diesel swap for a YJ

I am not any where close to starting a swap yet and I have been doing research for about a year now.  With that said I was wondering what engine do you think would be reliable, cheapish, enough power for the trails?  

I have always wanted either the 3.3L or 3.9L 4BT Cummins but they are very heavy and would have to beef up everything.  I have been looking some into the 1.9L TDI from VW, but wondering if it would have enough power for trails.  Does anyone have experience for Diesel swaps and does anyone have any better ideas?  

There are modified 1.9L VW TDI motors making over 300hp. There is lots of aftermarket support including larger turbos. I don't think power will be a problem.  
John Cappa
Editor
Four Wheeler
john.cappa@fourwheeler.com
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awesome!!  I figured you could def. upgrade the engine but I don't know much about the VW TDI.  could this engine be pretty much bolt in?  I read a blog on JPmag and it said the AX-5 would handle the engine.  Im guessing if you get to 300hp that means upgraded tranny, right?  

Also, since the TDI weighs less than my 2.5L i wouldn't need to beef up my axles or suspension right?  

Thanks for the information so far!!  

Sounds like you'll have to keep an eye out for the future issue with the VW TDI swap in it.  
John Cappa
Editor
Four Wheeler
john.cappa@fourwheeler.com
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I know... I can't wait!!  

Does anyone on here have a diesel powered rig?  

I've driven the diesel JKs and J8s. Does that count?  
John Cappa
Editor
Four Wheeler
john.cappa@fourwheeler.com
www.facebook.com/fourwheelermag

Sure...  I wish they would bring the diesel JK's over here.  NOT fair!!  they have the same engine as the Liberty did right?  

Just wondering when that article on the VW yjSwap was going to happen?  

Just camne across this thread.  The engine swap I was working on before running out of cash due to life (grad school cost a boat load) is as follows.

A vw TDI.  The 1.9 stock is 90 hp and 150 torque.  It can be pushed to 150 and 310 with no real problems.  This is just changing injector nozzles, turbo and using a Saab intercooler. I was also looking at a Snow water/meth system.  You can tune the chip to bump it up a little more.  The 1.9 weighs about 285 lbs.  My stock 4.2 is over 400.

The next issue is the tranny.  With a little research I came up with the following.  The AX-15 is made by the same people that make the Toyota tranny.  It will bolt to a Toyota bellhousing.  You can get an AX-15, rebuild it with a Toyota shaft and use an Acme adapter for the VW TDI.  You will use a Toyota bellhousing, clutch, flywheel and starter.

When you pick a motor you need to consider the security system and the key.  If you can get the original key than you are good.  If not, you will need to find someone with enough knowledge about these systems that can alter the computer to bypass this.      

Hope this gives you an idea.  Since the wife said I could only go back to school if I paid cash, my money and time are going to that and the jeep sits in parts in the garage.  

I have purchase a rolled over liberty with a 2.8L Diesel with a plan of placing it into a 1986 CJ7 with a manual transmission - I believe both the AX-15 and NSG370 can bolt up to the 2.8L ... but how well will the 2.8L/NSG370 or 2.8L/AX-15 fit as a system within a CJ7?  In the July 2010 issue of the JP Magazine the Nukizer had the 2.8 bumped up to 187hp / 460lb-ft, which I want to duplicate ... any comments?  

Good luck