S3 E11. Kubota turbo diesel Saturn extreme fuel economy. super high MPG

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  • čas přidán 5. 08. 2024
  • Season 3 Episode 11. Today's experiment is to get the most mileage we can from this custom built Kubota turbo diesel powered Saturn coupe. How many MPG will this 2046 pound car get? tune in and find out!
    Hi Ya folks! Beware of a GIVEAWAY SCAM. This channel is NOT doing a Giveaway and we are NOT asking for personal information. If you get a message asking for info, please ignore it.
    Jimbo
    The walls in our new studio are bare, if you want to send swag please send it to:
    Robot Cantina
    207 S. Sedgwick Ave
    P.O. Box 28
    Haven KS, 67543
  • Auta a dopravní prostředky

Komentáře • 2,5K

  • @petermorey4197
    @petermorey4197 Před rokem +164

    2.5 hours at 45 mph. We appreciate your commitment. 😴

    • @briangall8442
      @briangall8442 Před rokem +7

      We should build a simple manual 4 speed tranny up to the 40 hp kubota! Roads in Quebec are not safe over 80 kmph! Weld up a galvanized frame and panels! We could build a beautiful little extend a cab truck, for under 24,000 dollars! Safe strong and rustproof! I know we could!

    • @runed0s86
      @runed0s86 Před rokem +3

      Most speed limits are 35-45mph.

    • @dennisyoung4631
      @dennisyoung4631 Před rokem +3

      Try traveling at ~ 12 to 16 mph longer distances on a Ebike. (Did 45-48 miles last Friday under this regime. Furthest I’ve gone is about 58. Want a battery charger I can take with if I go further afield.)

    • @jeffharper7579
      @jeffharper7579 Před rokem +1

      If I remember years ago I heard fuel mileage is based on driving at 45 mph.

    • @iancormie9916
      @iancormie9916 Před rokem +2

      You got the same milage as one of those mopeds you mentioned.

  • @justinsane7128
    @justinsane7128 Před rokem +241

    I could use a stealth belly pan 🥘

  • @elitecpudoc329
    @elitecpudoc329 Před rokem +270

    The amount of knowledge Jimbo drops for free is well deserving of a like and follow. Still one of the most underrated auto youtube channels.

    • @tcmtech7515
      @tcmtech7515 Před rokem +9

      A lot of it is old-school knowledge that has fallen out of the public knowledge base. People were doing stuff like this with old-school tech 40+ years ago when fuel prices spiked back then.

    • @gBuckKOM
      @gBuckKOM Před rokem +4

      Literally learned how 02 sensors work from this channel more than ever.... the oversimplified explaining is the best!

    • @tomh9391
      @tomh9391 Před rokem +3

      Though I agree with you that this channel is under rated, the info he provides is elementary at best. It's very dumbed down and isn't very technical. I'm a tech school graduate, as well as a ASE Master Technician. This is all stuff you should know before you get to any tech school or entry level jobs... Just a FYI.

    • @adriancliton9706
      @adriancliton9706 Před rokem +2

      Education should be a human right

    • @tcmtech7515
      @tcmtech7515 Před rokem +2

      @@adriancliton9706 Why not pay for other's education yourself, if you feel so strongly about it?

  • @reidster87
    @reidster87 Před rokem +16

    The 3 cylinder diesel exhaust clatter at idle makes me smile. I have a 1986 JDM Mitsubishi tractor with a 990cc 3 cylinder and it sounds about the same. That thing is so dang simple to work on.

    • @drippingwax
      @drippingwax Před rokem +2

      My 2005 Camry has clattered since I changed the oil. I really need to look into that!

    • @jkline398
      @jkline398 Před rokem

      @@drippingwax czcams.com/users/shortsH6TBPeiJAOI?feature=share Scotty literally uses this in camry's all the time, great stuff. ATS Chemical CRF 505 Fuel additive for your gas tank. You can put their CRO 505 Oil treatment in your oil fill before changing oil too, it gets rid of clatter. Here's Scotty's full video on it czcams.com/video/cz1T6hh1sgs/video.html

  • @marjoh669
    @marjoh669 Před rokem +5

    I kid you not, as soon as you said ”Attract the attention of the cops”
    I heard sirens and saw a police car with the lights turned on go by🤣🤣

  • @dongordon2754
    @dongordon2754 Před rokem +157

    I applaud your effort to drive the long roads to nowhere to just get a single distilled MPG number. Thanks Jimbo!

    • @robotcantina8957
      @robotcantina8957  Před rokem +11

      Thanks!

    • @mommapanda5736
      @mommapanda5736 Před rokem +5

      @@robotcantina8957 With every subscriber, Jimbo's spirit grows stronger
      As he races towards a future that's wild and free
      In this world of metal and fire, he's the lone ranger
      But he'll never back down, he'll never flee
      In the cantina, where the engines roar
      Jimbo finds a place to even the score
      With his foot on the pedal, and his eyes on the prize
      He'll ride to the limit, until the sunrise
      On the dusty roads of Kansas
      Where the winds howl and the sun blazes
      Jimbo races towards the horizon
      With the hope of a new adventure, a new season.

    • @welshlyn9097
      @welshlyn9097 Před rokem +2

      Do YOU have to have M O T !S LIKE US IN THE UK.

