I recently spoke with a fellow who's son had installed several VM Motori 2.5L diesels into CJ Jeeps. One of the completed projects got 29mpg highway and 20 or so in town.
That's impressive...
Impressive enough for me to rethink owning a Jeep.
Anyone know the details of this swap or similar diesel swaps in older trucks, vans, or SUV's?
I like the idea of a Ranger with a diesel capable of 32mpg...
The VM is EXPENSIVE and has some reliability issues that can proove to be even more costly. I'm planning on putting a mercedes diesel into a YJ. It's been done and there are kits out for it. The Merc diesel is as legendary for reliability as the 1st gen Cummins.
http://jeep2diesel.org/
http://mercedesdiesel4x4.com/default.aspx
slightly off topic, but I ran across this Cummins swapped Jeep on CL. Not a CJ but the combo certainly made me drool... http://detroit.craigslist.org/okl/cto/2616542349.html
I understand why people think this is a good idea, but honestly, I don't get it. Diesel motors are HEAVY, and weight is the last thing you want when you're doing stuff like rock-crawling.
I mean, I get it, yes diesel makes gobs of torque and gets decent economy numbers doing it.... but this is a 4x4 - you gear down like a mofo (4.10s with a 4:1 transfercase and a tranny with granny low will give you better than a 100:1 crawl ratio), which means even the 1.whatever that's in a Samurai can make plenty enough torque for your needs.
ReverendDexter wrote:I understand why people think this is a good idea, but honestly, I don't get it. Diesel motors are HEAVY, and weight is the last thing you want when you're doing stuff like rock-crawling.
I mean, I get it, yes diesel makes gobs of torque and gets decent economy numbers doing it.... but this is a 4x4 - you gear down like a mofo (4.10s with a 4:1 transfercase and a tranny with granny low will give you better than a 100:1 crawl ratio), which means even the 1.whatever that's in a Samurai can make plenty enough torque for your needs.
Personally, as a former owner of an XJ, I liked the 4.0 but it was a bit thirsty. I wanted the Jeep for the space and 4wd. I could fit whatever I needed (biking, camping, shooting, vacation, ect) in it without any drama, and it was awesome in the snow. So, for me, a higher MPG version of the same for cheap would be outstanding. 25+ mpg, roomy enough to pile people and crap in it, 4wd for the snow or mild trails, and cheap (<5k). Not too many options come to mind.
The OM617 from a Merc is about 50 lbs heavier than the 4.0L, at best. You'll get a 50% increase in fuel economy, torque right where you want it and can run free fuel! What's not to love?
Benefits also include ability to run biodiesel.
Yeah, that's what I'm talking about. Well, bio isn't free, but my fuel is 
I'm too cheap to pay $.70 a gallon.
If I had $5K to burn, a nice example of an XJ, an engine lift, a few special tools, and a Mercedes diesel engine is what I'd buy.
I know they've have European Jeeps with diesels for a while now.
aeronca65t wrote:I know they've have European Jeeps with diesels for a while now.
That's right, export only. 
Bastards! Let's hope Fiat will change that.
The Patriot and Compass in Europe also have diesel engines.
Jeep built diesel powered Cherokees in the '80s, but they never really publicized the fact, that I could see.
Still looking around at this.
Although ecomodders have got decent mpg out the Ranger, they've taken to pretty drastic measures.
For as ofter as I'd use a bed my trailer would work just fine...if and when I get around to fixing it.
integraguy wrote:The Patriot and Compass in Europe also have diesel engines.
They even have/had Diesel Chrysler minivans, with 5 speed manual transmissions to boot !
