Kubota Car

[George2615]

Went to a local car show today. About 270 cars made the show but I saw one really RARE car. It is a street rod made with a Kubota diesel engine mated to a 5 spd. manual trans. The man that built it lives in FL. but the owner has residence in FL and NY and brought it to the show. Claims to get 50 MPG with it and has a top spd of about 75. I thought it was very unique. Here's a few pics.

 

[Chilliwack Murray]

Definitely a conversation piece but I wonder what the drivability is like. Engines designed for constant speed operation often have poor or inconsistent response at different rpms and typically don’t perform well in an automotive application. Mainly due to governor setup/ design and cam profile which are not easy to change.

One thing for sure, it will outlast every other piece on that hotrod.

 

[Thomas]

Just might give Kubota ideas for the future.

 

[George2615]

Definitely a conversation piece but I wonder what the drivability is like. Engines designed for constant speed operation often have poor or inconsistent response at different rpms and typically don’t perform well in an automotive application. Mainly due to governor setup/ design and cam profile which are not easy to change.

One thing for sure, it will outlast every other piece on that hotrod.

The owner claims it drives very well at highway speeds. It is mated to a 5 spd. manual automotive trans with a custom made adapter plate and a narrowed ford rearend. I didn't ask what clutch it has but I will take a few more pics and ask more questions if I see him at another show. Claims at highway speed RPM's stay around 2500. Someone put a lot of time and effort into building it.

 

[EddieWalker]

The seats made me laugh. Any pictures of the entire car?

 

[Chilliwack Murray]

I wonder if they are tipped forward so you are constantly sliding off.

 

[captronr]

And looks like he used those "fine" Kubota seats. Your ***** would be hurting after 100 miles in that thing. But love the car.

Kubota motors are used in marine and construction equipment with mostly a decent reputation I think.

Ron

 

[George2615]

The seats made me laugh. Any pictures of the entire car?

Where it was parked I couldn't get pics of entire car but I'm sure I will see it again and get some. Today was the second show where I've seen it. Didn't have a camera or my phone last time.

 

[Hersheyfarm]

I wonder if they are tipped forward so you are constantly sliding off.

Just pull the block spacers off the bottom back of the seat.

 

[diesel85]

I would love owning something like that.

Heck, I'd love to stuff a Kubota diesel engine in a more modern car...

What is the name of this show? I would've gone there and checked it out!