Topic: Diesel Conversions

[Jeffy]

Interesting choice.  What worries me is this:

80 hp at 4800 rpm
103 ft.lb at 2800 rpm

vs.

105-125 hp @ 4,000- 5,400 rpm
125-150 lb- ft @ 2,600- 3,200 rpm

[mgramann]

Those look like the numbers of the regular D24.  People mix them up quite often.  The D24T is a turbo version, non-intercooled.

http://www.carfolio.com/specifications/models/car/?car=106183

This states 107 hp and 151lb/ft

http://www.cars-directory.net/history/volvo/940/

This also shows 107 hp

Another place I read that it had 106 hp and 140 lbs, but I can't remember where.

Its not a monster engine by any means, but it's numbers are pretty good considering its size.  I would add an intercooler, which would make the numbers even better, I think 170-180lb/ft, but I'm not sure.  Either way, more low end torque than the 2.5, longer life than the 2.5, and better fuel economy...  Plus-its a diesel!

[Jeffy]

The numbers still don't appear to be significant enough to really offset the gas engine.  The D24TIC seems to have around 7 more HP but I haven't seen any torque numbers.  Still, it shouldn't be a huge jump.  Also what's the weight of the engine? 170-180lbs-ft on just an intercooler?  Looks like it's more like 7 more HP and 4-11 more lbs-ft if it's done exactly like the D24TIC.

Seems like a lot of work for something that's marginally better then what's already in there.  Any mileage savings will probably be offset by time and money spent to install it.  Considering that the Italian VM 2.5L Turbo Diesel which was offered in the XJ as well as the ZJ for export was rated at 140 hp, 236 ft lb torque and was an I-4 still makes that I-6 Volvo/VW engine look a bit weak.  IIRC, the non-turbo VM still had more torque then that Volvo.

I'm not saying don't do it, but when you look at the whole picture, it doesn't seem all that great. 

[mgramann]

Your probably right about just adding the intercooler.  To get 170-180 I would need to turn up the boost a bit, add a larger exhaust, a more free flowing intake.  It just seems to me that diesels, in general, have alot more power potential in them than gasoline engines.  Just look at what a simple computer chip can do to a cummings!  Now don't get me wrong, the volvo engine is not even close to a cummings, but it is a turbo diesel, and there is some power to be had.  In my opinion, alot more power potential than the 2.5 gas.  I'm not really interesting in crazy power anyway, or I would go a different route.  I just have a tired old 4cyl, and would like to do a conversion on the cheap to show the guys that don't have bottomless pockets full of cash that this is one option available to them.  I also just plain love diesels!

[Jeffy]

Going with a Cummins is a huge undertaking.  The engine is self sufficient so it will run without a computer.  The biggest problem with it is it's size and weight.  The 4BT weighs in around 900lbs dry and the engine is rather tall.  The other problem is finding one that's not used for equipment and governed.  Isuzu 4BD1 which is a similar engine to the 4BT and used on the small cab over trucks.

I still think a I4 is the way to go since most I6's will be really long as a diesel.  Toyota and Mitsubishi's are the most common outside the US which is why I'd look at those choices first.  I know with the Toyota's you can order parts from any Toyota dealer in the US which is a real plus.  The other advantage is that Toyota's are also used for offroad and have a huge following in the US so aftermarket parts are there as well.

I know those D24's are popular with the VW's and Audi crowd but those cars are a lot lighter.

[aw12345]

In my book the diesel out of a Dodge sprinter/ Mercedes van is the way to go not a big heavy engine has plenty of power and runs well. The diesel engine that Jeep uses is a VM  or Vertilli Motori engine is an Italian made piece of junk. The sprinter engine is a 5 cyl modern dieselo engine with a high pressure electronic injection system. Would be a chore to shoehorn all the electronics in a Jeep but would make a very nice setup. Reliable engine and runs very well also its CA certified

[Jeffy]

In my book the diesel out of a Dodge sprinter/ Mercedes van is the way to go not a big heavy engine has plenty of power and runs well. The diesel engine that Jeep uses is a VM  or Vertilli Motori engine is an Italian made piece of junk. The sprinter engine is a 5 cyl modern dieselo engine with a high pressure electronic injection system. Would be a chore to shoehorn all the electronics in a Jeep but would make a very nice setup. Reliable engine and runs very well also its CA certified

3.0L V6 CRD is what you'll find in a Sprinter.  155hp and 280lbs-ft isn't too bad.  I'd rather not have to deal with much electronics though.  For something that doesn't see offroad, perhaps.

[TrailsLessTaken]

Here's an awesome deal for those looking for a 4BT swap:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Cummins-4BT-nv4500-np231-Complete-conversion-for-a-jeep_W0QQcmdZViewItemQQ_trkparmsZ72Q3a1205Q7c66Q3a2Q7c65Q3a12Q7c39Q3a1Q7c240Q3a1318Q7c301Q3a1Q7c293Q3a1Q7c294Q3a50QQ_trksidZp3286Q2ec0Q2em14QQhashZitem220338270824QQitemZ220338270824QQptZMotorsQ5fCarQ5fTruckQ5fPartsQ5fAccessories#ebayphotohosting

[Mr_Random]

3.0L V6 CRD is what you'll find in a Sprinter.  155hp and 280lbs-ft isn't too bad.  I'd rather not have to deal with much electronics though.  For something that doesn't see offroad, perhaps.

What's the earliest year for a sprinter van in the US? I remember seeing them as early as 01, but I was only eleven then, so maybe there were earlier ones? If so, isn't it possible the firewall plug is interchangeable with later model jeeps? I mean, I seem to remember that the firewall pinout is the same on a few dodge v8 MPI systems (obII) as the jeep plug, but yeah... i might be stupid too.

[TrailsLessTaken]

I think 2001 was the first year, that sounds about right

[chardrc]

Wikipedia says 2001 was the first year in America.... 1995 was first year in Europe.

[Mr_Random]

If I had reason to research this I would, but for now I will just leave with the thought that it *might* be possible to make a sprinter diesel directly compatible with a later model (or at least harness equipped) jeep. If ever I go crazy and try something in the future, I'll make sure to research this option further!

(if I didn't already post this) Here's a link to a liberty CRD MJ project:

http://www.naxja.org/forum/showthread.php?t=955062

[st.chevrolet]

Jeffy have ever seen an XJ with the optional Renault 2L Turbo Diesel

[Jeffy]

Jeffy have ever seen an XJ with the optional Renault 2L Turbo Diesel

Nope I haven't seen one.  Those were supposedly from 1985-87 as exports only.

[st.chevrolet]

The majority of them were are in Canada and Europe, there's a few of them running around in the city I live in.