Biofuel-Powered by Design
By Lindsey Irwin/staff writer/Article: July 2007 Issue of Bioiesel Magazine
Biodiesel is moving into the world of posh consumer sport utility vehicles thanks to diesel engine conversion specialist Johnathan Goodwin. His fuel economy- and horsepower-enhanced vehicles have been featured on MTV’s Pimp My Ride, sold on eBay and have now caught the attention of some high-profile figures, including California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger.
He’s the one they call when all the others say, “It can’t be done.” His peers refer to him as the "foremost authority on Duramax diesel conversions of all vehicles." His work is in such high demand that he could sell one converted diesel engine Hummer an hour, if he wanted. Although he has a right to brag about his innovations, Jonathan Goodwin’s quiet, reserved nature communicates his preference for a low profile. That’s not quite possible, however, as the Wichita, Kan., native’s talent keeps him in the spotlight. In fact, his upcoming conversions are going to be taped for a television series that is set to air on the Discovery Channel, and one of his diesel conversions involves California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger’s personal vehicle. Goodwin’s projects are cutting edge, but he insists that he’s simply a hard-worker and a determined problem solver, doing what he loves. "I’m not a chemist, I’m not a scientist or an electrical engineer," Goodwin says. "I’m just one of those people that will take something that I’m interested in and I can’t leave it alone, and I will push it to the highest edge."
