OK
I am both a Veedub and TDi fan, but there is a project in the making that should silence the critics forever...
One of the reasons I am now driving a tuned Golf TDi is that a deal feel through
to buy the first diesel-engined sports car ever, the "Weasel"...(
err.. like Westfield and Diesel, get it
)
This was a sensation when it hit the road back in 1992: a bright red wide-bodied Westfield fitted with a 1.8 litre Ford turbo-diesel engine, tuned to 125bhp and 180lb ft of torque using the expertise of Richard Wilson. Plus a handy turbocharger and intercooler from a Sierra Cosworth
All in a car lighter than an original mini, with a centre of gravity lower than an Oompa-Loompa... yeehaa!
Whilst 0-60 in 6 seconds and 60mpg was quite respectable, especially in 1992, it was the Ferrari Testarossa beating 30-70 time that nailed this oil-burners true colours to the mast.
So the deal fell through, but I did end up in contact with a guy building himself the next generation of Turbo Weasel, John. I blame him solely for my affiliation to the Mk3 Golf TDi. He has run his since new as an everyday car and trailer-puller. Racked up over 220k miles so far without a problem - no surprise for a well-maintained Veedub.
Except he is pushing out 190bhp from an original 90bhp engine, (albeit detuned to 150bhp for road use) yes this car does a lot of trackwork too. And he expects it to last a lot longer, which is why I am copying him
But I digress, the interesting thing is what this guy is doing with a 130bhp PD TDi engine...
I believe he has it up to 220bhp, with enough torque to tow an oil tanker, and it will push another 50bhp with propane injection!
But he is not going to drop this into a heavy Golf. Like Diesel engines, Westfields have come a long way. So it will end up in a lightweight modern Westfield, setup to handle all that power. I would estimate around 470kg weight, so with 270bhp you do the maths!
If you have ever heard of the venerable fire-breathing Westfields fitted with 4.0 Rover V8 engines, they trounced everything in a straight line but with a heavy engine were understandably a hairy experience round the corners. Actually, you could drive them everyday without changing gear. 3rd was enough to pull off quick and break 100mph! Well, this TDi-powered Turbo Weasel will have much more power, tons more torque, and still be lighter and better balanced!
Added benefits: 60/70 MPG plus, rather than 20mpg from a V8 Westie (or dare I say it hard-driven VR6?
) particularly useful when you have a small tank or do track days. Seriously, don't know about you lot but in a crash I would rather have diesel than petrol leaking around me.
So, I think that is gonna be one car to hail up for the Veedub crowd when it's up and running. One for Westfield too, except many owners are vehemently anti-Diesel, the luddites!
Any thoughts guys?
Ollie
