Novak Conversions Jeep Wrangler TJ radiator

Ever seen or heard of a diesel powered TJ?

TJMexico

TJMexico

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I was talking trucks with my son a couple of days ago and he asked about dropping a diesel engine into at TJ. I did a Brave search on the question and it reported back a few supposed facts:
  • Cummins 4BT Diesel Swap is one of the most popular upgrades for the Jeep TJ Wrangler, known for its strong low-end torque and excellent fuel economy.
  • The 606 engine (a smaller, mechanical diesel) is praised for its simplicity and reliability, with a footprint similar to the 4.0L and no need for ECU integration.
  • The Mercedes OM617 5-cylinder turbo diesel, which offers 123 HP and 170 lb-ft of torque.
  • The Kubota V2403, a lighter 2.4L engine ideal for those seeking better fuel economy and easier installation.
  • The 606 engine (a smaller, mechanical diesel) is praised for its simplicity and reliability, with a footprint similar to the 4.0L and no need for ECU integration.
I think he actually mentioned the Kubota. Must've looked it up like I did.

Has anybody here actually ever done a diesel swap or seen one done? Would the rest of the drive train have to be swapped out, as well?

I doubt that it's anything I'd ever do, but for my driving the low-end torque would be nice. My Negrita almost never see pavement.
 
TJMexico said:
I was talking trucks with my son a couple of days ago and he asked about dropping a diesel engine into at TJ. I did a Brave search on the question and it reported back a few supposed facts:
  • Cummins 4BT Diesel Swap is one of the most popular upgrades for the Jeep TJ Wrangler, known for its strong low-end torque and excellent fuel economy.
  • The 606 engine (a smaller, mechanical diesel) is praised for its simplicity and reliability, with a footprint similar to the 4.0L and no need for ECU integration.
  • The Mercedes OM617 5-cylinder turbo diesel, which offers 123 HP and 170 lb-ft of torque.
  • The Kubota V2403, a lighter 2.4L engine ideal for those seeking better fuel economy and easier installation.
  • The 606 engine (a smaller, mechanical diesel) is praised for its simplicity and reliability, with a footprint similar to the 4.0L and no need for ECU integration.
I think he actually mentioned the Kubota. Must've looked it up like I did.

Has anybody here actually ever done a diesel swap or seen one done? Would the rest of the drive train have to be swapped out, as well?

I doubt that it's anything I'd ever do, but for my driving the low-end torque would be nice. My Negrita almost never see pavement.
Click to expand...

I'm pretty sure there is one still listed for sale here in CO. A Rubicon LJ no less.
 
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So, if I were to try to do that here in Sonora (Mexico), what'd be the easiest swap? I'd hire it out, not do it at home.

Seems like the Kubota might be a good option and I might could get the motor here. Again, not something I'm looking at doing now but it'd be good to have the option open.

@RustyAutoholicGuy , how was the swap? Did you have to change anything else in the drivetrain? Is it something that good mechanic could figure out?
 
TJMexico said:
So, if I were to try to do that here in Sonora (Mexico), what'd be the easiest swap? I'd hire it out, not do it at home.
Click to expand...

It depends on whats available down there for a donor. If you've got a lot of VW diesels, i'd be looking for something like a CJAA. I'm likely to do a Mercedes Benz OM648 in mine eventually when the 4.0 dies. The Kubota has a reputation for being quite slow from what I've read. the OM606 that search mentioned isn't mechanical from factory but a mechanical pump can be added.
Another cool swap would be the BMW M57.
Regardless of what route you take, its a pricey proposition. I just wrapped up a VW AAZ swap into my 1988 Samurai (I think they're the Jimny in Mexico) and that was $7,000 usd with 100% of the work done myself. $2500 for the engine, $3000 for the kit and the rest on other bits and pieces. I also forsee another $2000 to be spent.... Needs an intercooler and the turbo replaced.
 
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TJMexico said:
I was talking trucks with my son a couple of days ago and he asked about dropping a diesel engine into at TJ. I did a Brave search on the question and it reported back a few supposed facts:
  • Cummins 4BT Diesel Swap is one of the most popular upgrades for the Jeep TJ Wrangler, known for its strong low-end torque and excellent fuel economy.
  • The 606 engine (a smaller, mechanical diesel) is praised for its simplicity and reliability, with a footprint similar to the 4.0L and no need for ECU integration.
  • The Mercedes OM617 5-cylinder turbo diesel, which offers 123 HP and 170 lb-ft of torque.
  • The Kubota V2403, a lighter 2.4L engine ideal for those seeking better fuel economy and easier installation.
  • The 606 engine (a smaller, mechanical diesel) is praised for its simplicity and reliability, with a footprint similar to the 4.0L and no need for ECU integration.
I think he actually mentioned the Kubota. Must've looked it up like I did.

Has anybody here actually ever done a diesel swap or seen one done? Would the rest of the drive train have to be swapped out, as well?

I doubt that it's anything I'd ever do, but for my driving the low-end torque would be nice. My Negrita almost never see pavement.
Click to expand...

Local workshop to me specialises in putting BMW M57s in vehicles (mostly Nissan Patrols) and they're keen as mustard to put 1 into my TJ(and take my money for the privilege). Seen the work they've done with them and been for a ride in a Defender 90 with the swap and it's incredibly tempting as importing even a 4.6 stroker from USA costs about the same for me as an Aussie.
 
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lBasket said:
Isn't it like 800lbs?
Click to expand...

:oops:I thought that was how much the 6BT weighed. Nope, those extra 2 cylinders weight another 200-300 lbs.

1770303101114.png


No wonder no one does that swap.

1770303225420.png
 
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BlueC said:
:oops:I thought that was how much the 6BT weighed. Nope, those extra 2 cylinders weight another 200-300 lbs.

View attachment 670597

No wonder no one does that swap.

View attachment 670598
Click to expand...

There is a big difference between a heavy duty industrial diesel and most light duty automotive style diesels. That said , most folks won't like the vibration and low highway horsepower the Cummins provides . Diesel engines are a funny topic , unless your application really can't be answered any other way , everything about a diesel is pain . Including total cost per mile costs.
 
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