The Liberty diesel (VM2.8) has been done in an XJ, but a custom shop did it with likely a high price tag. The issue is the computer controls. I've owned a Mercedes OM617 swapped XJ, and wasn't hugely fond of the motor (though others love it). Others have used 4cyl Cummins engines. Plenty of options.

The Banks powertrain interests me greatly. I haven't seen any real info on it, but I thought the idea was to have a consumer ready product. Again, all vapor-ware until we see a price tag.

For more good diesel swap info, check out 4btswaps.com

 

That's what I wanna put in mine when I can finally move out of Crapifornia. I've read reports from guys with the 4BT in their XJ's and they seem to average around mid-30 MPG. Couple that with a dual-fuel system like regular and bio-diesel....Should be pretty good!

 

What's the weight of the 4BT compared to the standard engine?

 

A lot. A 4bt in an xj would require frame stiffeners and very heavy springs in the front

 

And a crazy big pocket...

 

http://spokane.craigslist.org/pts/4520208260.html

Never tried to get ahold of these guys, but I've heard they've done several of these swaps

 

It's definitely been done. I've seen examples of those who and have not plated up front. I would plate if I did a 4B3.9, honestly, as XJ aren't too strong up there.

In the smaller 1/4 tons, I think the 4B3.3 is a better fit than the 4B3.9. I found a few and that's the route I'm going. These are sleeved motors too.

BTW don't aim for mid-30s in a 4B3.9 Jeep. I've never seen honest numbers reach much past high 20s. Keep in mind, high 20s in a Jeep built enough to properly house a 4B3.9 is excellent (given the gas equiv would likely be in the mid to low teens). There are some awesome rigs out there to draw inspiration from.

 

Yeah, that's what I thought. And with all that weight on the front end, it will handle like a sled. Probably to the point of being borderline unsafe on the roads, and in snow? Well, it won't be pretty. Of coursse, you'll tear up tires and suspension parts at an amazing rate, too.



"Awesome", huh? In what way? Just because they are different? Or do they actually do something worthwhile?

And how many tens of thousands of miles do you have to drive before you even come close to paying for this in fuel $$ saved?

 

With a mindset like this, you likely should not visit Jeep forums in general. Most are heavily bent towards modification. Modifying vehicles is not an investment hobby. Any thought to the opposite will be met with disappointment in reality.

With that being said..

There are examples of people who have done very clean, reliable, and well integrated engine swaps. To me, the greatest I've seen are the ones that look and feel factory. A diesel swap is neat for differing reasons to different people. For me, it's the prospect of running biodiesel. I like simple as well. A mechanical diesel, still in heavy production, is quite compelling.

Some folks like the prospect of rebuilding over buying new. Given many factors of 'starting fresh', some will not chose the same engine that came with the car.

 

im sticking a diesel in my MJ... already building it all now... i want one just because... dont want fuel mileage... wont have more torque then i already have... wont be cheap... but im doing it because i like to be different and i like to modify vehicles... dont care about the politics of it...

 

Yes, there are swaps that make sense, and there are other swaps that are just stupid.

Just because some swaps make sense doesn't mean that all swaps make sense.

 

I'd much rather just import a 2.5 VM and the harness for it before anything else...you can get them dirt cheap from the UK.

 

I looked into this prior to deciding on the smaller Cummins B3.3. Part and engine available were a serious concern, and an even worse longer term concern.

If you have a link to a vendor selling used engines (and parts!!) in the states, I'm sure folks would greatly appreciate it. This engine was my first choice but seemed like one of the worst for long term viability. I'd love to be wrong.

On that note, what transmission did the 2.5VM use? AX15? I had a hard time even finding that info.

 

I'm honestly not sure what transmission but I'm guessing AX15 since the AX5 can barely handle the torque the 2.5 puts out. The VM isn't a bad engine...people just don't re-torque the head studs when they're supposed to at the (50,000 mile interval If I remember right?) and of course hot shut downs all the time are going to lessen the life of a turbo substantially. I haven't been able to find an importer specializing in Jeep parts but I'm sure any JDM-Yo importer could probably do it. I'll see if I can look into it a little more later tonight.

 

Yeah, "all it needs is a head gasket" lol

AX-15 or NV3550.


Best info on diesel swaps can be had from build threads (none on this site, let's be honest) and on YouTube videos. You wanna see just how big a 4BT is in an XJ? Tons of shots of those things running.