But some International Scouts are unique in ways other than being the determined underdog in the original 4×4 SUV trend of the 60s and 70s. Some rolled out of the factory equipped with a powertrain that would have seemed unfamiliar to most Americans at the time. While diesel engines in classic 4x4s were not unheard of, the Chevy K5 Blazer famously offered a 6.2-liter Detroit Diesel V8 in its second generation for a period. However, that was a large, robust American engine. The idea of a Japanese diesel engine in an American truck must have been seen as sacrilege at the time.
But this was not a simple engine swap. During its nine-year production run from April 1971 to October 1980, the International Harvester Scout II could be purchased from the dealership with a 198-cubic inch (3.2 L) Nissan SD33 six-cylinder diesel engine. Outside of North America, this engine is best known for its use in the third-generation 160-series Nissan Patrol 4×4, which was sold in Southeast Asia, the Middle East, and Europe in the 1980s. In the final years of the model, 1979 and 1980, this Nissan diesel engine was upgraded with a turbocharger that did not feature an intercooler.
However, the 1978 model currently for sale in Corrales, New Mexico, near Albuquerque, does not have the benefit of a turbocharger. It is equipped with the naturally aspirated version of the SD33. This engine produced a modest 92 horsepower and 154 lb-ft of torque, which was not particularly impressive even by the standards of that era. However, what might be considered outdated and slow by today’s standards, Nissan and International Harvester deemed as durable. According to the information provided by the seller, the original owner rebuilt the engine in the late 1980s, and it has been trouble-free ever since.
The odometer shows a reading of 43,000 miles, but with only five digits, it is likely that the true mileage of this truck has surpassed the displayed number. Despite its age and lack of modern features, this may not be the most sought-after classic SUV on the market. However, with a selling price of $11,600.00 in eBay auctions, we challenge anyone to find a comparable classic K5 Blazer, Bronco, or Range Rover for the same amount of money.
According to the Source autoevolution.com