Tacoma Diesel Swap (VW or otherwise)?

To all who view this thread, I have a OM617a Mercedes TD sitting in the shed right now. 123 hp, 190 ft lbs torque at 2000 rpm. Very very easy to put a variable waste gate and turn up the mechanical pump. 160 hp, 270 ft lbs with no reduction in reliability. I am searching for a company to make an adapter to the r155a as we speak

 

First....way to bump a 3 year old thread.

Second....why? Really, why would you want to do that? 160hp and 270lbft are both less than what the 1GR-FE puts out stock. And since you mentioned you are concerned with reliability; nothing will be more reliable than the stock drivetrain. Nothing. You'll end up with less power and torque with marginally better fuel economy that has little to no hope of saving you money due to the initial money you invested to do the swap. Sooooo, what's the point?

 

Assuming you've got the talent or the pockets -hook up the mini cummings 2.8. DT has crapped on that motor, but I've seen otherwise.... working with a company belting out an 800 hp version of it. Of course, the wiring will be $$$ to cover and cross... again, assuming you have the talent and $$$$.

 

I have a 4 cylinder, not the 6. I am so sick of the lack of power. I have the engine, and I have already converted a Toyota and an Isuzu trooper to turbo diesels. So I definitely have ze skillz

 

Why not just buy a Tacoma that already has the V6? Or buy a turbo kit for the 4 banger? A 4 cylinder diesel would have been cool from the factory but as a retrofit it makes very little sense in my opinion.

 

I have a couple OM617s as well, one slated for an '85 pickup that I sold before getting to it. Nice mild I5 motor.

If I were chomping to do this (it makes little sense imo), I'd look at a Benz OM642 aluminum block V6 (sprinter vans, GL350s, etc.), or the Toyota 1VD-FTV V8. You're staring at 20k for the Cummins I4, so why not go with better motors.

But then, why not experiment with a turbo setup for the stock Toyota 4cyl? Could be fun and would be a good learning experience. Much cheaper.

 

Because an aftermarket fuel management system will not be as reliable as stock. Plus I have the engine just sitting there!