NotPicky wrote:
Theres modified vehicles out there that are dependable road vehicles. Like most of us CRD owners know that if a part breaks know one usually stocks it anyway.
I believe that this being a ball bearing, spool up would be faster than a jounal bearing. Ball bearings have proven themselves to be dependable turbo on other diesels or gassers. There might be lag compared to a variable but the right tuning can help with that. Being a automatic helps with spooling vs a stick.
I agree that the stock turbo is a poor performer and small. I've been monitoring how the Jeep performs either empty or towing going down the road. The Jeep is usually using all the power the engine puts out. It never shows signs of slowing down at any speed when empty, but the turbo is usually at full song to climb hills. This is where the fuel economy suffers. (Its like climbing hills with your foot on the floor) Why does a 1.9L in a 3200 lb car get 50mpg and a 2.8L in a 4600lb suv gets 22mpg? My dodge gets 20mpg in a 6500lb truck with a 5.9L. My guess is more horsepower usually doesn't mean less mpgs. If the engine can breath and work less then less fuel will be consumed. Yes aerodynamics play a part aswell.
I'm a performance guy. I like to tinker I guess. It just sucks that there is very very few options for us U.S. CRD owners. I've talked to Kieth at GDP. He is a great guy with great products. I'm building this Jeep to take to diesel events. Even if it runs 13s or 14s, it might spark interests in the aftermarket, plus it will be neat to see a Jeep perform on a track. Only time will tell.
Some good points you make but as far as engine size, vehicle weight vs. milage, there are many, many other factors that come into play in regard to performance, milage etc. Gearing is a big one, driving conditions another, drivers skills and techniques a big one also. Any engine can be improved for a specific purpose but not improved completely to top all purpose. Sacrifices for one or the other are always made in order to get the maximum performance for a specific purpose vehicle. All purpose is what most manufacturers shoot for in order to accomodate different driver needs.