    • @Jtkapsar
      @Jtkapsar Před rokem +7

      @@welshlyn9097 the usa doesnt have mot but some states have inspections, most done and some places in some states have emissions check , the places without either you can do whatever you want to your car

  • @turbochardged
    @turbochardged Před rokem +94

    It sucks people pick apart your videos. Honestly, I'm enjoying the journey of this series. Keep up the tinkering and keep having fun!

    • @robotcantina8957
      @robotcantina8957  Před rokem +13

      I'm glad you are enjoying the experiments! criticism from the viewers is fine, it helps me figure out how to explain stuff.

    • @mommapanda5736
      @mommapanda5736 Před rokem +7

      @@robotcantina8957 With every subscriber, Jimbo's spirit grows stronger
      As he races towards a future that's wild and free
      In this world of metal and fire, he's the lone ranger
      But he'll never back down, he'll never flee
      In the cantina, where the engines roar
      Jimbo finds a place to even the score
      With his foot on the pedal, and his eyes on the prize
      He'll ride to the limit, until the sunrise
      On the dusty roads of Kansas
      Where the winds howl and the sun blazes
      Jimbo races towards the horizon
      With the hope of a new adventure, a new season.

    • @sgt.marcuspstacker2287
      @sgt.marcuspstacker2287 Před rokem +4

      Don't pay attention to the haters I don't see them making videos like this!

  • @demandred1957
    @demandred1957 Před rokem +101

    Another channel, where I feel safe leaving a like before even watching the video.

    • @eriklarson9137
      @eriklarson9137 Před rokem +6

      I hear you. Those things cost a TON! Don't want to accidentally leave one on a video you are not 100% satisfied with!

    • @rawimpact
      @rawimpact Před rokem

      Glad you found your safe space fruitcake

    • @demandred1957
      @demandred1957 Před rokem +5

      @@eriklarson9137 Who hurt you??

    • @michaelblacktree
      @michaelblacktree Před rokem +6

      Same here. Robot Cantina videos are always fun and interesting.

    • @niks9840
      @niks9840 Před rokem +3

      @@eriklarson9137 🤣

  • @MichaelJordan-jv6ic
    @MichaelJordan-jv6ic Před rokem +188

    If you would just create a complete Styrofoam shell to encase the vehicle I'm sure you could reduce drag by at least 0.001%. And then paint a Saturn on it, and I'm sure that the cops would never notice! Love that Kubota sound, btw.

    • @drippingwax
      @drippingwax Před rokem +7

      Think Flight increased fuel economy by 18% with a foamboard boat tail and showed cops driving past without paying any attention. The video code is 4ykw_8lpjco.

    • @sandasturner9529
      @sandasturner9529 Před rokem +2

      💀💀💀

    • @jacobcarlson4010
      @jacobcarlson4010 Před rokem +2

      The problem with styrofoam is that, because it’s made of a bunch of beads all stuck together, there are countless little imperfections that will cause turbulence in the air right against the surface; thus INCREASING the amount on aerodynamic drag per mph of speed.

    • @MichaelJordan-jv6ic
      @MichaelJordan-jv6ic Před rokem +2

      @Jacob Carlson hmm, interesting point. What material would you recommend? Perhaps a plastic shell?

    • @preachers4135
      @preachers4135 Před rokem +4

      @@MichaelJordan-jv6ic Saturns are a plastic shell.

  • @jeffzekas
    @jeffzekas Před rokem +6

    Weird to think that back in 1970, when I drove a 58 VW beetle, getting 25 miles per gallon was considered amazing, now it is considered mediocre. Reminded of this when he said that the Saturn wagon gets 32 miles per gallon. Oh, and as an aside: My 58 VW had a dipstick for checking fuel level, the gas gauge was a factory option back then.

    • @robertdiazcaron9985
      @robertdiazcaron9985 Před rokem +3

      My truck averages 25mpg

    • @drippingwax
      @drippingwax Před rokem +2

      ​@@robertdiazcaron9985 When I had my first car, a Honda, a date named Linda who had a more annoying voice than Fran Drescher asked "What fuel economy do you get?"
      "I aver--"
      "Every car I have owned got 60 MPG. My classic beetle, my Escort ZX2," and I think she mentioned a third car that wasn't known for fuel economy.

  • @althejazzman
    @althejazzman Před rokem +42

    Jimbo's awareness of h8s own niche audience has reached it's peak, knowing what us geeks enjoy, and knowing how unique his projects are.

  • @brianmurphy8790
    @brianmurphy8790 Před rokem +6

    A wash, a polish and some pinstripes should work wonders for aerodynamics.
    I estimate a 400% improvement in economy and performance.

  • @markt9028
    @markt9028 Před rokem +25

    Thank you for putting up metric units, Cheers from Australia.

  • @justinderksen6907
    @justinderksen6907 Před rokem +6

    Was sitting on the couch, drinking my coffee waiting for this episode!

  • @kansasrose2909
    @kansasrose2909 Před rokem +2

    There’s nothing I believe in more strongly than getting young people interested in science and engineering, for a better tomorrow, for all humankind.

  • @burninrubba65
    @burninrubba65 Před rokem +130

    This is the most interesting automotive CZcams channel right now. Very well thought out videos with all the data presented to you in a nice format. You don’t need 1xxxhp cars to catch people’s interest. Although a 1500hp sc2 would be pretty sick

    • @goosenotmaverick1156
      @goosenotmaverick1156 Před rokem +7

      Hell if it had 150 it would be cool 😂

    • @robotcantina8957
      @robotcantina8957  Před rokem +40

      LOL... we are working on it... so far we are making 30ish hp and the rest of the 1470hp should be simple.

