Improve MPG of a Honda Insight with a Mini Kubota Turbo Diesel Engine Upgrade
First-Generation Honda Insight Achieves Remarkable Fuel Economy with Diesel Engine Swap
A YouTuber by the name of Robot Cantina decided to take the fuel economy of cars to a new level by fitting a small diesel engine into a first-generation Honda Insight. The Insight, which was one of the most fuel-efficient vehicles available in the 2000s, now boasts an even more impressive gas mileage figure following the diesel-swapping process.
In its original form, the Insight was powered by a hybrid drivetrain, composed of a 1.0-liter, three-cylinder gasoline engine that developed 73 horsepower with 79 lb-ft of torque. Despite its modest power figures, the vehicle's 2,000-pound weight contributed to a favorable fuel economy rating of 53 mpg combined, according to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
However, the diesel-swapped Insight that Robot Cantina experimented with featured a different powertrain. It now utilized a three-cylinder, 719cc Kubota diesel engine rated at 20 hp in its stock configuration, often found in small yard tractors. The engine was mated with a turbocharger and linked to a Saturn-sourced five-speed manual transmission.
To measure the car's fuel economy, Robot Cantina emptied the fuel tank, weighed its diesel contents, and then pouring the fuel back into the tank. The Insight was driven for a while, and the process was repeated, allowing the YouTuber to calculate the amount of diesel burned during the test. At the start of the test, the Insight carried approximately 12.8 kilos (around 28.2 pounds) of diesel, and at its completion, it had consumed roughly 2.8 kilos (approximately 6.1 pounds) of diesel. By converting the fuel consumption and considering the distance driven, it was determined that the diesel-swapped Insight returned an astonishing 70.1 mpg.
These results bettered the official EPA figures and bested the performance of many new cars. For reference, a stock first-generation Honda Insight managed 62.7 mpg on a similar 60-mile rural drive with a failing hybrid battery, indicating the diesel swap improved fuel economy under specific conditions.
While the Insight's diesel-swapped engine has already shown impressive results, the experiment isn't over yet. Robot Cantina intends to explore the potential improvements brought by a turbo from a Volkswagen Lupo, one from a Smart ForTwo, or even a combination of both.
Although the practice of diesel-swapping may seem unconventional, it apparently has strong roots in Europe, where small diesel engines have long been recognized for their exceptional fuel economy.
- In the automotive industry, the use of technology to improve fuel economy is not a novel concept, and the recent diesel-swapped first-generation Honda Insight by Robot Cantina is a testament to this, setting a new benchmark in fuel efficiency within the transportation sector.
- The finance aspect of the diesel-swapped car is intriguing, as it demonstrates that even an older vehicle can achieve competitive fuel economy figures, potentially saving its owner considerable sums over the long term.
- This diesel-swapped Insight experiment is a significant step in the transportation industry, showcasing the potential of alternative powertrains, and setting a precedent for further exploration of diesel engines and their role in enhancing fuel economy in the automotive industry.
