Diesel into a Porsche 914 ?

So I was thinking about a mid engine diesel sports car

What about dropping a diesel into an old Porsche 914 ?

What is a good lightweight turbo diesel for a mid engine app?

 

I have been persuing exactly the same thing.  I've got a 1972 that I don't want all the problems of a gas car, in.  I've had diesel VW's since my 1st car.  I've found an all aluminum 1.2L or 1.4L TDI engine that weighs in at about the same (or less) than the stock Type 2 engine[250-280 #'s].  They are tweaking them in europe (like they tweak the 1.9's here).  There is a youtube video of a 1.2L TDI Lupo (which weighs about the same as a 914) TRASHING a porsche in a european drag race:    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WGO_TOVZFAY      (I believe 12.09 seconds)
The mileage on the 1.4L (for the Lupo is around 60-70 MPG!)  I've currently got a Jetta TDI and I've at least doubled the output of torque and added a bunch of HP, through mods.  Let me know if you decide to persue this, as other than the new "BlueSport" VW roadster, no one else seems interested in putting a good diesel into a 914.  

P.S.  I didn't want to put in anything besides a VW, Porsche or Audi engine.  That way I can LEAVE the VW-Porsche badge on it and feel good!  

Yeah, a TDI would be a good choice. What would be REALLY cool is if you could get one of those new Subaru Boxer Diesel engines. But they're Europe-only, and JUST came out, so good luck trying to find one. But it would help keep the low center of gravity that you have with the flat engine. But TDIs have been out long enough, that you should be able to find one pretty easily.  

Do you know how much those boxer diesels weigh?  It would be nice to keep unsprung weight down..... Are they available (engine only)? I'm looking at an inexpensive (less than $5k drop in).  Otherwise, I'd like to keep my "VW-Porsche" a ve-porsche...  Thanks for the info, though!  It's a viable alternative!  

Thanks for the info.  I have a few irons in the fire right now but its a cool idea.  Maybe I'll pick up a cheap 914 and go about rebuilding it slowly

Regarding the weight of the engine, as long as you get it way down in the chassis which is easy in a 914 you can reduce the overall weight w carbon fiber body panels, light wheels, lexan windows, brakes, racing seats etc  

I found a supplier in the UK that will ship a "Drop-in" 1.4 turbo, with all the wiring and tranny for about $4k..... I think I'm going with this option.... ...  Wish me luck!  

Any HP/Tq benchmarks/goals you're trying to achieve?