    • @goosenotmaverick1156
      @goosenotmaverick1156 Před rokem +11

      @@robotcantina8957 that's a lot of stickers lol

    • @tcmtech7515
      @tcmtech7515 Před rokem +4

      @@goosenotmaverick1156 Easily doable with todays tech and likely would not need anything more than a 2L engine to do it.

    • @goosenotmaverick1156
      @goosenotmaverick1156 Před rokem +6

      @@tcmtech7515 I was thinking aiming for 150 with the Kubota would be more Robot Cantina style lol you could easily just drop a 200hp 4 cylinder in there no problem. They could do the 1500 with a K series done right. Lol but I can watch that on other channels. I came here for the weird haha

  • @Cabooseified
    @Cabooseified Před rokem +6

    Doesn't want to draw attention.
    Slaps a bunch of stickers on the passenger rear window.
    Joking aside, thank you for this series! I look. Forward to notifications from you on Sunday! Your Projects are just amazing to watch!

  • @garagecedric
    @garagecedric Před rokem +47

    Except for kansas unrealistic lack of bends, the speeds are actually pretty typical legal speeds of a country road here , around 70-80km/h. Good numbers anyway! And thanks for the metric numbers :)

    • @GoldenCroc
      @GoldenCroc Před rokem +3

      I would say exactly the same, beat you beat me to it. Also, the consumption is just as expected for a small diesel engined car.

    • @chete4479
      @chete4479 Před rokem +4

      Metrics are Key for the rest of the world ! , very considerate and grateful 🥲

  • @MattsMadnessOfficial
    @MattsMadnessOfficial Před rokem +5

    Thats not bad at all, mine drove on the governor at around 46 with no load unless going up hill and I was getting right around 98mpg on used oil ,it was nice driving 2 weeks on a gallon of free fuel lol, with the bigger engine and turbo thats not bad at all

  • @billhanna8838
    @billhanna8838 Před rokem +5

    Iv had several yachts & just love those motors , Mainly for the simplicity - No Computer , Reliable , Very efficient @ cruising revs BUT Simplicity & cheap spares .

  • @TrilogyBPM
    @TrilogyBPM Před rokem +32

    I have never looked more forward to Sunday mornings, thankyou robot for the stellar content ❤

  • @Hamokk
    @Hamokk Před rokem +16

    I really like the external desing of 1990's Saturn. What I like more is the mechanical fiddling. Also Jimbo has a very soft and soothing voice.

    • @IstasPumaNevada
      @IstasPumaNevada Před rokem +5

      Yeah, it bums me out how GM pulled the rug out from under Saturn. They were neat cars.

    • @marcusdamberger
      @marcusdamberger Před rokem +2

      @@IstasPumaNevada In the end most of the cars in their lineup were rebadged Opel's.

  • @sc1338
    @sc1338 Před rokem +3

    I appreciate you not trying to impede traffic

  • @chrismooneyham5279
    @chrismooneyham5279 Před rokem +3

    Impressive Job!!!
    An old friend of mine had a late 80's VW Rabbit Diesel tha got close to 50 mph highway. That was pretty impressive for then, still seems fairly impressive to me compared to the standards of today.

  • @simpleman806
    @simpleman806 Před rokem +51

    Here's an idea. Try running biodiesel(used vegetable oil) in the Kubota. Since it's an older diesel engine, it should be pretty straightforward. Filter it out, and might need some methanol or anti gel additive mixed in. The fuel economy may decrease, but it'll be cheaper than diesel fuel.

    • @imchris5000
      @imchris5000 Před rokem +22

      good luck getting cheap veg oil anymore. the cat got out of that bag 20 years ago now big corps buy all that fryer oil

    • @shawnsatterlee6035
      @shawnsatterlee6035 Před rokem +5

      Blah... Crank up the injector pump some and inject propane into the intake! Why this hasn't happened yet is ridiculous! Who cares about economy? Because ya know there is many of Kubota powered cars out there n all just wanting to know how to get better milage! 🙄

    • @bobroberts2371
      @bobroberts2371 Před rokem

      Veg oil is a dead end, it gums up injector pumps and makes a real mess.

    • @ANATURALDREWSASTER
      @ANATURALDREWSASTER Před rokem +12

      Filtering red diesel and dying it green is cooler.

    • @hatman4818
      @hatman4818 Před rokem +6

      I'm going to modify my Delica Stsrwagon turbodeisel to run on veggie oil. More as a SHTF option or if theres a fuel shortage. Whenever I get a homestead going though, I want to experiment with producing my own veggie oil from scratch. You can get about 50% of the oil out of nuts just from a press, then the other 50% using solvents like hexane. The hexane is recycleable, industrial veggie oil producers get about 99% of their hexane back. I would like to find a biochemical alternative though, make the process truly fossil fuel product free. Anyway, I'd be interested to see how much crops it actually takes to fill up a tank.

  • @johngifford7725
    @johngifford7725 Před rokem +9

    This is awesome! We just bought a Subaru Forester, and I drove from Wichita to the north end of Cheney Reservoir along 54 at normal speed and came back on these same roads. At 45mph, that little car got 33mpg.
    We just moved here from California. Our 'bugout' strategy (flee Cali) was always hybrid vehicle based. I've always planned and prepared for central CA to Texas with no refuel. 40mph was part of that strategy. This is going to be a great video.

