Gauging interest for a VW TDI Jeep swap kit...

XJ92TDI · Member Joined: 25 Oct 2009

Hey everyone...(obviously) I'm new here, but I'm just trying to gauge interest in parts to swap a VW TDI into a jeep. I've got a 92 XJ (hence the name) that I will be using to prototype the initial transmission adapter and motor mounts, but would like feedback from other jeepers as to what they are looking for. Obviously, it's a long list for a swap like this, so right now, I'd just like to get an idea of how many people would be interested, and for which models of Jeeps, which transmissions and the engines they would be replacing. I will also be posting on some other sites as well, so if you respond here, please don't respond to the others as well, I'd like to get an honest idea. I figure, there's nothing better than 4 wheeling, except being able to 'wheel more often because you are spending half as much money on fuel!

Thanks,
Sean

hutchman · Captain Kirk Joined: 07 Feb 2007 Location: Kennewick, WA

I don't have a Jeep right now.....well that's a lie, but I plan to sell it. Anyway, I think the right diesel in a Jeep would be a heck of a good idea. I looked into it a little a couple of years ago, but did not come to any conclusions as to which diesel would work the best.

If the VW diesel puts out adequate torque at the right rpm, it should be a great choice. There ought a good supply of them available.

TJ Apex · Posted: Tue Oct 27, 2009 12:54 am Post subject:

I think it would be an interesting transplant, never heard of that combo….

I test drove a TDI a couple years ago and it does get it, I can't remember Torque numbers, but the HP was surprisingly low, around 150, (if memory serves) but it was pretty quick, I remember the turbo coming on smooth, plus it got 40 MPG! But, I doubt you’ll get that MPG with any jeep body, but it will improve a lot.
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IBTJn · Posted: Tue Oct 27, 2009 4:59 am Post subject:

I'd be curious to know, why a VW diesel? Is this a European thing? Perhaps I don't spend enough time on some of the other forums or something?

I have seen/heard of guys dropping in Cummins 4 cylinder diesels in their Jeeps before with great success. And after owning the Cummins 6 cyl diesel in my trucks, I can see why. Unlike Hutch (and likely others) I've never been a fan of VW products. And unless I heard of some fantastic diesel motor they were producing that has power out the yang yang along with reliability (like the Cummins), I'd never consider one. Cummins makes motors, that's all they do.

Just my arrogant US pessimistic view. Wink

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Code3TJ · Hacker Joined: 01 Jan 2004 Location: Uzbekistan

I'd poked around for info a few years ago - IIRC, the TDI is smaller and lighter. And if you have to deal with the inane Klownifornia smog laws, it's slightly easier to get it approved.
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hutchman · Captain Kirk Joined: 07 Feb 2007 Location: Kennewick, WA

I think there are several reasons for VW diesel, but the big one in my opinion would be light weight. A 4bt weighs 750 lbs and would be a much more involved swap to make it right. Suspension etc........

If I was going to buy one for engine simplicity and long life, it would be the Cummins every time!

I have owned both a new and old VW diesels, and a 12 valve and 24 valve Cummins. I think each is unbeatable in it's own world.

XJ92TDI · Member Joined: 25 Oct 2009

The reason I want the VW is for the price, availability, and weight. VW has made probably in the millions of diesel cars both here and worldwide, and are one of the only small diesel makers in the US. Just for comparison, a 2004 Passat TDI is 134hp and 247ft-lb at 1900rpm I believe. A chip alone can push the TQ to over 300, and the 4.0HO is only making 225ft-lb stock, at 4000rpm. I don't know about you, but my jeep never sees that much RPM, even on the highway. And I do know people who have gotten 50+mpg in 1.9TDI's, of course it's not a 4x4 Jeep. But for comparisons sake, the 2004 Passat is about 3300lbs, which is about what my XJ weighs, and TDI forums have people getting 40-45mpg with them. I figure if I got 34mpg, that would be double what it gets now...Who would complain about a big increase in TQ and mileage?