1967 Mercury Cougar With Mercedes Turbodiesel Engine Runs on Biodiesel
This is actually old news that recently resurfaced, and as a lifelong Cougar aficionado I can’t pass it up. In actuality, the Mercury Cougar was a refined, “gentleman’s muscle car” based on the 1st generation Mustang. It came standard with a number of gas-guzzling V8 motors including the epic “Boss” 302.
But the pristine-looking 1967 Cougar pictured here has done away with those gas hogs in favor of a Mercedes turbodiesel motor that runs on, you guessed it, biodiesel.
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Personally, I’m a big proponent of biodiesel. I just love torque that much. 80’s Mercedes motors are at the heart of the biodiesel conversion movement and are renowned the world over for their legendary reliability. This Cougar has been modified to accept the straight-six cylinder OM617 motor and 4-speed transmission from Mercedes. The result is 35 MPG at 55 MPH. Plus this motor makes about as much real torque as the stock 289 motor that was originally fitted to most Cougars.
True these diesel motors are not known for their performance capabilities, but this is a hot rod any hippy could be proud of. Plus, most of those old V8’s were overrated for horsepower (based on gross, rather than net horsepower). It makes me consider alternative fuel engines for my own 1969 Cougar, which happens to have an even bigger engine bay (to accept those lovely big block motors). A Powerstroke diesel converted to WVO? Dream on, those motors are huge.
Plus this Cougar has been correctly restored (sans the engine) and is even on sale. If I had the $8,500 asking price though, I’d go ahead and finally finish my own project after five years. So tell me folks, what kind of cool alt-fuel muscle car projects would you like to see?
Source: Jalopnik
Electric motors have much better torque characteristics than diesel engines. Ever compare the available torque of a Prius to a Jetta?
The biodiesel craze is pooping out. My friend just spent $2500 on a new pump for her Jetta. The mechanic said that most failures he has seen were from using biodiesel. She didn’t tell him she had been using it and won’t be using it in the future.
You’re right, electric motors have the best torque curve possible since its all there at 0 RPM.
But until someone comes up with an electric motor/battery combo that can haul as much, as far, and as reliably as diesel engines like the Powerstroke and Duramax, I remain a fan of diesel.
Hell, these Mercedes engines are well known for going 500,000+ miles. They just don’t make cars like that anymore.
Thanks for sharing, the conversion looks good and even almost looks stock except for the removal of the passenger side shock tower brace.
what do you think about dropping a 1968 cougar body on Raser tech. PHEV drive system?
I think I would be down for any kind of alternative engine conversion on my own Cougar. I think electric motors would dominate a drag strip, but personally I want more of a cruising car at this point in my life.
I just can’t afford all the pricey bits to go fast.
I’d love to see a TDI powered Porsche 914. Less shifts would really benefit that car in an autocross.