4 cyl diesel ideas?!

Buick V-6 is a good choice if you can find one local to you. The Chevy 4.3 V-6 is a great choice that gives very good power in a smaller package than a V-8. The 4.3 will fit under the hood if placed correctly, can be carb'd or FI, and will give more room under the hood for accessories and the distributor. Mods that work for the SBC work well on the 4.3 as well. They typically don't overtax the stock running gear if you are reasonable with the throttle also.

A diesel makes excellent low end torque but are typically heavy, expensive, noisy, etc. and don't put out the hp of a gas engine. Having said that, a diesel conversion would be cool, but I don't think it'll give you the performance you are looking for.

 

Just to throw it out, what about Acme adapters.
This is a VW diesel to a Susuki (or Toyota) trans, if you use the Susuki Xfer the rear can be left offset. If you use a Toy just get a centered rear.

http://www.acmeadapters.com/

On the other hand a 2.3 Ford would be a nice cheap conversion too (carb or FI), if you want to get stupid, grab the SVO version, they came from the factor with 160-200hp and can easily push 300hp with a few mods.

 

Mitsubishi made 4 cyl turbo diesels, 4D55 and later 4D56. They were in Ford Ranger and Dodge D50 and Raider in the 80's and Mistsubishi Montero and Pajero. These motors bolted up to 5 spd trannys and some even had 2 spd transfer cases. Very simple engine. Factory claimed about 105 hp, I have one that dynos 127 hp on the ground.
I dont remember the measurements off hand, but I did check it out last year and it was shorter than my 304/3spd/TC.

Nissan and Toyota had 4 cyl turbos in their pickups in the 80's also, but quite a bit harder to find.

 

On the gasoline engine theme, there are several 4-cylinder gasoline engines that would make a neat swap in an early CJ ... these include the Chevy 153 cid and its marine/industrial cousin the GM 181 cid (3.0L), the AMC 150, the GM/Pontiac "Iron Duke" 151 cid, and the Ford 2000/2300. All of these could use the widely available GM-T90 adapter, except the Ford, and Novak has a fairly inexpensive adapter for it.

Any of these (except maybe the 181) are going to be easier to find than a suitable 4-cylinder diesel engine, I would think. There are plenty of people out there looking for diesel engines with some conversion in mind ... not so many are looking for a 4-cylinder gasser.

 

would go Iron duke, pinto or :v6: .

if you want retro, go flathead v8

 

Wow, you all have given me a year worth of research! Pretty sure I won't get in to all em, but we'll see. I feel like everyone agrees that a desiel would be cool but not so practical for a 'backpacker/trekking' vehicle. I noticed that no one brought up using the F134. Is the general concensus that it is just not worth the trouble? Another friend reminded me that the 4.0L was my best bet for my intentions even if its an awful tight fit. Any pics or leads on this one? I understand that it will work with the 465 trans but would love some proof. I keep leanin toward a SBC (i have one sitting), but it seems like an 'everybody's doin it choice. Btw, I have no idea why this is such a troublesome choice, but I totally appreciate and enjoy your opinions!:?

 

An inline 6 is too long. Don't even consider it.

The SBC was a popular swap in the 60s, but easy and cheap availability of excellent V6 engines has made the SBC a much less popular choice now. You can do it, but an inline 4 or a V6 will be easier. Look for a clapped out Astro Van with a 4.3L.

The F134 will limit your top speed unless you do something heroic like turbocharging. Nothing wrong with the F134; many owners love it for what it is.

 

You could do a 6.2 GM diesel. They are similar to the SBC for bellhousing and engine mounts. I put one in a Grand Cherokee, http://www.syntheticwerks.com/dieseljeep.htm. They are a little heavier than the SBC, IIRC about 200 lbs.

 

I have an F-head, I have driven it 1000 miles between my parents in NY. and college in MO. every fall and spring for 3 years, ask anyone at the spring 08, 09, reunions.
the only problems i had are the top speed of 60 all day without an overdrive caused the valve guides to wear and i got a flat tire on one trip. the carter will get 16mpg, i ran a holley #1940 and got 12mpg.
on the most recent trip i pulled a trailer loaded with my snowplow and 300lbs of cargo.
for a road trip keep it slow take the senic route, i will run the interstates with the trailer but the byways and backroads are worth the time.

the daily drivers prefer buick v6s, the biggest advantage i see of a V for a weekend toy, is the parts are everywhere if you do have engine problems.

personally unless you live in a 69 jeep camper, the fuel quantity savings of a diesel vs the cost of diesel fuel vs the cost of the swap and the time it takes...
i doubt a swap will be cost effective unless your engine is toast. There i said it and everything i know.
(yummm thoughts of 6.5 diesel 69 camper. with a powered trailer)