  • @weldeddaydreams
    @weldeddaydreams Před rokem +5

    I really appreciate you including the metric conversions on all your numbers.

  • @badgerpa9
    @badgerpa9 Před rokem +2

    I went for the free sub today and even maxed out the beni and rang the bell. A few years ago I followed a channel that did this with a Isuzu motor off of a generator. The 70 MPH is realistic, excellent job explaining your testing for a first timer.

  • @snap_oversteer
    @snap_oversteer Před rokem +5

    3.2l/100km is very good for what it is, first generation TDIs in cars like Mk3/Mk4 Golf, Jetta etc. can get to around 4l/100km when driving slowly on open roads, altough more realistic economy when driving normally is around 5l/100km outside city.

    • @hojnikb
      @hojnikb Před rokem +1

      Yeah. The highest economy i got from a diesel is in a 3 series 2.0 litre. 55mph on the highway, tucked behind a lorry, i've managed 3.1l/100km. With a lot more power than this kobota or any of the factory 1.9tdis. So it's not all about engine size or power, it's about how efficient the engine is (commonrail helps a lot here) and what gearing you have. At 55, i'm only turning about 1500rpm (some 3 series go even lower) which is right in the engines sweetspot of efficiency.

  • @ocdman202
    @ocdman202 Před rokem +3

    “The upshot of all this is that we live in a universe whose age we can't quite compute, surrounded by stars whose distances we don't altogether know, filled with matter we can't identify, operating in conformance with physical laws whose properties we don’t truly understand.”

    • @mommapanda5736
      @mommapanda5736 Před rokem +1

      Isnt the upshot of all this that this is all just a crap shoot anyway?

  • @davidellis279
    @davidellis279 Před rokem +3

    I did like this experiment,I had a 1985 Non Turbo Ford Escort 1-6 Diesel new back in the day before all this environmental bollocks we have now in the UK and elsewhere. That car NO MATTER how hard you drove it did a regular 65mpg,take it steady and 72 was achievable,great little performer too,would do 80mpg all day on the Motorway,I regularly did a 700 mile round trip to Scotland and back without missing a beat,great little vehicle.

  • @theclearsounds3911
    @theclearsounds3911 Před rokem +15

    It might be interesting to see what mileage that Saturn will get once the wheels are aligned! A 0-60 test would be interesting, too. Even if a bit underpowered, some people wouldn't mind if it will go the speed limit. 73MPG is very impressive!

  • @JoshuaSolanes
    @JoshuaSolanes Před rokem +3

    Of the various channels I follow, you're one of the ones I'm most excited to see new videos from. Always fun, unique, and informative. Thank you!

  • @davidweeks1997
    @davidweeks1997 Před rokem +6

    You've got LOTS of stickers, so there's no way this can fail.

  • @johnsherry6021
    @johnsherry6021 Před rokem +3

    Hey , another Kansas fella here! Glad I found this channel!

  • @ocdman202
    @ocdman202 Před rokem +2

    “The gift of language is the single human trait that marks us all genetically, setting us apart from the rest of life.”

  • @spangledhooper
    @spangledhooper Před rokem +9

    Great content as always Jimbo! I look forward to you new videos and enjoy the engineering and thought that goes into each of your experiments. I am a professional auto mechanic and shop owner so cars are my life, you manage to grab my attention an interest every time. Great job!

  • @dfabeagle718
    @dfabeagle718 Před rokem +5

    I think the giant hole in the hood might garner some attention... lol. I wonder about pushing the headlights out to the bumper edge to remove the air pocket there. The belly pan looked good!

  • @DieselDoktor
    @DieselDoktor Před rokem +3

    Man, I absolutely love this kind of content.
    Where you don’t ask “why” but rather “can we”. Good shit. 👍

  • @steffankaizer
    @steffankaizer Před rokem +5

    its amazing how valuable this kind of work is to all of mankind and people dont realize it. he simply has no incentive to consciously fake anything. it cant all be perfectly accurate but its our best bet honestly

  • @RoadgamerTV
    @RoadgamerTV Před rokem +77

    It could be nothing better than a good cup of coffee, a delicious piece of cake and a new video from Robot Cantina on a Sunday afternoon !! 🤣👍Thx for this new video Jimbo and greetings all together from Berlin Germany ✌

  • @ocdman202
    @ocdman202 Před rokem +5

    Perseverance is the hard work you do after you get tired of doing the hard work you already did.

    • @dangerousdave5915
      @dangerousdave5915 Před rokem +2

      Whew! That's a lot work in that statement! I think I'll take a nap....😴😴😴😴😴

    • @kansasrose2909
      @kansasrose2909 Před rokem +2

      @@dangerousdave5915 remember, it costs nothing to subscribe...👍👍👍

    • @dangerousdave5915
      @dangerousdave5915 Před rokem +1

      @@kansasrose2909 Nice!😆

  • @williamh5912
    @williamh5912 Před rokem +2

    It's great to finally see some MPG numbers and learn so much. Thanks Jimbo!

  • @airborneSGT
    @airborneSGT Před rokem +2

    Here I am sick as a dog but absolutely glued to this video. Great job!

  • @TheWolfiet
    @TheWolfiet Před rokem +7

    I freaking love that car and with a bit of TLC I would legit daily drive this thing.

