Tempo - Topaz Car Club of North America FAQs (frequently-asked questions)

From 1984 to 1987, Ford made a diesel engine available in the Tempo/Topaz as an answer to the energy crises of the 1980s. A 2.0L overhead cam engine designed by Mazda of Japan was used in conjunction with a standard 5-speed manual transaxle (no automatic was offered). This engine is noted for its durability and great gas mileage (45+ MPG). It is unique among Tempo/Topaz engines in that it uses a timing belt instead of a timing chain. The diesel engine has a water filter and quick-heating glow plugs to optimize burning of the diesel fuel and minimize its wait-to-start times.

Horsepower and torque figures, as well as more detailed specifications for the 2.0L Mazda OHC Diesel can be found in the <A HREF=

Production numbers for the diesel are not available at this time, but it is estimated that less than 5% of all Tempos/Topazes sold during those years were diesel-equipped. By 1987, the gas crisis was over and the decision was made to drop the diesel option altogether after the model redesign.

The Tempo diesel is much less powerful than the 2.3L HSC in a by-the-numbers comparison; its sole strength is its fuel economy. It is not known if the engine would lend itself well to turbocharging, nor if it has been done successfully. If it were possible, then the power and potential of this engine would be greatly increased.