Jeep Tdi swap! Everything you need to know to get started😱

You've asked for it! Here it is! I've been getting a lot of requests for a video that gives the recipe for a successful TDI powered Jeep. In this video I will show you the basic info you need to decide if a diesel swap is right for you! enjoy
If a BleepinJeep video has ever helped you consider returning the favor by:
• Supporting us on Patreon here: / bleepinjeep
• Becoming a Member here on KZbin: bit.ly/2wGeSec
• Buying a T-Shirt Here: www.bleepinjeep.com/store
• Or Just leaving a kind comment on FB here: / bleepinjeep
This product is meant for entertainment purposes only. Your mileage may vary. Do not try this at home. Void where prohibited. Some assembly required. For off-road use only. Slippery when wet. Batteries not included. Do not use while operating a motor vehicle, heavy equipment, cherokee XJ, wrangler TJ, wrangler JK, or any Jeep vehicle, especially the newer Fiat ones. How-to videos may be too intense for some viewers and children under 30 years of age. Please remain seated until the 4x4 ride has come to a complete stop. Studies have shown viewing these videos causes increased cancer risks in laboratory test people. I am not a professional, I have no training, I'm not even particularly good at horse whispering. Don't believe everything that you know. Please keep your hands in the vehicle at all times. Do not tap on glass. Do not eat anything that has been on the floor for more than 3 days. Keep your hands to yourself. Not to be taken internally. Reproduction strictly prohibited. Driver does not carry cash. Objects in Bleepinjeep mirrors may be farther than they appear.
02346

[@TheHandsomeMatt]

If you could leave the GPS coordinates to this field of diesel volkswagons along with rough schedule of security shift changes, alarm system schematics and LoS maps for any buildings and/or guard stations that would be great.

[@natebleepinjeep9564]

Lol that information should have been included with the video... I dropped the ball

[@TheHandsomeMatt]

Nate Bleepinjeep I appreciate your honesty, just don’t let it happen again

[@XloMotion]

They're in Detroit MI. Football stadium parking lot iirc.

[@spencercorey7046]

They're also in Fountain, CO near pikes peak raceway.

[@DrHavok1]

LMFAO

[@OddBallPerformance]

The best is the 01-03 ALH. VNT17 upgrade, new nozzles, and a conservative tune and you have 150-190hp, low smoke and 300+ft/lbs. Just a personal preference though.

[@tallyman15]

What parts did you use for this? Sounds good.

[@OddBallPerformance]

@@tallyman15 The parts will depend on the power you are after. For the 150-190hp power range though, the VNT-17 Turbo, an ECU tune, DLC1019 or 764 injector nozzles (depending on power), a 3 bar map sensor, and some form of intercooling obviously. Depending on who you have do the tune, it is a great setup for a light jeep or small truck. It is at least equally as powerful as a well built 4.0L, but gets at least double the fuel econ, or better depending on how you gear it.

[@tallyman15]

@@OddBallPerformance sounds good. I like your power and torque numbers. Best source for those parts?

[@adivarso8175]

Actually best is ASV with oil cooled pistons straight from the factory. Don't know if they do that engine in the USA. We have it in Europe.

[@harleyinglis5360]

perfect engine too, it also has something in common with Cummins diesels with its injection pump. mine is going to make 155 hp and 280 torque

[@AustinLWright]

One of the best tech videos out there. Thorough, honest.

[@bghouse2853]

This is 100% my favorite Jeep on the channel. I looked into the vw swaps for a while but It would take me a long time to buy all the items required one at a time.

[@natebleepinjeep9564]

Thank you! They are great swaps but they take alot of work!!! And parts lol

[@bghouse2853]

Seem to be well worth it tho! Just for the longevity it provides would be worth it. I mean my 4.0 only has 48k on it but I doubt it will see 300k plus like yours

[@TheAmericanUhate]

@@bghouse2853 I'm at 285k with my 4.0 and running good still. I'm waiting until 300k and going to pull the engine for either a stroker or diesel, haven't decided yet. I really want to keep the AW-4 and NP231 so idk yet.

[@bghouse2853]

I think the aw4 is gonna be the next upgrade for my tj. I need me some overdrive!

[@TheAmericanUhate]

It is nice to have OD, any other vehicle, I'd want a manual but I love the aw4 in my jeep. Been reading there is Toyota supra clutch packs and valve body's you can upgrade the aw4 with. Plan on doing that at the same time as the engine at 300k.

[@gintaszukas314]

TDI PD are not common rail engines.They are injector unit engines.

[@MrJeepmarine]

Anyone else feel bad for the CJ in the background? She needs some love. At least pump up it's tire.

[@BHIArgentina]

What a lovely project! Totally agree with all tips you have mentioned about these engines. The performances of these little engines is astonishing. Best regards from Argentina!

