Thought it would be a good idea to start a thread comparing the various small diesel engine conversions on this site. The lack of mid-size diesel vehicles is what really fuels these conversations so the criteria should be engines under 4L and 680lbs. It would be nice to keep as much as the information as first hand as possible as not to introduce too much conjecture. Information on possible engines that fit this criteria are welcome as small diesels are becoming more abundant.

I'll start with what I know, the om617. If no one continues the trend I'll do my best to cover other engines as well such as the Kubota v2203 and Cummins 3.3.

Mercedes om617
Pros:
Availability:
Easy to find an entire running donor.

Inexpensive:
The entire vehicle can be purchased for somewhere around $1200-$2200. Engine can be had for $250-350 depending on location.

Parts:
Most wear items are cheap and plentiful. A water pump can be had for as low as $20, glow plugs for a few dollars.

Longevity, durability:
Excellent, legendary. German engineering at it's best (for its time). Not picky about fuel and will run on most anything. Will run forever as long as it has oil in it. Low maintenance. Tolerates overheating well.

Adaptability:
Can be performed with simple hand tools. Adapters available for common automatics and manual transmissions $350-750. Easy three wire electrical system. Fits in most small trucks with some modification. Short stroke, high RPM makes for good highway commuter. Most parts needed will come from same donor vehicle.

Cons:
Age, at over 30 years old its difficult to find one with less than 200k. May need major maintenance and parts replacement.

Front oil sump and pickup. Depending on recipient vehicle lift and/or major modification to oil pan and steering required.

High RPM power band requires different differential gearing, think 4.56.

Low power, 120hp 200 ft-lb torque at 2400-2600rpm. Severely under fueled, injection pump with small 5mm delivery valves with no upgrade available at this time.

 

Any chance we add the Kubota v3300DI-T to this discussion? Looks like it falls within the weight limit and the HP/TQ ratings show good potential.

I am very close to finalizing the purchase of one for my Ranger.

 

I will add what I can for the Kubota, I will use the same categories as EvenGlass

Kubota v2203
Pros:
Availability-
thanks to california they are all over the place from reefers.

Inexpensive-
Can be found for a nice deal. Highest used for 1300 or so on ebay.

Parts-
Local dealers, ebay- lots of availability if you can wait a day or two for delivery

Longevity-
Industrial built diesel, built extremely heavy for a 2.2L, 5 main bearings, 396 lbs dry

Adaptability-
Some adapters on the market, popularity is growing. Chevy small/big block, Ford small block,ford ranger, Jeep and ******. Many different exhaust manifolds. A few oil pan options.

Power-
Very few dynoed examples 100hp/300ft lb at wheels under 3k rpm. low RPm powerband

Cons-
Industrial governor - does not act like an on road governor

Front sump oil pump pickup. Only a con sometimes. In my case a pro

Hard to adapt accessories

Oil filter placement kind of sucks. remote filter heads available

Hope this helps a little.

 

Is This Robert? talked with you about a month ago regarding your v3300 adapter and pan, good to hear the project continues

Ken

 

I'd love to see the v3300 on here.

 

I wish the 3300 was more readily available. I have not found any of these locally.

I have wanted to find one and put it in a Chevy Astro mini van or a classic suburban.

 

I will post what I know/found out about the larger Kubotas using the format used previously.

Kubota v3300DI-T

Pros:
-Direct injection
-Turboed (at least the ones I have seen in skid steers)
-HP/TQ starting point is good (trying to compare to a Ford 4.0L) about 90HP @ 2600RPM

Parts:
Local Bobcat dealers, ebay- decent availability

Longevity:
Industrial built diesel, built heavy duty (similar to 4bt standards).
Dry weight = 562

Adaptability:
-SAE #4 housing
-#10 flywheel
-Phoenix makes an adapter with these specs to mate to a Ford v8 bellhousing

Cons:
-Availability seems limited
-Cost: anywhere around $4k+
-No prior swap threads (that I know of) on this engine; just discussion but no actual project


Yellow68GTO, it is me Robert. I am still working on my plans for the v330DI-T. Hopefully, I will be able to start an actual build thread soon. I have the transmission adapter figured out. I will get with you when it comes to the oil pan. Just trying to finalize some things on the actual engine. Been on the road way too much.