Re: To buy or not to buy?
You're right; you'll likely never see a vehicle that accelerates slower. I have an '80 Scout II with the turbocharged version of the SD-33 diesel. I got to drive a '77 Scout II with your engine and auto tranny. Made my truck look like a NASCAR winner. I'm dead-serious when I say that the SD-33, when coupled with an automatic, makes a Volkswagen look fast. I'm sure it'd be worse with the slightly added weight of a Traveler. It's a good engine, though; gets great mileage and has good torque. First off, I think you should go for the truck; it looks to be in good shape. Second, if you do and want to change the engine, let me suggest a few things. First off, change the tranny before you do anything else. The Torqueflite 727 is one of the best autos ever built, but, believe me, with that diesel you'll be much happier with a T-19 4 speed. Second, if, even with that, you decide to change engines, stick with a diesel. I've heard a lot about diesel-to-gas conversions; they're usually more trouble than they're worth. If you really can't stand the performance (or lack thereof [img]/wwwthreads_images/icons/laugh.gif[/img]) of the SD-33, you could try finding a turbocharged SD-33T out of an '80 Scout or a forklift, and put that in. It would be a bolt-to-bolt swap, and you'll have a stronger engine with more power (101 hp versus about 90). If that isn't enough, you could go for a 6.9l or even a Cummins B series 4 cylinder. Just some thoughts...either way (especially if you go with a turbo Nissan), GET AN EGT GAUGE!! Best insurance you can get for a diesel engine, believe me.
Good luck!
The Warden
1980 International-Harvester Scout II SD-33T in the ICU