[@MrMonte802]

I love this video, he gives part numbers and all the tech info needed. Thank you!

[@victorrivas2350]

Found this video. I have a 98' 2.5 liter with about 180k miles on her. She's kind of becoming a family heir loom in a sense. I want to do something like this because we live near South Padre Island in Texas and I would love to create some great family memories for my 3 year old son in the future. Great Video!

[@claudemaggard7162]

You definitely have the best Jeep on this channel by far

[@patrickschliesing1294]

Came here for the Air to Water tech. Glad you mentioned your experiences with heat soak, as that was a concern of mine in a trail-rig set up. Neat to see you only have issues on the highway, and I agree - I would design the heat exchanger up front to have more surface area, possibly increase the water reservoir size too, and move the fan to the back side of the exchanger so that natural highway airflow isn't blocked by the fan.

[@Blackcloud_Garage]

Good video. I like the "BLUF" (bottom line up front) format. To the point with no fluff. Please please do an all mechanical 4BT/auto swap.

[@natebleepinjeep9564]

Thanks! I'd be very interested in a 4bt swap one day, I just need the right project

[@MrJoshItIs]

It would also be interesting to compare the teeth rattle comparison between the TDI and 4BT.

[@natebleepinjeep9564]

@@MrJoshItIs there is no comparison! The common rail tdi is a very tame diesel! Smooth idle and relatively quiet as well. All the 4bt swaps I have been around are crazy loud and dont idle smoothly. That said, I've heard the newer common rail 4bt is much better

[@ljarvie77]

I have absolutely no plans of doing anything like this, but I really liked this video! Great job!

[@claudemaggard7162]

Nate you have one awesome Jeep. Your videos are very informative. Keep it up

[@johnknipp]

This is such a great Jeep! Thanks for the information. You’ve got some awesome skills - enjoying the truck build very much. 👍

[@natebleepinjeep9564]

Thanks! I'm happy to hear your enjoying the videos!

[@ericb4608]

I worked with Matt Whitbread on my Fmc setup for my Golf TDI. He is awesome and I am glad to see he has really expanded his brand he is an awesome person and a wizard fabricator!

[@joestrasser382]

My man, thanks for the video. I asked a little while ago and appreciate this greatly 🙏🏻❤️

[@natebleepinjeep9564]

No problem brother! I've been getting hit up constantly for this info and I hope this can help you guys get started!

[@bugoutjeep8065]

Love the video. I bought a TJ to do this swap but ultimately opted for more displacement with the R2.8 Cummins. I still want to do one of these swaps though, but so little time.

[@dironaa]

Swapped a V8 (Dodge 318) into my TJ for around $2500 but it doesn't match the cool factor of a diesel. Just like you I swapped a bunch of old parts for new parts and also could have likely cut the price tag in half LOL. Have to say for $10k I'd much rather go for the Cummins R2.8 but cool swap man, very unique.

[@TackshooterOG]

thank god you did this, been trying to research for weeks

[@natebleepinjeep9564]

I'm glad I could help! People have been asking me for a video like this for awhile. It's a good starting point

[@JoeGarofaloII]

My gosh Nate, thanks for the information! I may be doing a diesel swap in my TJ a lot sooner than expected unfortunately...so this really helps! Thank you, this information is invaluable

[@natebleepinjeep9564]

No problem man! I'm glad I could help! I hope your swap goes well. Its alot of work but well worth it!

[@JoeGarofaloII]

@@natebleepinjeep9564 oh definitely! After hearing the cost of it I'm not sure if I'll be able to afford it yet, but eventually I will. Unfortunately now I have a LOT of repairs to do to the front end (to say the least) and I need to check to see if the engine is still working. If not, it might be worth it just to go ahead and put a deisel in it!

[@ejaurand]

Thanks! I'm looking into a TDI swap for my 76 MG, and I definitely picked up some good info from this video

[@cmine615]

I did an om617 in a TJ, stock trans. Adapter plate and everything came from a kit, super easy for you. It was my first swap and I got in over my head but flash forward 5 years later, it’s a great swap and drives nice. Not by any means low torque like a cummins, make sure you’re geared properly, it’s a dog with my stock gears

[@joshepley8597]

You should do a video on advantages and disadvantages between a tdi swap and a 4bt or the new R2.8 cummins

[@MadMaxx570]

"You can add one 4bt or 3 1.9tdi's, ending up with the same vehicle weight"

[@Saphira_Pro4x]

Bit late but the r2.8 is also pushing close to 10k for just the engine alone.

[@terryderush7066]

Andrew Thomas it is cheaper than a new jeep something to think about.

[@atlasoffroader796]

@@Saphira_Pro4x Its closer to 7500 from Quickdraw Brand including an AX15 Bellhousing and free Shipping. not cheap by any means, but still.

