OM617 vs VW TDI wrangler conversion
 

Hey I see a lot of mercedes conversion, but not many VW TDI conversions. Is it cost or power, or ????

I was pretty excited about the Cotybuilt kit for the VW TDI but now I saw the Mercedes conversion so I am torn. I am thinking about a Jeep LJ or CJ8. I want a long wheelbase jeep.

Thanks for any information.

Chris

I would go the OM617 route... make sure its a factory turbo (better internals). I prefer mechanical diesels. What is the c.i. difference? 3.0L vs 1.6L? No brainer if you ask me.

I considered both as well, along with the 4bt. The main problem with the VW for me anyway was the price. Cotybuilt's kit I believe is around $5500, plus the cost of the engine and harness and computer work and all the other little odds and ends. 4bt's are just ridiculously expensive and way too heavy for a short Jeep like mine, albeit completely badass. I've seen one before and it's insane. The Mercedes is kind of gutless according to some people, and they're expensive to rebuild based on what I've seen. It really depends on your budget.

Joe

Doing the OM617 conversion on mine, the Benz motor is not turned up, hence the million mile reputation, a lot smoother motor than the 4bt, and a lot cheaper to get. I have heard a lot of the VW diesels being used in the Suzuki Samuri conversions. I'm building mine for reliability, not tire burning HP! Love the Jeep, but the Chysler components are minimally reliable. If you want HP, a V8 conversion is the route to go!

The OM617 is popular with the Toyota crowd too. And if you doubt its performance, there's lots of youtube vids on them... add terms like 'W123' and/or 'drifting'.

I'm a big cummins 12v fan, so the fact the OM617 uses a mechanical Bosch pump would make the decision easy.

my 2006 Jetta TDI is a 1.9L, with a billet stage 2 cam, larger injectors, and turbo. I am getting close 200hp on the little guy. That is the only thing pulling me toward the TDI engine. Otherwise I would definitely lean toward the OM617.

Not sure I'd like a high-strung 4banger in a 4x4. Depends what you want I guess.

My foray into electronic diesels began and ended with 7.3L powerstrokes. One of the most $$$-hungry engines I ever owned.

You said long wheelbase Jeep... what about stretching the hood a few inches and run a mild 6BT? :choochoo:

Oh no no no, get that idea out of your head :td: I've seen people stretch out the noses of Jeeps and it's the goofiest thing in the world. Not to mention, you're dropping over 1000lbs in the front of what is essentially a 1/4 ton truck. If you hacked the firewall and built a doghouse for it, that would be acceptable. :jump: Minus the weight, of course.

Its not that high strung. I am only in the concept stage of what I want. I keep looking for a CJ8 and the LJ wrangler for a price I can afford. With 6 kids and project 2nd gen crewcab, and a Bayer Ramburban project, the jeep got pushed way down the priority list. I'll keep my little hotrod until I have more time and less kids at home. HAHAHA.

I am glad to see the support for the OM617. I was going to do that in my now ex wife's Scout II. Now I can do it in a jeep and that makes me happy.

Chris

Good luck on finding a CJ8 (AKA Scrambler) those are getting to be very rare! I know of only one in a hundred mile radius of where I live, and its totalled now, they did a full up restore on it, and a couple weeks later totalled it.

How hard can stretching a 'normal' Jeep be? :humm: Gotta be easier than a 4 door ramcharger... flat body panels and no roof!
4 door Cummins powered Ramcharger - Dodge Cummins Diesel Forum

1-ton axles and 4BTs are quite common in the Jeep world.... 6BT isn't a big leap other than packaging. Omit the intercooler and AC to save space.

You'd be better off with an LJ, they're a lot easier to find and coils ride so much nicer than leafs. I know, I drive a YJ with sagged out springs. If you're set on the CJ8, you might be able to get an aftermarket tub, some companies make aftermarket CJ and MB tubs.
http://www.hardbody4x4.com/5050-cj8-1981-1985-scrambler-body.html

1 tons and 4bt's are one thing, stuffing a 6bt in is another. I think it would be too big to stuff under the hood, but if you cut the firewall out and slid the engine way back and build a doghouse to cover the back of the engine, it could work. Then you just have to get extra long shifters to bend up a-la cabover style to reach since the trans would be pushed back. A 6bt definitely wouldn't have a problem pulling around a little Jeep. I'm dropping a baby 2.2l in mine and it'll be more than enough for me.

Joe

i upgraded the turbo, intake, exhaust and injection pump on my 617 and it is far from gut less. the motor cost me $390 after i sold the chasis for $110. and its mint, but i guess i lucked out.

hey got any specs/part #'s and costs on yer upgrades for the om 617? Im putting an 85 om617 turbo in an 83 yota 4x4 and want to do as much to the engine as i can while its out. Anything else to replace other than front and rear main seals and timing chain? Thanx

well my buddy made the exhaust with materials he had laying around. I used past intake manifold design exp and research to make the intake, the pump is from Dieselmeken and the turbo i had laying around from an old project. its a t3/04e with a .63 a/r, IIRC.

my vacuum pump is intermittent and being a dick. i looking at adding an electric vac pump, so maybe that. also, adjust the valves while its out. and tap the adapter plates lower holes so the bolts can be installed from front to back and you can get the oil pan off easier

total cost of the swap was around $5k but i did a bunch of stuff that i didnt "have" to do, but happy i did.

Thanx for the info. I think ill have to run it more or less stock for a while, $$$. Would it be worth it to rebuild my pump/new injectors (is there a performance type?) In the meantime? Also would i see any gains if i replaced the turbo, without any of the other mods? Thanx, im new to diesel, mainly been a 22r guy

Cost is the issue I would think but shop around correctly and its not to bad. Stay away from coty if you want to save money. I have an adapter from Diesel conversion kits and parts for TDI to Jeep, Toyota, Ford and GM works great and the 2" spacing is a must for alot of applications.

The VW diesel is a popular swap into Suzuki Samuri's.