Request for Proposals: My $$ & '91 GW + Your Diesel Expertise

[MamaEspinoza]

My '91 Grand Wagoneer has a broken connecting rod and I just found out today that my Jasper warranty has expired. I'm in need a new engine and want to do a diesel swap. I have limited mechanical skills, garage space and time so I'm looking for someone to do a swap for me. I can provide the vehicle and the money if you can provide expertise and labor. Please make me a proposal if you are interested.

As for my vehicle, I have a fair number of mods. Lift + 33" tires, Dozer bumpers, re-worked side-venting exhaust, etc. It seems such a shame to not continue with this beautiful Jeep and get it on the road for another few 100,000 miles (has 86,000 miles currently).

I've seen there are a lot of 4bt (4bta) conversions and some 6bts. But, I'm thinking more along the lines of an ISB 600, QSB, 48RE or even a 610. This could be a fun and amazing project. Thoughts?

[dusty]

do you have emissions testing in MD? if so your going to have to think this out.


If it was me i'd do another 4bta with a small bloack ford zf 5 speed to keep costs down a little and a ford np208 behind it if its a street rig and to keep the output on the driverside of your rig. invest in a dana 60 down the road for the rear end, if you want it sleeper keep it 6 lug by building one with some 9" outers.


the 4bta, i would source one with a t18,T19, np435 4 speed behind it odds are this is a ford small block bell pattern, hopefully your can find an aftercooled motor with 120 hp, the other option will be the lower hp 105hp motor that is not aftercooled most with the spd are the 105's. change out the aftercooler and install a larger air to air cooler in front, pipe the charged air from the turbo to the intercoller instead of over the motor, add some injectors, 3k rpm springs, larger lift pump, and a early 01/02 dodge hy35/9cm turbo from an automatic of that era. make sure the engine you buy has a good PS pump a hydraboost equipt pump with 2 returns sure makes life easier. with more funds id really goof around with a 4bt possibly sourcing a higher hp and torque QSB computer controled model but i sure like mechanical injection so the p7100 inline pumped 130 hp model would be my ultimate choice but you'll be sourcing the adapter plate etc to make everything fit

all the bracketry, water necks, fan hub and fan off of a 1989-1993 dodge these items will allow you to run AC, also get a dodge exhaust manifold you can cut it and shorten it to move the turbo around. i like the look of the dodge acceosories on there, it just adds a different element imho

invest in an electric vaccum pump to run your interior accessories.

[MamaEspinoza]

do you have emissions testing in MD? if so your going to have to think this out. We do have emissions testing but I'm sure it's no where as strict as CA. Sadly, one of the very last acts of my Jasper 360 was to pass emissions.

Thanks for the wealth of information!

[joe]

We do have emissions testing but I'm sure it's no where as strict as CA. Sadly, one of the very last acts of my Jasper 360 was to pass emissions.

Thanks for the wealth of information!
Just because you don't think regs are as bad as CA a diesel swap still may not be allowed.. Before spending thousands I'd make 100% sure a diesel is a legal swap. You're talking about a serious piece of change here don't just guess or think but KNOW it's ok.

[Suddendeath]

I'm with the guys above. Check out your local emission laws x10 to make sure. And honestly most of the people who do swaps, whether it's engine or transmission or axle swaps, have never done one before. With all the money you'd invest in paying someone to do it for you, you could buy the tools and learn as you go. Especially if the jeep isn't your daily driver, you could take your time on it and make it a fun project.

That's just my $.02. I'd always rather do it myself than pay someone to do it for me, that's just how I am.

[lobie]

Read, read, read, google, read, and google some more.

That is how I learned. I remember my first swap about 7 yrs ago. Did it in an apartment single garage. I spent hours reading and reading forums. It's not hard. Every vehicle I've owned except my daily driver has had an engine swap.

The nice thing about a 12v or 4bt is no computers. Also if you have emissions in your state you need to make friends with an inspector. I don't have emissions in sc so it doesn't matter.

Good luck and don't be afraid to ask questions. If I was closer I would help. Go to google and read. Just remember you need to filter fact from fiction and $&@holes from people that want to help. DONT GO TO PIRATE 4x4 and ask for help. Lol Go read.