At the Drawing Board

[christophermccombs]

Hello everyone,
I have been researching diesel swaps for a very long time, and I know all the question are asked over and over. And I am probably no real exception. I would like to use the om617, due to simplicity, but the 4bt and VW TDI are great options as well.

So in 2018, I want a 83-88 for a daily driver, mainly for commuting, with the ability to tow maybe a pop up camper, and the cool factor of diesel.

Which diesel is the best for my needs? Just looking for opinions and recommendations for this setup.

 

[Whitbread]

Pound per hp/lbft, a tdi with a mild tune, mild set of nozzles, and one size up from factory turbo can't be beat by a om617 or a 4bt that isn't an all out race motor. I've put tdi's in just about everything and I've yet to find a more versatile motor. Take a look at my thread and greegeekers threads for inspiration and ideas.

My truck pulled this load no problem. Cruised at 65mph like it wasn't there.

 

[85_Ranger4x4]

Checked into a factory diesel?

For a popup I think they would be fine.

 

[1991fordranger1]

Om617 is cool but look into parts availability in your area Cummins parts are pretty easy to get since they are in alot of farm equipment and the tdi are also fairly popular.

I have a om617 I really like it it's a neat motor i just know that finding parts in short order is kinda tricky but you may be in a better area for that

My .02

Sent from my SM-G930W8 using Tapatalk

 

[Motohead1]

Ill eco whitebread. Hands down a Tdi swap is what you want. Price power everything. Im coming up on 20K miles on mine and it has done everything I have asked it to do while pulling down high 20s mpg. a 617 is way under powered and not fuel efficient. A 98-99 OM606 is the only MB diesel I would consider but that would close to double the cost.

 

[bobbywalter]

Ill eco whitebread. Hands down a Tdi swap is what you want. Price power everything. Im coming up on 20K miles on mine and it has done everything I have asked it to do while pulling down high 20s mpg. a 617 is way under powered and not fuel efficient. A 98-99 OM606 is the only MB diesel I would consider but that would close to double the cost.

I have to agree.

a transit van diesel, or vw are the best units readily available...aside from the Nissan and Colorado setups.

the cab over nissans are around but the little ones for frontiers style can be shipped from the emirates...800-1000 bux but they will send it.

 

[christophermccombs]

Sorry for the late response, I have had a lot of stuff going on. I am researching this heavily, because I'm looking for a First Gen Ranger, and I want a diesel. I have no real plans for it other than a daily mix when I'm not on the bike. There may be a trip or two a year, but no hardcore trailing or mudding. Maybe some light towing. I have looked at the TDI, 4BT, and the OM617. I recently discovered the 606 which is supposed to be a monster, and is far more fuel efficient. I am looking for simplicity on the swap because this will be my first swap. The end goal is to have a diesel ranger for the long term. I passed on the Perkins because I figure parts would eventually disappear. I also realize the 617 won't be around forever, but hopefully I can have some stashed spare parts! Thank you guys for the input. I really do appreciate the advice, and again sorry for the delay.