I have a 1987 Nissan D21 Hardbody 4x4 extended cab pickup that currently has a 3.0L V6 gas engine with a 5-speed manual transmission.
Lately I've been considering converting it to a diesel to increase fuel economy and because I am a diesel engineering student and think this would be a fun project.
Most of the conversions I have seen people do are on either Rangers or S-10's, many using the Kubota v2203DI engine. I have heard the Cummins 4BT could also be an option.
I was wondering if anyone had some pointers and suggestions on which engine would be best, I am open to suggestions.
Further information, I would like to be able to use a pre '97 engine so I won't have to smog the truck in California. I am not looking to race this truck, just use it to commute and the occasional off road adventure. Adding a turbo would also be very nice.
From what I've read so far, I wouldn't need to replace the transmission, is this the case?
Thank you in advance for any help you can provide.

 

what power plants have you considered so far? Have you looked for adapters or are you gonna have one made?

I would think the 5 speed could handle a 4cyl diesel, but I don't know much about Toyotas. I would bet the 3.0 puts out around 180 hp, so really just about anything you could fit under the hood would work.

Check and double check on your smog and registration requirements, and ask someone who knows, not just think they now (get written proof).

 

I have considered the Cummins 4BT (4.0L), the Kubota V2203 (2.2L) and the Mercedes OM617 (3.0L). At least these are the ones that I have seen used.
I would have to either make an adapter plate or find one, though I'm thinking make one, I don't think it will be easy to find one.
As for smog, since the vehicle is older than a '97 I wouldn't have to smog it, as long as I could avoid getting a salvage title when I make the swap. That shouldn't be a problem as the vehicle isn't totaled, I'm replacing a working engine with another working engine.

 

The 4bt is heavy and would require a better trans, the oM617 is long and not very easy to clear the front diff due to the front sump. The Kubota would be your best bet, they are great little motors, I have had both Benz and Kubota and the Kubota is better.

 

What about the OM616, that's the 4cyl diesel isn't it ?

Hey FTE, good to see you're still around, still got your Cherokee?

 

Thanks for the input so far.
Would it be worth looking more into the OM616, essentially the I4 version of the OM617? It is slightly bigger, 2.4L as opposed to 2.2L in the Kubota, with slightly more power. Would I still have the same issues fitting it?
Also, as far as replacement parts, which are easier and cheaper to get?
I can find the Kubota in a direct injection, I don't know about the Mercedes, how much of a difference would this make in terms of efficiency?

 

No, sold it after having it as my DD for almost 2yrs. Now have a Ranger with the Kubota as my DD, I like it alot better than the Benz, way better mpg, no glow plug crap etc.

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It will have the same fitment issue with the sump, yes it is a larger disp motor, but in my opinion, the Kubota has alot more low end power than the 617. My Ranger has alot more low end than the Cherokee did because you have to spin that Benz so much to get the power. It has its limitations being idi, I am after max mpg and the Kubota delivers, over 40 mpg driving it as fast as I want, not lacking in power. These motors are good to go, they are take outs from reefer units that have low hrs, so rebuilding is not an issue, just run them.

 

Has it been 2 YEARS!!?
Dambit......welp, guess I won't be over to check it out


sorry for the mild hijack Slade, next time I'll really de-rail this thread


Anyways, FTE, where would a guy start looking for reefer take-outs? The few I've seen, up in Seattle, were selling for $2k+. Is that typical?

 

Here on the west coast they have to upgrade to a newer emission standard to run in California, so they are not too hard to find. I just pd 700 for one the other day and the first was free (it came out of one of the trailers I pull). Just look on CL or hunt around the big truck and trailer repair shops. Alot of guys are selling them to wholesalers, then they end up on the internet but at some point the price is going to have to drop because they are upgrading ALOT of trailers.

 

Here that Slade?!!!
WE'RE GOING WITH KUBOTAS