  • @electromech7335
    @electromech7335 Před rokem +8

    Looks like you need a front end alignment. Love the videos btw.😊

    • @lockburner2000
      @lockburner2000 Před rokem +5

      Depending how far its off that could steal some power.

    • @electromech7335
      @electromech7335 Před rokem +3

      @@lockburner2000 just my ocd. It won't eat any power. Safety thing too.

    • @drippingwax
      @drippingwax Před rokem +3

      @@electromech7335 If you don't keep the wheel constantly adjusted it would wander to the side, so that would make a minor difference as it doesn't quite keep a straight line.

  • @DMSparky
    @DMSparky Před rokem +3

    Love checking in every now and again and seeing these great videos!

  • @carl8790
    @carl8790 Před rokem +1

    I'm a sucker for hyper fuel economy and this is the perfect blend of multiple things I'm interested in. Never thought CZcams would provide me with such a niche category, but the algorithm gods have blessed me with this video.
    Thanks for doing this!

  • @GTkyle
    @GTkyle Před rokem +3

    Loving these videos. Look forward to more on this car every Sunday! Keep up the good work!

  • @reverse_engineered
    @reverse_engineered Před rokem +7

    Thanks for another great video Jimbo. I always look forward to them. These projects and videos clearly take a lot of work and money and I doubt CZcams pays all that well. Have you considered setting up a Patreon for folks like me to chip in and help out with the costs?

  • @whitewolf30f
    @whitewolf30f Před rokem +2

    Many years ago, my current husband was thrilled when he did the supposedly impossible and got a '78 Camaro 5.7L to return 24 mpg at 65 mph. He still loves such things, but I can't see how it matters if there's no acceleration. Or, if it ain't fun to drive, mpg really doesn't matter

  • @nitro9452
    @nitro9452 Před rokem +2

    id rather watch this guy than literally any motorsport any other CZcams channel has unrealistic builds.

  • @brianhiles8164
    @brianhiles8164 Před rokem +3

    I do think that developing a hyper-efficient, lightweight (3-cylinder?) turbo-diesel engine, optimized for use in a narrow rev range (which would yet increase fuel efficiency), mated to a generator, would make an excellent range extender for an EV vehicle.

  • @brandonrohrer7914
    @brandonrohrer7914 Před rokem +7

    Loving it. You should build a scooter using that engine

    • @drippingwax
      @drippingwax Před rokem +3

      That would have an awesome power-to-weight ratio! :)

  • @davef.2329
    @davef.2329 Před rokem +2

    Think positive. On the moped, if a shower comes up, well, you're soaked. You hit a deer, and you go to the ER or the coroner's office. The Saturn's the winner hands down. I used to have a '93 Geo Metro XFi bought new to use as an airport car. Fully stock, it was good for hi-40s, low 50s MPG. I wonder what something like this powerplant would have done for that car? Incidentally, I sold that car after 20 yrs, and someone from Washington State bought it sight unseen, flying down to S. Florida to drive it all the way back home. Got a message a couple of weeks later about how it made the trip flawlessly, averaging 57 MPG, and praising what a great car it was.

  • @TheBlaert
    @TheBlaert Před rokem +1

    This has been a great series Jimbo, so a big thank you.

  • @losingmyfavoritegame8752

    Those are some mighty fine fuel economy numbers! Both vehicles impressed me.

  • @licence1001011
    @licence1001011 Před rokem +3

    Thanks again for doing builds i wish I had the money for. Thank you guys❤

  • @ocdman202
    @ocdman202 Před rokem +3

    “The Moon is slipping from our grasp at a rate of about 1.5 inches a year. In another two billion years it will have receded so far that it won’t keep us steady and we will have to come up with some other solution, but in the meantime you should think of it as much more than just a pleasant feature in the night sky.”

  • @billietyree2214
    @billietyree2214 Před rokem +1

    Back in 84 I drove my old mercury station wagon from the Southern tip of Illinois to Roanoak Va for a job interview. I was still about 60 miles from Roanoak when a seam on top of the radiator split. I was desperate to make the interview so I crimped the seam together as well as I could with a pair of Vicegrips, found a discarded bottle I could use to carry water, refilled the radiator and drove on. I found that if I didn’t exceed 45mph the water didn’t drain out so fast. I proceeded to my interview at barely highway speed. When the interview concluded I had to choose an overnight layover and a day spent in repairs, or a really slow drive back to Illinois. I chose the slow drive. Wasn’t too bad, traffic was light and I certainly stayed in the slow lane. But the surprise came when I got home and started to tally up the cost of the trip, the car that normally did 15mpg gave me 21 mpg on the way home. Now I make it a habit to stay in the slow lane and not exceed the speed limit.

  • @ericlauck5883
    @ericlauck5883 Před rokem +5

    I worked in a underground hard rock mine and the most used vehicle were the small kabota UTV's with the same engine in your car. These UTV's would be ridden hard and put away wet, going up miles long 12% incline ramps at full throttle with the temps right at overheat were the norm. We didn't have EGT gauges but I wouldn't be surprised to see that your engine can take way more than your throwing at it judging by your coolant temp

  • @s0rc3
    @s0rc3 Před rokem +4

    I love that this exists, you can watch a guy in rural Kansas drive a 20 year old Saturn wagon 200mi.

