So for the past couple years I've been wanting to do a diesel swap and I am still trying to figure out which engine to do. I've been wanting to do a 4bt swap but trying to find one for under $2000 is next to impossible to find. The vehicle I am wanting to do this in would probably be a 2002 Dodge Dakota quad cab. I've looked into the Isuzu 4BD1T but those are about as expensive as the 4bt or more and even though they are 3" shorter in height they are about 3-4" longer. Thought about the possibility of a VW TDI but for what I want to do (towing a ice fish house and boat) even tuned it would not have the power...or it'll go into meltdown with high EGTs. Can't find much in Perkins other than the older 2.2 N/A from the 80s from Ford Rangers. Or even the 3.0L Mercedes-Benz OM617 I5, but again I don't know if it'll have the power. The Cummins B3.3/T are not easy to come by. The QSB engines are too tall and I am not one for electronics plus finding the correct electronics for them is very difficult and they are not even remotely cheap.

Just doesn't seem like there are many choices. Kubota might be another possibility but I have no idea on how much combined weight I could safely do without killing it. Being in America kind of sucks trying to find a good diesel engine for what you need. Are there any diesel engines on the market that can do what I want (25+ high way epg, daily driver and tow either a 1,000lbs fish house or 1,200lbs boat)?

Really don't feel like shoehorning a 12 valve into a Dakota. Want to keep the fabrication work down to a minimum. Doing a 12 valve would require me to do a SAS, probably reinforce the frame and cutting up the firewall.

I have a friend who might be willing to sell me his Case skid steer with a 4bt in it but how hard would it be to repurpose it from off road to on road by swapping out the injection pump to a VE, change out the fuel lines and injectors, add power steering, probably larger alternator and probably need a different fly wheel. Haven't seen anyone anywhere changing a 4BT or even a 12 valve from off road to on road.

I am not looking into buy a 3/4 or 1 ton truck with a diesel already in it. Plus I would not be able to get the mileage and I have no reason for owning such a large truck nor the space to park it.

It may seem like I am picky but I like simple. I realize I could buy a converted truck already and not worry about it, but they are out of my budget plus I would like a project for myself and my dad to do. This is becoming an obsession of mine...probably lost a few days worth of sleep staying up at night trying to figure out what I want, need, what I can live with, what my goals are, trying to get a good budget...I keep

Thanks for the help.

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Feels like I've nearly eliminated most of my possible options.

 

if your doing the diesel for fuel economy, an OM617 will do you fine. in my 4000lb 300CD. hope this helps, as im using the om617 due to how common they are and their relative simplicity.

 

I'm not doing it just for economy, I'm also needing it for power to do some towing and hauling. I'm not sure that the OM617 would have the power needed.

 

180 FT lbs behind an AX15 tranny is plenty for me. the main power suckers are the auto tranny, old T3 turbo and no intercooling. i plan on upgrading to a H221W turbo thats spools much faster then the older ones as well as a mild intercooler setup.

 

That H221W turbo is kind of a hard S.O.B to find. If not too bad of an engine I may look into a VM Motori 2.8L I4 engine, but those have a habbit of going through timing belts apparently.

 

my mothers boyfriend is a diesel mechanic and can order one for me. its going to be expensive, but having a good turbo will make a world of difference on these old diesels.

 

Is it the same thing as the HE221? I know its a good quick spooler and stays well within the powerband.

 

A 6.5 is about the same size as a small block Chevy. Should fit easily in a Dakota.

I own an 82 Mercedes 300D. You will not want to tow with that OM-617. I love the engine, but it is not built as a towing powerhouse. The VW TDI you mentioned has more available power and torque and isn't almost 30 years old.

 

Its roughly the same size as the old 6.2L. But I am hesitant of either of those 2 engines because of reliability and they are not all that powerful. If they were more reliable then I'd jump to one. Sure the military still uses the 6.5L but doesn't mean they are not trouble free.

The VW TDI would be a good choice, but someone on here said that it would not be a good choice and it would be over worked. I have time to look through options, need to come up with the funds.

 

Just keep in mind that an OM-617 was designed for fuel economy rather than power. They were rated at 125hp. Adequate power to move a 4,000lbs car, but not good for towing. There isn't much performance you can add. The pump might be adjusted for another 10hp and that is about it.

The 2.2 Diesel you mentioned from the old Ford Rangers is an even worse choice. There was a Turbo in the 85 Rangers that was a Mitsubishi diesel, but you'd be better off running down the true Mitsubishi truck version. It's easier to find parts for the Mitsubishi version as the ford version was different.

Look into Nissan diesels, maybe an SD33T. Those were available in Scouts, but they are pretty hard to find.


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