Diesel swap: help needed

[etlsport]

Dave,

I would start by sending PMs to joe black and kpaske, they are the two i remember being most serious about a diesel swap and iirc kpaske actually started collecting parts for the swap before deciding to sell his vx

[tom4bren]

"I'd like have an automatic transmission that uses the TOD, but I'm not sure the stock transmission will handle the torque from the diesel engine."

The TOD is probably where we lose so much of our efficiency (gas mileage). I like the TOD so would probably keep it too but if your main goal is improved efficiency, you may want to consider swapping to an operator selectable transfer case.

If you're going to keep the TOD, I'd keep the tranny too. As long as you won't be pushing the beastie to the limit, I don't think the torque will be an issue (IMHO).

I think I'd be worried more about the computer. How in the 1134 are you going to handle all of the sensor outputs??? I'll be the first to commend you for going green but you're biting off more than most of us would be willing.

[JHarris1385]

This is going to be an interesting thread. My commute to work just doubled (and a little more) from about 10-16 minutes to around 35-40. So iv begun to think about making mine more economical or maybe just not selling my other auto and driving it on a daily basis, but again I cant stand not driving the VX. So maybe I will deraise (lower it to stock) and see if there is much of an increase in mpg. All in tall if this works out and is not >$5000 I could be game. Tysamigo does have plans for going full electric in 2 years or so.

[ZEUS]

I am a believer of one-stop shopping when it comes to swaps. I know you would rather not use the bighorn but lookie here: http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/91-96...spagenameZWDVW

Of course, it would be even better to have the entire vehicle with computers, senders, and preassembly. Taking a carcass AND a donor vehicle to someone is the most efficient way to get the job done, IMO. I would suggest talking to a shop near you and asking them if they would even take on such a project, then question them on specifics to see what you are up against.

[tom4bren]

JHarris - Welcome to my commute nightmare (45 miles & 1-3 hours each way, prolly why I've become such a procrastinator).

"So maybe I will deraise (lower it to stock) and see if there is much of an increase in mpg."

Lowering your vehicle won't help with gas mileage unless you put whimpy rubber on to match. Lifts are almost always accompanied by taller & more agressive tires. That's what kills your mileage. The taller tires effectively lowers your gear ratio & the more agressive tread increases the rolling friction. The only thing lowering the vehicle will do is MAYBE increase your aerodynamics & MAYBE decrease the friction at the CV joints (neither will be measurable differences). IMHO - it would be a waste of time.

[Chopper]

The mix and match route is the toughest. Dump the tranny, and TOD too. The easy route , is to go with a donor vehicle, and transplant the entire driveline.

[dforester]

Alright, already some good thoughts and suggestions.

tom4bren: You're right about the auto and the TOD. Plus I really like driving a stick. One of my main reasons for doing this is mpg, so that makes the most sense. Joe Black, what would a custom adapter to keep the TOD for a manual transmission entail?

Zeus & JoeBlack- I think this is an even better solution:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eB...m=280170384684

But, WOW does that cost some money. Has anyone out there seen half cuts for less? Does anyone have any experience with an imported half cut? My fear with the 4JG2 is that I will have a tough time finding parts for it, and that it really won't gain me much in the mpg department. Joe what is your estimate for an improvement in mpg with this engine? And while I'm at it, what was the ballpark price you came up with when you were shopping for a 4JG2? All the reading I've done on the internet suggests that the 2.8 is a better built engine, plus the lack of parts thing...

There's a place in Wales that is dropping 2.8s into Troopers:
http://www.mbs4x4.co.uk/engine.php
and I've gotta think there is a reason they are using this engine instead of the 3.1.

And then there's this site on using an NPR motor:
http://www.isuzudieselswapper.com/
I used to drive an NPR and it was a great truck. What are the chances that one of those could get shoehorned in a Viacross?


Billy- well, at least I got one of the letters right. Sorry about that, it was an end of the day, my brain is dead typing gaff. Hopefully I can be forgiven.

Again, I really appreciate the feedback, the suggestions and the brainstorming. Keep it coming!!

Dave

[Triathlete]

No worries....just ruffling your feathers a little!:bwgr:

[ZEUS]

Alright, already some good thoughts and suggestions.

Zeus & JoeBlack- I think this is an even better solution:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eB...m=280170384684

But, WOW does that cost some money. Has anyone out there seen half cuts for less? Does anyone have any experience with an imported half cut?

Dave

I saw that one yesterday after I posted but didn't understand what a half cut was I have never heard of that. Did you figure it out?