tjkj2002 wrote:
InCommando wrote:
tjkj2002 wrote:
If I remember right the 2.8 CRD to TJ swap cost $24,000,but that included a new engine,new tranny(545RFE),and abunch of modified parts,oh and labor.I'm sure if Jeep comes out with the same set-up that Dan uses it'll be cheaper,maybe $10,000-$14,000 for a complete kit with a new engine,tranny,and the required parts,but then you got labor if you do not install yourself.
You can get a 4bt NOW with a th400 tranny & do the whole swap for about $2k-$3k depending on how blingy you want to get.
But with a engine/tranny wieght twice that of the 2.8 and tranny,way more then the 4.0 I-6 and tranny.
Then you got all the custom brackets(motor mounts and such),wiring(making the stock electronics still work),and the ultra HD front springs and suspension to handle that beast,not to mention a t-case upgrade will be needed(a 231 won't cut it behind the 4BT) and front/rear diff upgrade(again the D30/D44 or D44/D44 won't handle that much torque).With labor your over $15,000 with the 4BT also.
The Highest torque you can get out a stock 4bta is 305. Dana 44s will easily handle that. The weight is an issue but not as bad as you seem to think. The weight of the engine and an NV4500 weigh approximatly 450lbs more than the stock 4.0-ax15. Think about it thats 2 fat buddies sitting in the back seat. If you've ever been in a REAL jeep you know thats actually the only way you get a semicomfortable ride anyway. A lifted yj should easily hold the weight with the use of helper springs on top of almost any lift springs. (I drive a YJ BTW so My thought process always involves leaf springs.)
Not to mention durability, Iron block, head there isn't anything more durable. It's also built in the US by an american company. Yes VM is a holding of Detroit diesel but it's still Italian built we all know manufacturing is the biggest cost in a company is manufacturing. Therefore the majority of your dollar goes to the Italian economy. Not so with a cummins the 4bta is built in Columbus Ohio. Not really a huge thing unless your friends, neighbors, and family live here in the USA and require the products they build/market/sell/maintain, in order to make their living.
As far as installing it's no different than any other engine swap. If anything it's easier in the way of wiring. There's no management computers or ignition boxes. You need 3 wires to make it start, One to keep it running. (Not counting the grounding braid.) To tell you the truth i have no idea how hard it'd be to make the VM run but considering throttle by wire, computer controlled injector timing, and electronic vv turbo i'm going to guess it's complicated.
I'm not trying to be an booty or anything, I'm just trying to encourage anyone that doesn't want to spend $10,00+ Just to get a diesel wrangler. You guys really seem very in love with this Pasta Mill.