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'97 Ranger *Diesel Turbo* Build aka "LOTASMK"


ShotnVA777

Well-Known Member
Joined
Oct 30, 2013
Messages
301
City
Hampton Roads, VA
Vehicle Year
1997
Transmission
Manual
The "new truck" is in route as we speak! An 8 Plug 1997 Ranger XL, Automatic, that will be converted over to a diesel turbo! :thefinger:

I'm in the process of looking for a motor (already found a few, may try to find some form of "crate motor" - as i just got a 20k settlement for a bastard T-boning me like 2 years ago!!!) for this newly acquired Ranger, that I picked up for a MERE $300! I bought it from my boss, it has a blown headgasket. Who the hell cares?! BWAHAHA! :icon_hornsup:

This is just the beginning and the first pictures of the truck! Stick around, sub up, and later I will have updates on my motor and things of that nature!

Got 2 builds going on at one time... ONE, being a "Ranger SVO" horsepower monster and the other a super duper, stock, cool factor (D.Turbo) fuel sipper!

HERE SHE IS!!!! :icon_cheers:

















 
if you are going to build a deiselb ranger, i suggest a VW TDI, you seem to have the funds i dont, and its exactly what i would do with my 4x4.
 
if you are going to build a deiselb ranger, i suggest a VW TDI, you seem to have the funds i dont, and its exactly what i would do with my 4x4.

THIS ^^^^..... COULD BE GREAT!!!! As I was a "VW Guy" for quite some time and have knowledge of their motors, along with a TONS of connections for ANY motor VW/AUDI! Hell, Istill have an ABA block AND a 9A long block laying around somewhere! Lol

Anyways... So ur telling me a TDI motor will work? How difficult is this swap, because Ive never heard of it! Is there a lot of info on it? Or is this just something YOU'VE schemed up?

Sorry for all the questions, but THATS EXCITING!!!

Lets take a MK3, 1.9L Diesel Turbo motor for example... Out of a Jetta. How HARD is this swap? I have access to a COMOLETE motor/wiring/tranny/VEHICLE, as we speak..... :icon_thumby:
 
The swap will be difficult for sure. You are taking a car engine that was never meant to be in a rear wheel drive truck. And the fuel system is going to be a bear no matter what motor you use. Attaching the motor to the trans isn't that hard. You just need a proper adaptor plate. And motor mounts won't be too hard. Engine and fuel management will be your issues. But if you were and have friends that are VW guys this will just take a few sit down hours to solve.
 
Someone on here is building, if its not done already a VW powered ranger already.
 
Subbbbbbbbbscribed!

Sent from my XT1080 using Tapatalk
 
Someone on here is building, if its not done already a VW powered ranger already.

I think his name is GreenGeek. I was following that one for a while. I think he almost had it running last I looked.
 
The swap will be difficult for sure. You are taking a car engine that was never meant to be in a rear wheel drive truck. And the fuel system is going to be a bear no matter what motor you use. Attaching the motor to the trans isn't that hard. You just need a proper adaptor plate. And motor mounts won't be too hard. Engine and fuel management will be your issues. But if you were and have friends that are VW guys this will just take a few sit down hours to solve.

No doubt... it could be sorted out. Thing is. Would it just be easier to buy a Ranger Diesel Motor??? Probably. :dunno:

Someone on here is building, if its not done already a VW powered ranger already.

Will look around now that I know.... SVO gets on the road FIRST!

Subbbbbbbbbscribed!

Sent from my XT1080 using Tapatalk

Damn right! Rock on!!!! :headbang: :yahoo:

I think his name is GreenGeek. I was following that one for a while. I think he almost had it running last I looked.

I'll check em out bro... thanks for the "lead"! Also, thanks for subbin' up! It's always nice to have your knowledge around.... :icon_thumby:
 
A few shots of how GREAT the body is on this truck, simply amazing
I've found ONE DING the size of a dime. That's It....

WHAT A STEAL FOR THE PRICE!!!! I would've paid THAT for JUST the interior/body panels/wheels n' tyres/etc... MUCH MORE for the ENTIRE TRUCK!














 
Oh and I'm checking the compression on the cylinders now...

- Fuel was drained and treated with new 7 gallons of fuel w/ Seafoam and ISO-Heet. Checks out at 40psi at the fuel rail's schrader Valve.

- Coils spark, HARD, on both intake and exhaust. So they're good as well (I replaced all wires and plugs)

- It's getting air, I believe. Though I haven't checked the MAF sensor YET.... not really sure how?

- Oil looked GREAT when purchased... After a few sputters on turning over (and she even ran for about 10 seconds) I checked the oil again, it was VERY milky. Either water got IN the motor or the head gasket is indeed Blown. I may even try some "head gasket sealer" on this motor, just to see if she'll drive for a bit...


..... Until I can get a Turbo (preferably) or Non-turbo diesel motor in her !
 
Basic quick check for the MAF when you suspect it is causing a problem is to just unplug it and see if the problem goes away.
 
Basic quick check for the MAF when you suspect it is causing a problem is to just unplug it and see if the problem goes away.

Well... Yea. I've done that. Still doesn't help the truck start or stay running!

This is the deal to get it running. Hold the pedal to the FLOOR until she FINALLY catches (after almost wearing out your starter) and then she'll run ROUGH for about 10 secs. Then you keep repeating the process. Lmao!

WHATS THE DEAL HERE???
 
Last edited:
I'll take it off you hands!

Sent from my XT1080 using Tapatalk
 
I'll take it off you hands!

Sent from my XT1080 using Tapatalk

Come get it! I'm dropping my other 4 plug (carbed) Lima in it, or possibly just the exact same motor, out of the grey truck. Whichever I do first I guess!!! Lol. I need a vehicle.... YESTERDAY!

Complete longblock 8 plug sitting here for ya! :icon_thumby:
 

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