YELLAHEEP
NAXJA Forum User
- Location
- Littleton, Colorado
Re: The Colorado BS thread
Is it the turbo diesel or gas engine? Hope you can make something run between the two of 'em and the parts......... sounds sketchy.....
"The LeSharo was one of those great ideas that ran aground on the realities of its Renault engine and transmission. Renault had just recently introduced its new FWD diesel Traffic van. Winnebago bit, and another Franco-American tie-up was created, and Renault shipped cabs complete with front drive train, and a rear axle to Winnebago, where the low and light (5,000 lb) 1983 LeSharo was born. The economy (20-23 mpg) was enticing; the Renault engine and transmission less so.
It may have worked ok in a small van delivering baguettes in Paris, but the 57 hp 2.1 L diesel four was overwhelmed by American standards. In 1984, a 75 hp turbocharged version was quickly rushed into service. But numerous and severe problems with both the engine and the four-speed manual transaxle necessitated abandoning it. By 1986, the diesel was out, and Renault’s 2.2 liter gas four (as used in their US cars) and a three-speed automatic transmission were in. mileage was more like 16-19 mpg. With the proper knowledgeable attention, they can be made to last reasonably well."
So, with that all laid out there....... I suggest you go find a Chevy Suburban, remove the body, stretch the frame and do this to your Lesharo...........

Is it the turbo diesel or gas engine? Hope you can make something run between the two of 'em and the parts......... sounds sketchy.....
"The LeSharo was one of those great ideas that ran aground on the realities of its Renault engine and transmission. Renault had just recently introduced its new FWD diesel Traffic van. Winnebago bit, and another Franco-American tie-up was created, and Renault shipped cabs complete with front drive train, and a rear axle to Winnebago, where the low and light (5,000 lb) 1983 LeSharo was born. The economy (20-23 mpg) was enticing; the Renault engine and transmission less so.
It may have worked ok in a small van delivering baguettes in Paris, but the 57 hp 2.1 L diesel four was overwhelmed by American standards. In 1984, a 75 hp turbocharged version was quickly rushed into service. But numerous and severe problems with both the engine and the four-speed manual transaxle necessitated abandoning it. By 1986, the diesel was out, and Renault’s 2.2 liter gas four (as used in their US cars) and a three-speed automatic transmission were in. mileage was more like 16-19 mpg. With the proper knowledgeable attention, they can be made to last reasonably well."
So, with that all laid out there....... I suggest you go find a Chevy Suburban, remove the body, stretch the frame and do this to your Lesharo...........


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