> How do the Peugeot diesels do over there?
>
All the Peugeots here are imported vehicles except the 309, which
they have started assembling here recently ( both petrol and diesel ).
The problem with the diesels offered on the 505 is that they are not
engines which give good life. For example, the 2112 cc Peugeot diesel
which is the most popular transplant for 504s and 505s here, and is
made under licence by a jeep manufacturer, and is identical in design
to the XD3 except for minor bore / stroke changes, rarely crosses
100000 km.
On the other hand, the OM616, which is gain is manufactured here
under licence, easily boasts of life upto 400000 km, after which the
most common overhaul is a simple change of rings. The
Isuzu 4FG1, though not manufactured here, is gaining in popularity.
However, the 309's diesel has got some very good reviews in the local
auto press.
I would sum up saying that Peugeot diesels have reasonably okay
reputation here.
> Apparently each engine swap is individually engineered and custom done.
> Are there no commercially produced adaptor plates or kits?
>
Starting with the first 616 change in 93, we have done 3 of
our vehicles and helped a friend of ours for his 505. Although there
are no kits available as such, I wouldn't mind finding out if somebody
could get the conversion components made and sold, if anyone is
interested. One big advantage in India is that such custom machining
costs are quite low, and which is why we are able to afford doing
such experiments.
How are Peugeot diesels perceived there ? Or diesels perceived, for
that matter ?
J. Balamurugan