  • @TimDullinger-er2me
    @TimDullinger-er2me Před rokem

    Thank you for including both imperial and metric measurements. Some bigger channels dont even seem to be able to do that, so I'm surprised that you do, keep it up! :-)

  • @sc1338
    @sc1338 Před rokem +3

    I always kinda hated those old Saturns but now I like them 😂

  • @bladenrexroth2555
    @bladenrexroth2555 Před rokem +15

    Love to see what that engine would do in a GEO metro hatchback coupe. Its probably 1/2 the weight of the saturn, more aerodynamic and could probably get 100 mpg doing 65 mph.

    • @hendo337
      @hendo337 Před rokem +6

      It would need tall gearing.

    • @bladenrexroth2555
      @bladenrexroth2555 Před rokem +3

      Specs say a GEO is 1800 pounds

    • @theeoddments960
      @theeoddments960 Před rokem +4

      @@bladenrexroth2555 probably drops a couple hundred pounds after engine and gas tank removal

    • @drippingwax
      @drippingwax Před rokem +1

      @@theeoddments960 I remember how much stuff he removed from the already-light Insight and when he first bought the Saturn he talked about weight reduction, but I don't think that he removed anything besides the engine and gas tank, although that engine weighed 213 pounds.

    • @drippingwax
      @drippingwax Před rokem +3

      @@bladenrexroth2555 The 1997 Saturn weighed 2,309 to 2,386 pounds. If the manual is the lighter version, then the Metro would be 22% lighter, and all things being equal, should get 11% better fuel economy by virtue of being lighter.

  • @nodrug2
    @nodrug2 Před rokem +6

    A picture's worth a thousand words, the Homermobile. I really like your long term projects and how you make incremental improvements. I also like the insanity of the whole channel. And I have I mentioned lately I want a scoop on the hood? Keep up the great content, looking forward to the next episode.

  • @markmatt9174
    @markmatt9174 Před rokem +2

    I spent a number of years near ya, McConnell AFB. Was there when it got all the upgrades for the B1 '87 till '91.
    Keep up the work Jimbo.

  • @mmg6282
    @mmg6282 Před rokem +2

    Diesel engines are the most efficient engine designs in the world. The fuel is easier to produce less volatile, which means it’s safer. And it cost less to produce. Unfortunately, the government makes us pay more for it. Nice work Jimbo. By the way, driving through rural Kansas ain’t really that boring. This time of year you got the trees budding out, wheat fields filling out, we got farmers working out in the fields, spring turkeys, young deer, all beautiful.

    • @keithwiebe1787
      @keithwiebe1787 Před rokem +1

      It's only more efficient in the "no load" mode. Diesel fuel naturally has more BTU's per gallon and that is where the extra fuel economy comes in. My Ranger diesel got 30 mpg driving 45 miles to the town he works out of back in the 80s. My new Maverick hybrid will easily get 33 at 70mph and if I slowed it to 45 would probably get 45 mpg. Better than the other Saturn.

  • @AlienLivesMatter
    @AlienLivesMatter Před rokem +2

    Excellent dedication to interpreting the reality of results and circumstance

  • @kansasrose2909
    @kansasrose2909 Před rokem +3

    The history of engineering is really the history of breakages, and of learning from those breakages. I was taught at college 'the engineer learns most on the scrapheap'.

  • @krisdphillips
    @krisdphillips Před rokem +3

    I stumbled on this video and love this kind of mad engineering. Going to have to subscribe.

  • @linctexpilot8337
    @linctexpilot8337 Před rokem +3

    You do an EXCELLENT job explaining everything!!!

  • @ocdman202
    @ocdman202 Před rokem +2

    “Science is founded on uncertainty. Each time we learn something new and surprising, the astonishment comes with the realization that we were wrong before.”

  • @The_DC_Kid
    @The_DC_Kid Před rokem +2

    Had a 1990 Mazda 323 1600 cc 5-speed that I tested back when the speed limit was 55mph (but I drove at 60). On a 300 mile flat road excursion it got 44.1mpg. Met a guy a gas station who said his son has a car like mine and when he asked about the mileage I was proud to tell him. He was driving a VW Rabbit diesel and he blew me away when he said he got 58mpg.

  • @tedpreston4155
    @tedpreston4155 Před rokem +2

    Thanks for sharing your project! This reminds me a bit of a series of competitions Craig Vetter hosted, encouraging motorcycle builders to focus on whatever technology they wanted to use to get the best fuel economy from their motorcycles.
    For those who weren't riding motorcycles in the 1970s, wondering who the heck Craig Vetter is, he's a guy who made his living selling motorcycle fairings you could add onto most of the popular motorcycles of the time. Vetter fairings were seen everywhere in the 70s and 80s.
    Vetter basically put up prize money for his contest, and he built bikes to compete himself. He discovered that the magic juice needed to get the best mileage consisted of a combination of aerodynamic fairings that surrounded most of the bike, in the shape of a pumpkin seed, stood on its side. Combine that shape with low displacement engines and high gear ratios, and one of the bikes managed 470 MPG, on public road routes with hills, flat sections and even some mountain riding thrown in.
    Vetter varied the rules and the routes from year to year in an attempt to learn the most from the competition about how to achieve great mileage in real-world conditions. Some of the entries were more practical than others, obviously, but getting 200+ MPG on bikes that were safe to ride and kept up in traffic at the posted speed limits was not uncommon.
    Watching your video has renewed my interest in building one of those motorcycles!
    For more info about Vetter's competitions, here's a Wikipedia link: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Craig_Vetter_Fuel_Economy_Challenge

  • @bnight.7996
    @bnight.7996 Před rokem +2

    Very glad I found this video. Not only am I a huge diesel fan but I’m missing Kansas. I used to drive a very rabbit diesel basically between Dodge city and Wichita. One direction I definitely got better fuel economy. I still joke that you can do the drive with nothing but brakes and a wind jacket, assuming you don’t have to stop for lights or signs. Thanks again for the views and interesting content.

