Hi everyone I am new here, and have been looking for any information on a M38A1 V2203 swap. Here is what I have:

1953 ****** M38A1 jeep frame and body (similar to the early CJ5s)
Dana 30 frontend (3.73 gears)
Dana 44 reareend (3.73 gears)
4" SuperLift kit leaf springs
SM465 Transmission
NP205 T-Case

I was looking at doing a swap with a cummins 4bt and b3.3t, but have been concerned with the weight and fitment issue into the M38A1s small engine compartment. Since then I have learned about the Kubota V2203, and have read usedkubotaman and FTE posts! (Freakin Awesome!!!) and redveloce on 4btswap.com

I am looking at making primarily an offroad trail jeep with the occaisional highway driving.

I have looked at the Kubota website and I noticed the 2203 comes in many flavors. NA and turbo charged and DI. Is the V2003-T (turbo charged) come with an adequate turbo for an automotive application? I noticed everyone is swaping the turbo as well.
Is mating the V2203 to a GM465 reasonable adaptation, or are there going to be major flyweel issues?

 

hey this is why I joined looking to use kubota also
wondered what you think of used ones...

 

They look to be readily available on ebay. Price is dependant on NA, DI, or turbo charge. I think the DI and turbo charged are the same? I am not sure though. I have read one poster stating that these engines do not like lots of boost, as they may have inherent weak rods? I am doing my research now on these engines.

 

hey I hadn't look on ebay much was looking at sites that sell used rebuild kub
Had noticed the outputs are low so have a propane fumigator for possible help when a extra kick is needed. Now you say there are poss weak rods so I don't know

 

Hey guys, the 2003t is IDI I belive, stick with DI for better overall performance and mpg. You will definitly need a 5spd trans, 373 gears will be ok if you use a 30"+ tire. The power raitings I belive are low, based on the application used. The Carrier site that has info on my motor bases the figures on 1800 rpm max plus the fuel settings are low. Once I adjusted the rack travel the power increased ALOT. I wouldn't worry about used motors, they are having to replace low hr motors to comply with smog regs. I am running 15lbs max boost with no issues, most of the time it runs @ 5lbs.

 

Thanks FTE! You are right I messed aroud with some of the gear/RPM calculators, and my 4speed SM465 may be geared too low for highway driving. Is there an OEM Turbo that is usually found on the 2003DI? Or do I need to look at putting a different turbo in place or it?

torquehappy what sites have used rebuilt kubotas?

 

what sites have used rebuilt kubotas?
well here is a couple
pilotengines.com

Kubota Engine America - Compact Diesel Engines

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THE method to find teh websights is to use the kubota part number and seach w/ that.
google is useless for this , now.
dogpile.com is a starting point.
tinyurl.com/avzny9h

years ago there was the tomcat directory a printed set of books w/ supplier info...
Advance, Nilfisk, Kent 0860-668

Kohler Diesel Engine — 1028cc, High Speed Open Power with Group 8 Interchange, Model# KDW1003-1001 | Diesel Engines| Northern Tool + Equipment

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