Converting Gas Guzzlers Into Fuel-Efficient Green Cars

Johnathan Goodwin, is a gifted car mechanic who has combined his love for fast, powerful vehicles with his passion for the environment to build a number of low-emission, fuel-efficient big rigs that take elements from both worlds.

Mr. Goodwin started working for auto shops at age 13 to help support his large family. After dropping out of school in seventh grade, he began experimenting with engine makeovers. Mr. Goodwin’s environmentally oriented retrofits, inspired by his dual affection for big cars and the environment, involve transforming gasoline-guzzling vehicles by pairing turbine engines powered on diesel or biodiesel with electric motors.

On Earth Day (April 22nd), MTV Networks' showed Pimp My Ride with a 1965 Impala he converted from gas to biodiesel. And since nothing says Earth Day like a drag race, the converted Impala went up against a Lamborghini in a quarter-mile test. The Impala won.

Goodwin builds more than just classic muscle cars. He’s also converted a Hummer (pictured above) to run on biodiesel, ethanol, propane, or hydrogen.

Fast Company has visited Mr. Goodwin's garage and found a 2005 Hummer H3 on jacks. He is going to put a 60,000 PRM, 1985, turbine, jet engine in the Hummer. The turbine engine will run on biodiesel or waste vegetable oil with a hydrogen-injector. He plans to make a series hybrid with this turbine engine. It charges a set of super capacitors in a matter of seconds, giving the car 600 horse power.

John says "It'll get 60 mpg. With 2,000 foot-pounds of torque. You'll be able to smoke the tires. And it's going to be superefficient. ... Think about it: a 5,000-pound vehicle that gets 60 mpg and does zero to 60 in five seconds!"

Diesel technology, already popular with European and Japanese auto makers, is crucial to Mr. Goodwin’s innovations. Diesel delivers more torque, and generates better mileage than gasoline engines of comparable size. In addition, diesel engines can run on a wide range of renewable fuels. The mechanic says that for $5,000, he can do a basic conversion on a diesel vehicle to have it burn 50% less fuel and produce 80% fewer emissions. He reckons a full-size car would earn back that money in about a year. Overhauling vehicles like General Motors’ Hummer SUV to run on his dual-fuel system, something Mr. Goodwin does for well-heeled clients, costs far more.

[source: Fast Company]