  • @martinneumann7783
    @martinneumann7783 Před rokem +5

    Great fuel economy results. My tiny Citroën C1 (3 cylinders, 998 ccm, 68 hp, Toyota Aygo or Daihatsu Sirion engine) needs between 4.5 to 5.5 liters on 100 km (52.25 to 42.75 mpg). Thanks again for the conversion lines in the pictures. It really helps a metric German to understand immediately…

    • @GoldenCroc
      @GoldenCroc Před rokem +2

      Yep, but as you know thats a gas engine. WIth a diesel it would easily equal this.

    • @timothybayliss6680
      @timothybayliss6680 Před rokem +2

      My 2009 corolla would get 5.8l/100km at 110km/h.
      Under these conditions it would get closer to 5.3l. The best I did on a tank was 5.4l/100km

    • @kansasrose2909
      @kansasrose2909 Před rokem +1

      @@timothybayliss6680 Yes, I am a subscriber and I don't miss any of ROBOT CANTINA'S videos!!👍👍👍

    • @martinneumann7783
      @martinneumann7783 Před rokem +1

      @@timothybayliss6680 That's a quite good result! Let's save fuel!

  • @mommapanda5736
    @mommapanda5736 Před rokem +3

    "Difficulty" is the name of an ancient tool that was created purely to help us define who we are.

  • @ocdman202
    @ocdman202 Před rokem +2

    ROBOT CANTINA we love these videos 👍👍👍 please keep them rolling,
    Sunday is fun day and the entertainment fantastic.👈👈👈

  • @rbmwiv
    @rbmwiv Před rokem +3

    You know stickers make them more aerodynamic lol 😂!!!! Awesome video cool build.

  • @turbovolvos40
    @turbovolvos40 Před rokem +24

    My first saturn was a 1994 Saturn SL2, and I always seemed to get 32 miles per gallon no matter how I drove, but I really only drove one way, HARD.

    • @SkylineFTW97
      @SkylineFTW97 Před rokem +4

      I almost bought an orange SC2 5 speed at auction, but I passed on it for a 1997 Toyota Camry with the 1MZ-FE V6 and 5 speed manual. That car got 18-22 MPG, but it was a Toyota for the low price of $400. I couldn't refuse.

    • @eriklarson9137
      @eriklarson9137 Před rokem +3

      @@SkylineFTW97 And if not wrecked, the Toyota is still going. Saturns? Well...

    • @SkylineFTW97
      @SkylineFTW97 Před rokem +6

      @@eriklarson9137 Nah, old Saturns are pretty robust. Especially with manual transmissions. The S series cars were pretty good, but GM killed them off after 10-11 years in favor of the inferior Ion. Probably didn't help that the S Series was competing with the Chevy Cavalier. Also a good car, but not as interesting.

    • @theeoddments960
      @theeoddments960 Před rokem +3

      @@SkylineFTW97 rust is the one killer of all these gm fwd cars. Down south these things are everywhere but I’ve got an 02 bonneville with 160k miles and it’s all rusted out underneath. Minnesota car. Damn shame it’s a really nice car lol

    • @MDAdams72668
      @MDAdams72668 Před rokem +2

      @@eriklarson9137 Saturns are great and super cheap to maintain cars I have 3 2dr 3dr and a wagon 230, 310, 100k on them 98, 2001, 99 years. They are all manual (since automatics are all wear items) and my average cost per mile is $.11/mole (including purchase, tax/tag, repair and maintenance, insurance, and fuel) they have composite body panels and never rust or dent and being monocoque design are extremely safe(I was hit head-on at 55 in my previous wagon and suffered only a bruised sternum) The car was destroyed but the driver's compartment was completely intact(in fact it got a little bigger) despite the front wheel being pushed back to the d/s door

  • @1234567890CAB
    @1234567890CAB Před rokem +8

    Just so everyone knows, MPG is miles per gallon and a gallon of diesel contains more energy than a gallon of gasoline, so you can always do a bit more with the same volume of diesel. To make it more confusing, a gallon of diesel weighs more than a gallon of gasoline, so that means a pound of gasoline takes up more space and holds more energy than a pound of diesel. For automotive purposes volume, or how much space something takes up, matters more and so these fuels are measured by liter or gallon.

    • @nerd1000ify
      @nerd1000ify Před rokem +1

      The best way to compare engine economy (outside the vehicle) is g/kW.h, grams fuel burned per kilowatt hour work done. It helps compensate for the different densities of the fuels.

    • @bobroberts2371
      @bobroberts2371 Před rokem +1

      According to the Energy Information Administration
      Electricity 1 kilowatthour = 3,412 Btu
      Natural gas 1 cubic foot = 1,039 Btu2
      1 therm = 100,000 Btu
      Motor gasoline 1 gallon = 120,238 Btu3
      Diesel fuel 1 gallon = 137,381 Btu4
      Heating oil 1 gallon = 138,500 Btu5
      Propane 1 gallon = 91,452 Btu
      Wood 1 cord = 20,000,000 Btu6

  • @rohitjoshi7590
    @rohitjoshi7590 Před rokem +2

    thank you. First time viewer and I subbed immediately. awesome content!

