Isuzu 4JG2 swap....benchracing

[Chumley360]

Has anyone considered this engine as a viable diesel swap option? They're all over E-bay and the importer sites for cheap, $3-3500 dropped at the door. That price includes engine, trans, t-case, and wiring harness. The t-case has a passenger front drop, a plus for us pre-80 guys. Also I believe that the trans to bellhousing(not bell to engine) pattern it the same as an A440 used in the Land Cruisers. If so then the A440 and dual pass. drop LC t-case could be used. I know they're only a 3.1L 4cylinder, but the truck they come out of is around the same physical size as a SJ and weighs a bit more(5500lbs from what I've found). Power numbers aren't great, but aren't bad if it's not a serious work horse, 123hp/202ft-lbs. Actually that's in a similar range as the 4BD1t, but in a smaller package. It would need a different intercooler, or you'd have to install a hood scoop to use the stock IC. And from the specs I can find on the engine you wouldn't need a SOA to fit it. They seem to be a fairly problem-free motor. No crank, cam, or injector pump issues. I haven't seen any threads about this engine so I figured I'd throw it out there. IMHO it seems like a good option for a DD or light dual purpose truck. What do you guys think?

[Heavy_Metal_Thunder_81]

Im listening...

[bigun]

http://www.4btswaps.com/forum/showth...004-Isuzu-4JG2


http://www.pirate4x4.com/forum/showthread.php?t=644588

[rocklaurence]

Two hundred Ftlbs isnt going to move a FSJ very well.

[jaber]

Is this the same engine they are putting into those funny looking delivery vans that run around?

[Chumley360]

Originally Posted by rocklaurence

Two hundred Ftlbs isnt going to move a FSJ very well.

See I would tend to agree, but weights don't lie. It motivates the Troopers at 5500lbs pretty well. Curb weight on my Wagoneer is around 4600lbs, with the 360-TH400-QT. The 258's only put out 190-220 ft-lbs, and plenty of people are happy with these engines. As I said it's not gonna be a work horse motor, but it is an easier fit than some of the taller/longer 4 and 6 cylinder diesels.

Bigun, that link you dropped from Pitrate is on the 4BD series. It's the "big brother" to the 4J series. The 4BD's are what's found in the NPRs. It's a pretty good read, it's been passed around a lot.

Also the Toyota 1HD 4.2L I6 might also be a good option. I little more power and torque, but not as readily imported and not as cheap.

[CJ the noisemaker]

Originally Posted by rocklaurence

Two hundred Ftlbs isnt going to move a FSJ very well.

My 258 I6 does (220 ft/lbs. of torque), and it does very well on a trail.

[Mephistopoles]

If I were going to give up a 401 or 360, I think I would go for the Cummins turbo diesel. IMO, that little Isuzu would be just a bit anemic.

[iroc86]

That was my YJ/Isuzu thread from Pirate. Thanks for linking it, bigun.

Chumley360, I would suspect that the 4JG2 would be a little small for a FSJ if you're expecting to drive it on the street. However, with the right gearing it would probably idle around all day on the trail. The engine/transmission/t-case package is very appealing, though. There would be no worries about making adapters, matching flywheels, etc.

For a FSJ, the 3.9L 4BD series would be a better choice. My 4BD2-TC is rated at 135 hp and 255 lb-ft at 2800 rpm. With some turbo or injection pump tweaks you could easily bump that into modified-V8 territory. I'm expecting (hoping) that my YJ will weigh less than my Grand Wagoneer when all is said and done.