles can be registered only if powered either by CNG or LPG). Hell yeah, I'm talking about diesel bikes.

Better known for their use by the U.S. Marine Corps, diesel motorcycles were also quite common in India, where even the traditional Royal Enfield offered its own diesel-powered version, actually equipped with a modified version of the 350cc gasoline-powered 18hp engine (just 6hp in diesel version) until Bharat Stage-II emission laws started to get enforced. But it didn't phase them out at all, since there were some Royal Enfield owners swapping the 400cc single cylinder 8hp engines available for some autorickshaws into their bikes. It's also a reasonably popular mod among Royal Enfield enthusiasts in Europe, most notably in Germany, and some even run on biodiesel.

So, even with all those misconceptions about diesels and bikes, they can match really well.
What about a Honda XL with a 400cc diesel? A great choice for somebody who wants a reliable and extremely fuel-efficient off-road vehicle to get some fun in trails.

Oh, seems like I forgot the Harleys and their distinctive shape with those low specific power V-Twins. No doubt they would be a perfect match for those Chinese V-Twin 22hp industrial diesels.

But one thing must never be forgotten: when we ride bikes, protective equipments such as helmets are a must.

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Karaniwan, ang motorcycle ay higit nauugnay sa magaan atmataas RPM-gasolina-pinagana engine, pero ito ay wala bawatpanahon ang lamang pagpipilian. At hindi ako magsalita tungkolethanol pangkaraniwang makita sa Brazil (Honda kahit nag-aalokilang flexfuel motorcycles, kasama ang tunay unang isa ng mundo,at kanyang avant-Premiere kinuha lugar sa Brazil saan ethanol ay may isang malaki market share sa merkado enerhiya) o CNG /LPG malawak ginagamit sa Tsina (kasalukuyang sa ilang mga lungsod katulad ng Shanghai bagong motorcycle maaaringrehistrado lamang kung pinapatakbo alinman sa pamamagitan ngCNG o LPG). Hell yeah, ako ay magsalita tungkol dieselmotorcycle.

Mas kilala sa kanilang gamit pamamagitan ng US Marine Corps,diesel motorcycle ay din ganap pangkaraniwan sa Indya, saankahit ang tradisyunal Royal Enfield inalok ng sarilingdiesel-pinapatakbo bersyon, talaga gamit sa isang binagong bersyon ng 350cc gasolina-pinapatakbo 18hp engine (lamang 6hpsa diesel version) hangtud Bharat Stage-II batas paglabas na nagsimula sa kumuha ginpirit. Pero hindi ito phase out mga ito salahat, dahil may mga ilang Royal Enfield ari ng swapping sa 400ccsolong silindro 8hp engine magagamit ng ilang autorickshaws sakanilang motorcycle. Ito ay din ng popular katwiran mod sa RoyalEnfield taong mahilig sa Europa, pinaka kapansin-pansin saAlemanya, at meron pa ngang tumakbo sa biodiesel.

Kaya, kahit sa lahat niadtong misconceptions tungkol diesels atmotorcycle, maaari nilang tugma tunay mabuti.
Anong tungkol isang Honda XL sa ng 400cc diesel? Ang malakingpinili para isang tao na nais ng isang mapagkakatiwalaan at labis na fuel-mahusay sasakyan off-daan upang makakuha ng ilangmasaya sa trails.

Oh, tila gusto Nakalimutan ko ang Harleys at ang kanilangnatatanging hugis sa mga tiyak mababang lakas V-Twins. Walangduda na sila ay ng perpekto pagtutugma para sa mga TsinoV-Twin 22hp industrial diesels.

Pero ang isang bagay ay hindi kailanman dapat na nilimot: kapagsumakay kami motorcycle, pangharang kagamitan tulad ng helmetay ng dapat.