  • @mpccenturion
    @mpccenturion Před rokem +1

    24 yrs ago. 1982 NA 1600cc VW - 4 sp - diesel - at under 50 mph - 62 mpg. I ran 300 km and proved it multiple times. Driving around old farm country Quebec. Cheers - Your info is great!

  • @ragdolltrucking
    @ragdolltrucking Před rokem +5

    I don't want to detract from the fun of putting a Kubota in a Saturn, Buti can't help but wonder how much easier it would have been to put a smart car diesel engine in it. Which is also a 800cc turbo diesel

  • @billk9628
    @billk9628 Před rokem +2

    If you look up, Opel GT, they built two cars for the 24 hours of Lamans race. During the race the two cars averaged 144MPH, and I believe it was 114 MPG. Both were 1.3 liter turbo Diesels, and electric drive train. It was about 2004ish when it was done. We are all being sold a line of crap when they say we have to stop running petroleum products for fuel. Not the case! We have to start using them properly, and things will change! These ideas have been around for decades, but the powers that be don't want us to know!

  • @MrErik038
    @MrErik038 Před rokem +2

    I love your effort. Makes me realize how extreme my driving is, driving 170km for 2 hours a to b and back again. So 340km. Driving for 4 ours. Milage overall is 1 liter to 19,8km whit a 3 cylinder 1 liter natural aspirated petrol engine..
    Emegain it whit a turbo on it..
    Everyday i notice annoyed people
    overtaking me becose i drive
    80-85 km per hour. Even trucks pas me bye. And i DONT CARE! Nobody gives me free petrol at the pump.. and i do keep stricktly on the rigth-side of the road.
    Greeting from Holland

  • @ApowerRO
    @ApowerRO Před rokem +1

    casually proves that they could make something reliable and cheep but they choose to make high dollar expensive toys for adult children. Your a bad ass.

  • @kansasrose2909
    @kansasrose2909 Před rokem +3

    I take the vision which comes from dreams and apply the magic of science and mathematics, adding the heritage of my profession and my knowledge of nature's materials to create a design.

  • @Chip1189
    @Chip1189 Před rokem +6

    Why would people be upset with your driving a diesel car? I mean VW made them. There are diesel trucks everywhere. Why would it matter to other drivers?

    • @kmack282
      @kmack282 Před 5 měsíci

      America is the least diesel consumer vehicle per capita of any country. Period. People don't know, and can't drive stick.

  • @kastellolo5212
    @kastellolo5212 Před rokem +2

    Watching this made me subscribe. Great video. 32 mpg is what my Grand Am 2.4l is doing.

  • @Glissade195
    @Glissade195 Před rokem +2

    I'm so glad that there are people like you making videos like this. It can settle so many dumb late night arguments before they really get going. Also your narration is really coming along, my only critique is that you say "well" too much before you speak and it's a bit of a distraction.

  • @davidjernigan7576
    @davidjernigan7576 Před rokem +6

    Have you looked into a cowl induction scoop? It should have little to no impact on aerodynamic drag, but get more airflow through the intercooler. Perhaps printing one out of ASA.

    • @drippingwax
      @drippingwax Před rokem +1

      People have suggested scoops, but specifying a cowl induction scoop makes it sound much cooler! :)

  • @wildmanmo37
    @wildmanmo37 Před rokem +3

    I grew up in a small town called Haven. the places you go look just like that area. Brought back a few memories. Good video.

    • @keithwiebe1787
      @keithwiebe1787 Před rokem +1

      I used to work there in the late 80s for 4 years at the Ford dealership.

    • @wildmanmo37
      @wildmanmo37 Před rokem

      @@keithwiebe1787 Yea I lived there in that time frame.

  • @Nobluffbuff
    @Nobluffbuff Před rokem +2

    You are almost there, man... The last remaining evolution will be a diesel/electric combination.

  • @paulmryglod4802
    @paulmryglod4802 Před rokem +1

    I built a belly pan, front air dam, and side skirts for my Saturn wagon as an experiment. I drove from FL to NY and averaged 40mpg at 75-79mph highway.
    Car was loaded with kid, wife, camping equipment. I was pretty happy and as soon as the material cost broke even, I removed it.

  • @jonodragicevich1286
    @jonodragicevich1286 Před rokem +2

    A two minute ad for an OBD2 thing called Carly.
    I have an old turbo diesel truck 🤣🤣🤣🤣

  • @ryanhoaglin9907
    @ryanhoaglin9907 Před rokem +5

    This is so great. I really appreciate your approach with this car. I remember the days of a diesel Rabbit (48hp) that I'm betting didn't make much more power than your Kubota engine. I think you could drive this car around town and not piss off too many people. And I'd be smiling all the way to the bank getting 50+mpg.

    • @TricksterJ97
      @TricksterJ97 Před rokem +1

      We had a diesel Rabbit too. 48hp seemed like more than enough. The car was light, and the diesel had more torque than an equivalent gas engine of course. With a 4 speed manual it actually felt sporty.

  • @jhuntosgarage
    @jhuntosgarage Před rokem +2

    Then there are thise who watch, learn, are entertained, and appreciate the effort. Go man go!

  • @paulnagel8161
    @paulnagel8161 Před rokem +2

    My weekly dose of automotive insanity. Love it!