zmarrott Posted February 20, 2016 Share Posted February 20, 2016 While in Oreilys looking for a water pump for Grumpy Car, one of the guys working there mentioned that someone he knows swapped a Kabota tractor deisel into an 80s subaru and that it mated right up to the subaru transmission. He didnt know much specifics about the car, but thinks his manager owns it now. Ill be going back in tomorrow to find out more, as im very intrigued with this idea. Has anyone heard of this or something similar being done? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
idosubaru Posted February 20, 2016 Share Posted February 20, 2016 it bolted right up? definitely follow up on that. i have a kubota and have certainly thought about it. i think the tricky part is the HP is gonna be really low or the engines typically very expensive. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AdventureSubaru Posted February 20, 2016 Share Posted February 20, 2016 take a camera and get pics if the rumor proves true. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TOONGA Posted February 20, 2016 Share Posted February 20, 2016 Yes pictures would be great to see. It would open up a few different avenues for people. TOONGA Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Loyale 2.7 Turbo Posted February 20, 2016 Share Posted February 20, 2016 That is very interesting, I'll like to see Photos too. I've only seen Kubota diesel engine swaps, on Chevrolet S-10 Pick Up, on Ford Ranger Pick Ups, , Jeep and even on a Suzuki sedan; However, an adaptor plate IS needed to bolt such engine to the transmission. In the past it was a forum member that attempted a similar swap but with a VolksWagen diesel engine, however it resulted too tall for the application. Kind Regards. (As usual on my Posts, Underlined words are Web Links with Further info & photos) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DaveT Posted February 20, 2016 Share Posted February 20, 2016 I suspect that the rpm range of the different engines would make it a bit slow... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
zmarrott Posted February 20, 2016 Author Share Posted February 20, 2016 so i went in and its the managers father that is the supposed current owner, even the manager isnt sure if he still owns the car. also found out that its a brat, which just makes it that much better lol. theyre gonna contact the owner who originally did the swap to try and track down the car for me. if i do end up finding the car, i will be taking pictures of as much as theyll let me. as for the perfomance of it with such an engine, im gonna presume its very slow, but very powerful. ill update soon when i find out more Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Toolbox35 Posted February 22, 2016 Share Posted February 22, 2016 This would be really cool, throw a turbo on it 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Natemanas Posted March 17, 2016 Share Posted March 17, 2016 I look forward to hearing more about this! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
zmarrott Posted April 3, 2016 Author Share Posted April 3, 2016 heard back from the guy today. looks like i may not be able to see the car in person, but possibly the next best thing: supposedly there is a whole book on this exact conversion. he told me that its a 3 cylinder kabota and it can get about 100 mpg city and 75 highway(55-60 mph). unfortunately i might not be able to update further for a while as im about to leave the state for work for a few months, but ill do my best to learn more. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
robm Posted April 4, 2016 Share Posted April 4, 2016 A quick Google search comes up with a thread about converting a Geo Metro (rebadged Suzuki) to diesel with a Kubota 3 banger. I wonder if something similar was tried with a Justy? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
firehawk618 Posted April 5, 2016 Share Posted April 5, 2016 I suppose to overcome the totally wrong gearing one could run some giant tires......... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Loyale 2.7 Turbo Posted December 4, 2017 Share Posted December 4, 2017 Diesel in Loyale: http://www.ultimatesubaru.org/forum/topic/50983-strange-and-weird-subaru-stuff/page-97?do=findComment&comment=1372612 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gloyale Posted December 4, 2017 Share Posted December 4, 2017 Kubota Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wagons Posted December 5, 2017 Share Posted December 5, 2017 Taller tires change speed and make the gears higher so let's go BIG or go home! I have seen a 3-cylinder Kubota in a bronco here in AZ. Good milage and easier to change gear ratios. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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