Apocalypse-Proof Transmission
In regard to your Doomsday Diesel (Jan. ’12) ’91 Suburban, the project has one Achilles Heel that hasn’t been taken into account. There’s an electro-magnetic pulse (EMP) that generally occurs when someone detonates a megaton-class thermonuclear device (atomic bomb) in the atmosphere. The resultant inductive pulse will fry any semiconductor (read: transistor) circuitry that isn’t shielded (usually by being stored inside a faraday cage with an earth ground).
Unfortunately, the automatic transmission you’re planning to use has a microcontroller (transmission control unit), and after an EMP it will be reduced to slag in a matter of milliseconds. When that happens, your truck will become a lawn ornament. It would be better to use a manual transmission and avoid electronics altogether. Otherwise, the engine is an excellent choice. Just thought I would bring this to your attention.
Jeff Kavanaugh
Owings Mills, Maryland
Your concerns about EMP make a scary (yet valid) point. We debated this very concern for weeks before we chose to retain the electronically controlled transmission—instead of swapping in a manual. Our rationale for the TCI six-speed was this: The automatic makes it so anyone can drive the truck, the automatic is gentler on the drivetrain, parts for the 4L80E are more prevalent than any manual transmission, the military uses 4L80Es in its Hummers, and it’s hard to fight zombies and shift gears at the same time.
In the event of an EMP that damages the transmission’s electronics, our TCI six-speed will default to Third gear (at full line pressure) and still give us Reverse. Still not convinced? We’ll be covering how to ruggedize critical electronic systems in a future article on Doomsday Diesel.
Best First Diesel?
I’m looking to buy my first vehicle and can’t decide what to get. I have a lot of ideas, however, and would like your input on what would be the best first diesel to buy. By the way, I did read your “10 Best Used Diesels” (Jan. ’12) article, but while they’re all great vehicles—the bad part is they also have great resale values. To save money, I was thinking either the ’96 to ’98 Ram 2500, or the VW Jetta five-speed with the TDI would be best. What do you think?
Casey Dolin
via email
When you’re in the market for a cheap vehicle, you’re typically looking at cars and trucks that have problems, lots of miles, or are undesirable models. As you pointed out, diesel engines add resale value—so it’s even harder to find a low-cost first car. Don’t despair, though. We think you’re right on track with your current choices. To keep costs down, we’d look at regular-cab pickups, trucks with two-wheel drive, and any diesel vehicle a friend or relative is looking to trade in at the dealer.
Don’t know anyone with a used diesel for sale? Ask your friends on Facebook, or even post on Diesel Power’s Facebook page. We’ve found readers with great deals on everything from trucks to transmissions—just by asking.
Who You Trying To Fool?
I hate to say this about the soon-to-be-introduced diesel Chevy Cruze, but you know perfectly well that General Motors won’t give us the Opel-based diesel.
Dennis Croston
West Seneca, New York
Hey, hey, hey—we can dream. After all, this is the same GM that brought us the common-rail Duramax, Allison transmission, and the first 11½-inch-diameter ring-gear axle in a pickup.
To all our readers, we thank you for your comments and compliments. Keep those emails and letters coming. Write to: Diesel Power, 831 S. Douglas St., El Segundo, CA 90245, or email us at dieselpower@sorc.com.