4 cyl diesel ideas?!

Hey folks. I'm new here and I would like to introduce myself with a question. I'm restoring an early 50's cj5 and am considering a. diesel so I can drive it a lot but kinda keep the original look to it. I am the 4th generation keeper of this truck and I want my family to be able to really enjoy it. What have you seen, used, or want to use?! Let me have it! Real interesed in seein what you think. I'll post pics as soon as possible. Thanks!
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Something that may look stockesk is a Perkins 192. It is a inline 4cyl diesel they put them in cj's from 61-69. has around 60 hp/140 tq. which is close to your current setup. they have made these for 50 years(ending in like 2000 ish).

 

Thanks. I'll look it up. Is that all the hp I'll get out of most diesels? I am lookin to make the truck more streetable than the little 134. Ya dig!?

 

Oh yeah, looks are not nearly as important as power, of course!

 

Welcome from Ga. I know I know - - this should be in the introductions but it's not posted there yet. There's quite a few options to make the 50's jeeps more street-able and several on here have done it. I'm sure some will chime in with suggestions.

 

You can put a turbo on those to get you another 100 hp or so. The thing you need to think about with diesel is the weight.
You could go out and wedge a diesel from a Frito lay truck or put a cummins under the hood(whats left of it) into your cj but wow that thing is going to be nose heavy.

 

here is something for you to droll over.
http://www.pirate4x4.com/forum/showthread.php?t=698584

 

4 cyl cummins diesel (same as the one dodge used less two cyl's) yeah yeah weight i know, the f 134 isint exactly light ya know some say its close to a sbc weight wise. well i got news for yall, guy replaced a sbc with one of the cummins 4 cylinders and had to do nothing to the suspension! so it cant be that much heavier than a sbc <steps off soap box>

 

JMO - I would reconsider using a truck diesel like the 4BT. They are strong, but anchor heavy compared to gasoline engines. Plus, the word is out, and finding a 4BT both in your area and for a reasonable price will be a difficult.

I think the F134 is heavy for an inline 4, but probably no heavier than the early cast iron V8s. Engines got lighter as casting technology improved, and the original design for the F134 dates back to the 30s. So the block casting is crude and massive, by late 20th century standards. A first-gen all-iron SBC is about 550 lbs; I would expect the F134 to be in that neighborhood.

I would instead look to a passenger car diesel. The VW Golf diesel has been used in these Jeeps - google "VW Jeep diesel" for lots of hits. You could also look for a Japanese diesel like the engine from a Mitsubishi or Isuzu - the Isuzu forward cab trucks with a diesel would be a possible source. A GM 6.2L or 6.5L diesel is another possibility - these have gone in Wagoneers, so you should be able to put one in a CJ. Volvo also has some diesel engines, either from passenger cars (in the USA? Lots of Volvo diesel cars in Europe) or Volvo marine diesels.

Someone here started to convert a diesel from a Mercedes passenger car; there were difficulties. I recall the project was not finished because of marital problems.

I would stick with an inline 4 or V8, becasue of the short CJ engine compartment and short wheelbase.

There are factory Perkins diesel CJs out there. Very torquey engine, but if you think the F134 is slow... the Perkins is even less highway capable.

 

FWIW you may want to check into a nissan diesel. you probably wont find one in a passanger car/ light truck. you will find them in equipment though. the aircompressor i rented had one, looked to be about the same size as the 134 and ran flawless all day long. think i used 6 gallons of fuel working it for 8 solid hours. the cummins would be easy though, the rear plate just bolts to the block and you can get it in many different bolt patterens and i know the sbc bolt patteren is readialy avalibale. couple that up with a sbc bell and the adapter many jeeps used with the dauntless and you are almost there

 

Wet weight of a Cummins 4Bt is 745lbs, thats everything but adapters. Not bad really, about 500lbs less than 4-53 Detroit and only about 50lbs more than 6.2 Chevy diesel (appr 700lbs). The Isuzu diesel used in box trucks is also a 3.9 liter with about 150hp or so, weight is still fairly high on them also, the Isuzu P'up turbo diesels were light weight and could be pumped up from there 85hp to around 120hp, this motor would be my engine of choice if I were doing a diesel swap into a jeep and could not find a small original Perkins or Ford tractor diesel.

 

Check out this build threadhttp://www.earlycj5.com/forums/showthread.php?t=62415 there's some good information there.

 

There is a company based out of Vancouver B.C. (local to me) that makes VW TDI conversion parts and kits for Jeep YJs and TJs. The TDI VW is a sweet little motor and makes plenty of power. It is also lightweight compared to the industrial type engines such as a cummins or Isuzu. If I were to do a diesel engine swap this is the route I would go for sure. One of these engines would be downright peppy on a flatty or ECJ5 for sure. It would also be extremely efficient. Here is a link to their website. http://www.hpamotorsport.com/TDI-YJ-AX5.htm
Good luck on the project and welcome from us Canucks.
Greg

 

I must admit that tdi conversion looks very clean. Bit of a sticker shock but if you consider the price and condition of the components it is more reasonable.

 

What are you realistically looking for in the power department? Seems you could make the same numbers with a gas motor(naturally aspirated).
If you want to go veggie or just like the sound of a diesel that's understandable. Maybe it is a mpg thing. But, if you are doing this for power alone you need to consider all your options.

 

Sweet! Thanks for all of the leads. Sorry it has taken so long to reply. Now, you have raised a better question. What is the intended use for this Jeep. I want to build a 'backpacker'. I'm lookin to travel 2-4 days in it all year. Fishing, paddling, camping and such. But, with plenty of road manners for the drive in. It's for Cannonball Runs. That catch is that is essentially a resto-mod. Family orders!
I have seriously considered a SBC for ease, cost, power, & parts availability. I have also seriously considered F134 just for sentimental reasons and to see what my Great-Grandfather was workin with (hopped up as much as practical, of course).
The diesel idea came from a closer to original 4cyl. look with great power, strength, turbo options and good fuel economy.
I'm really interested in you thoughts as there is a stall opening for the truck and I'm ready to get going with plans and parts.
Thanks for your interest!

 

Why not put in a modern fuel injected 4 cylinder? Of course when the hood is opened it's not going to look retro but it would be effecient, powerful and reliable.

 

What about the stock Buick V-6? :?

 

I had considered a GM Ecotec 4cyl in mine but the engines were just too much money compared to a Vortec V8 I only paid $350 for my Vortec 4.8L nearly completely dressed including clutch and flywheel. The V8 was just cheaper and easier. 4.8L and 5.3L gm engines are really reasonable if you are looking for something modern. They can be run with carbs, as well, if you are really afraid of dealing with the fuel injection. I do believe that an ecotec 4cyl would be a good engine though. That is what ICON 4x4 uses on their 3B rig that they sell. I would definitely do your research. You have plenty of options. Good luck.
Greg