Alternatives to the 4bt

[DRU]

In looking at jeep to diesel conversion I ahve learned two things. First being that the 3. 3L is designed to run at only one speed and that the 4bt will probally brake my front axle. With all the knowledge on this website there has to be a lighter alternative. Something thats not 700 lbs. but 400-550. Something that will hook to a good manual transmission and that can be hooked up easily. NV4500 would be great. I have herd about deutz, kubota, and cat diesels, they are all supposted be great. The 4 liter would be great, but nothing smaller than a 3 liter. If there are no alternatives than the axles will just ahve to be beefed up. I though of doing 2. 73, or 3. 07 ring and pinion. That should put me somewhere in the range of 1500-1800 crusing at 65-70mph.

Any thoughts?

 

[Matt S]

Great thread! I was thinking the same thing but couldn't find a lighter diesel that would mate to any transmission or more importantly the transfer case I wanted to use. I've looked at toyota's, nissan's, and VW's but each time the connection to the transmission or transfer case stopped the search. The VW had potential with its smaller size and considerable aftermarket products.



Anyone have any ideas or other experiences?

 

[Todd G]

I would get a Isuzu NPR motor. They're 3. 9L and can be 175HP or so and are everywhere. Use a divorced transfer case and you're set.

 

[JHan]

I once found a site that was putting VW diesels in Suzukis - I'll see if I can find it. They might be a resource on flywheels, not sure on the bellhousing adaptor, though.....

 

[The patriot]

Perkins? They make small diesels. I see then up on surplus auction sometimes.

Eric

 

[TJarecke]

What about the Nissan diesels that are in military tug jeeps?

 

[Matt S]

DRU, hope you don't think I'm hijacking your thread but as I stated earlier, I'm excited about this topic.



Todd G- The divorced transfer case isn't really an option with only an 80" wheel base. I'm looking at a CJ2A. I probably should have mentioned that in my first post.



I would like to use the Dana 18 case. This keeps the diffs over on the passenger side. I'm also looking for around 100 hp. I want to have some go with 35" tires and have a decent RPM for street driving.

 

[MickeyMiller]

What about the 1979 - 1985 Mercedes 300D/TD 5 cylinder 3. 0 liter turbo diesel? They are bullet proof, readily available, fairly compact but maybe a little tall. Manual flywheels are a little rare in the U. S. but real common in Europe.

 

[WDixon27]

get a flywheel/4 speed transmission from a 240d from the same year range, sticks were plentiful in the 4 banger, make that 77-85 unless you want a turbo then 81-85 early turbos were turds

What about the 1979 - 1985 Mercedes 300D/TD 5 cylinder 3. 0 liter turbo diesel? They are bullet proof, readily available, fairly compact but maybe a little tall. Manual flywheels are a little rare in the U. S. but real common in Europe.

 

[MWyckoff]

A friend of mine put a VM Motore diesel in his Wrangler. It's the same diesel they used to put in Jeeps in Europe. You might look on E-Bay, that's where he found his.

 

[THanley]

The Cummins B3. 3 engine comes in two versions currently. A g-drive version with an inline pump is designed to run at a fixed speed (1800 or 1500 RPM) to run a generator. The industrial version with a rotary pump is designed to run at variable speed.



The next industrial version will have high pressure common rail fuel system and go to 110HP with air to air aftercooling.

 

[JHastings]

Probably already discussed, but the Cummins/Onan 6at3. 4 is a good little motor that I have seen in a friends Land Rover. Really smooth and it is good with a nv4500. Maybe a little long for a jeep, but Dad and I are putting one in our Rover as we speak. 125 HP and it revs to 3600 rpm. $1250 running take outs in Long Beach, CA. Lots to choose from. Just my 2 cents.

Jamie

 

[Chris and Sam]

is there a link or contact info on these little 3. 4s?





chris

 

[HoleshotHolset]

I've been under the impression that the A-series Cummins were weaker than the B-series and parts were getting scarce since they don't make 'em anymore...



I don't want anything weaker than a B-series. I want to be able to crank it up and not worry. Nor do I want an engine that is no longer made which will make getting parts difficult.



Matt

 

[JLEONARD]

Nor do I want an engine that is no longer made which will make getting parts difficult.

Sound thinking. . I went thru that with a marine Perkins... . not always fun.

Then I replaced with a 6bta... fun.

Jay

 

[50BMG]

What about a 3 or 4 cylinder 914 deutz diesel? They are air-cooled, compact, nearly bullet proof, and have similar horsepower and torque ratings of a factory 4bt cummins.

 

[The patriot]

^ You do realise this thread is over 10 years old...do you? :-laf

 

[Wayne M.]

Tough to beat a buzzin B.

 

[jhenderson]

The new 2.8 Cummins crate motor looks very interesting. They've been testing them out west in jeeps. They're as close to bolt in as you can get and they're emissions compliant.

 

[50BMG]

You're right Wayne M the B Series Cummins are tough to beat they're reliable, have a huge aftermarket parts following, and are nearly everywhere. With my very limited knowledge I have found that the Deutz Diesel Engines are very reliable and can get really good fuel economy or milage depending on application and depending on which model of Deutz engine you choose.