Update: Quick update on the MPG with the turbo, intercooler, and a boost controller installed. I am consistently getting 33-35 MPG at interstate speeds of 70-74 MPH. I’m not really sure what it will get on the surface streets, haven’t driven it enough there to know. I’m running 11psi of boost but not sure of the EGT, I don't have that gauge yet. The truck is great to drive, sounds like a little version of a semi running down the interstate, turbo just sings.

 

this sounds sweet! i been looking to do a 4bt cummins in a small truck but sounds like yours might get better mileage and still enough power

 

Great news on the fun! My rig finally made it out of the shop the other day for a quick spin. Mine doesn't make much turbo noise, although I have a muffler and the stock air box, can't wait till I get all the loose ends done so I can really drive it. I can tell already the rear gears are too steep. I have another rear gear set ready.

 

FTE, what gear do have in yours? I have a 3.73 in mine right now but have a 3.42 sitting in the floor to try. I think with the 3.42 and smaller tires mine would be just a little better, someone put 235/75/15 on the truck whick are too big.

 

3.73 in the truck now with 24in tires and a .79 od. I can start off in 3rd, so 2.73's are up next.

 

Hey, guys. Looks like I am moving forward with a Ranger/Kubota swap this winter. A fellow in Deer Lodge, TN has a V2203 direct injected for sale along with the adapter plate for a 4 cylinder, 5 speed Ranger. I'm currently looking for a clean/immaculate Supercab Ranger within 200 miles of Memphis, TN.

I've been working gear charts based on a 25.25" 205/70/14 tire, 0.79 overdrive, and target speed of 70 mph. With a 3.31, 70mph=2425rpm. A 3.08 puts 70 mph at 2250rpm, and a 2.73 is 2000 rpm dead.

I want to turbocharge the engine with a small Garrett turbo. I think a 3.08 would be good for an occasional highway truck and 2.73 would be ideal for a long-haul truck. What do you guys think? I know these engines can rev to near 3000 rpm, but I think 2000 rpm is a better place to be. Plus, Garrett's turbo application says I will have 53 HP at 1900 rpm and 80 HP at 2800 rpm with 6 psi of boost. 150 lb-ft of torque. It's hard to find a HP chart for the V2203DI (direct injected model).
Jurgen

 

Turbo6bar, Here's my quick reply, I will post more information later regarding my last couple weeks of experimenting, i.e. bigger turbo, removal of injector shims, changing throttle springs, and turning the fuel stop out. Basically these little engines are not capable of pushing a truck down the interstate at 70+ unless they are turning in the top (2800 or better) of their RPM range. My V2203IDI will run all day long down the interstate at 70MPH+ comfortably with no issues and get 33 MPG at those RPM's. It will run faster but it sounds like the Gerbil is gonna fly out of the wheel. Anyway make sure you figure your RPM range in the upper limits or you will not have enough power. More later.

 

I'll add a little here, I have installed a stiffer gov spring and backed out the rack limit stop but haven't done the road test yet(have to finish up some loose ends for safety) but will report back the results. I am waiting to see how these changes improve drivability before the gear change, I do have taller tires to try and find the "sweet spot". Kubotaman has been a HUGE help in doing the gov spring and IP tweaks, thanks!

 

Update: Here’s what I’ve been playing with on my little truck since my last post. I turned the fuel stop on the front of the engine all the way out, still didn’t increase the fuel to my liking. Next I took all the shims out from under the injector pump, this advanced the timing and caused a slightly longer stoke to occur in the pump. This did add noticeable fuel as I began to get light smoke out the tail pipe, not much of a power increase though. During my experiments I also changed the throttle spring back to the 2800RPM unmolested Kubota spring, big mistake, killed the power, went back to my custom made spring. The custom made spring pulls hard on the gas pedal and makes my foot tired on long trips, either gonna have to build a new throttle linkage or take some ***** out of the governor. Next and the biggest change (see pics) is a new turbo. I obtained a Mitsubishi TD04 turbo off a Volvo 2.3L car. This guy is much bigger than the little IHI RHF3 I was running. In actuality it’s too big, it will only build 8Lbs of boost at it’s absolute maximum, the little engine just doesn’t have enough output to spool it higher. The little RHF3 spooled almost at idle and would make 15Lbs of boost, HOWEVER and this is the strangest thing, the larger turbo creates more H.P. and torque. I’m no turbo expert so my only guess is the larger turbo has more volume. My EGT temps with the little turbo were only 850 tops, with the large turbo they will climb to 1100. May be someone one the site can offer some insight. I’m currently looking for a turbo that falls between the two I have, maybe a TD03 or the like. The only other notable item was the failure of my belt tensioner; I think I will need to stabilize it in the near future.

 

I'm guessing that Kubota just doesn't fuel hard enough for that bigger turbo. It can't spool it so it doesn't get enough air and therefore the EGTs are higher.

Great project by the way! My grandpa would love this. He's a hardcore Kubota guy. I'm guessing he's owned over 30 different Kubotas