[@Saphira_Pro4x]

@@atlasoffroader796 on a $10,000 scale, 7,500 is a HELL of a lot cheaper. That's cool didn't know other vendors had it. Best part is it'll only get cheaper with time whereas TDIs are only going up in price lol

[@kinghoffbeers4221]

Great video thank you for all the really clearly detailed information.

[@MrELIAN602]

BRO. Amazing video. Very simple and helpful. Good bless you. 👍👍👍

[@stjjames]

I paused the video & went & followed the TDi swap FB page. 😎

[@ericswilley357]

Outstanding, informative video- thanks so much... working on swapping Yota 2F for TDI.

[@Wifli23]

This answered so many questions.. I have a TDI from an '06 jetta that ive been dying to drop into my sas'd S10 but wiring and adapters are overwhelming. thank you

[@natebleepinjeep9564]

Glad I could help! That would be a great swap in your s10.

[@mhelms1644]

Yay! I can watch it now!!!!

[@donclark2953]

Great info most I've seen in one place. Thanks

[@natebleepinjeep9564]

Thank you! Your welcome

[@northernmichiganxjsoverlan3326]

Definitely can't wait for a 4bt video!

[@jonhatfield4852]

Excellent job. Very informative.

[@lionelhernandez34]

Look forward to the next

[@timleng4404]

Your A3 is in my driveway, Ca. Lovin every of that 52mpg:)

[@seanmcd6245]

I just got my 94 yj on the road after four years of building it. Now I can't stop thinking about pulling it back in the garage and sourcing a tdi. Thanks a lot.

[@bleepinjeep]

Bleepinjeep😂

[@seanmcd6245]

@@bleepinjeep I'm glad I amuse you haha. Do you think a VW would be a cheaper option than the new Cummins repower?

[@johnberchtold5449]

The new 2.8L crate engine is priced at 9k+ out the box. Probably better off running the TDI 😬

[@carloslugo9457]

It’s funny I’m thinking of getting an old box keep around 60s to do this as a project love it 😍

[@tomd1939]

Awesome video. Very well spoken

[@natebleepinjeep9564]

Thank you!

[@FarminCars]

I'm actually planning on doing a backwards swap from this, I want to put a golf on jeep axles, and run a vr6 12v to a jeep trans. I'm not just putting the golf shell on a jeep frame, I'm building my own tube chassis

[@DanielMartinez-hi4zq]

Awesome video Brother keep it up!!!

[@jimmyd6819]

very good descriptive video mate love it

[@matthewdefer8215]

Good video! Great info!

[@alantownsend5468]

nitpick: the PD (Pumpe-Düse "pump nozzle") system isn't the same as commonrail... its a unit injection system (similar to HEUI a-la old powerstrokes) in that each injector is fed by the low pressure lift pump and makes its own high pressure supply internally. Commonrail injectors are all fed from one high-pressure supply... Good overview though! And thanks for not leaving out the cost factor.

[@larrycain6425]

Great info dude

[@natebleepinjeep9564]

Thanks man!

[@whycuds]

Informative. Thank you.

[@andrewcastille7781]

I was just thinking about the Jetta TDI the other day. My wife had the 05 with a 5 speed. She got 52 mph. It was an awesome vehicle.

[@fastinradfordable]

52mph?!? My diesel can do at least twice that.

[@louis8869]

man, super subscribed now. I had a lifted TJ and a tuned '03 Golf TDi and was always dreaming of swapping it to a TDi TJ conversion but gawd damn are those kits $$$ (especially in CDN Dollars) but now that you mention om617's (superturbo om603's and om606's are insane btw) you have my full attention! i think the ACME kits are also much much much more affordable in regards to Jeep swaps

[@Xcentr1cK]

This is awesome.. thank you.

[@Clean97gti]

On the early 97-03 TDIs, keep a careful eye on the EGR valve. They will gunk up really bad and cause all sorts of poor performance. There are a number of good quality delete kits out there if your state's emissions will let you get away with it. Otherwise, you'll need to inspect it every few oil changes and clean it out.

[@matthewshambler2644]

An OM617 swop would be great! Those 1.9TDI PD engines are fantastic though.. even an old AAZ would probably be a good option?

[@jdenmark1287]

Well done, sir. This is the most informative video I have ever seen. Where are you in WA, I use to live in Snoqualmie and the San Juans.

[@ChristopherRamsey-vr6jp]

I love the Jeep!

[@louis8869]

yea i would love to do this swap. Maybe once my deleted '13 Golf TDI rots out ;)

[@jklawitter6914]

I saw your Jeep at the Puyallup Truck and Jeep fest earlier this year.

[@ugeneschultz7070]

Great video thanks!!!!

[@dvonehrlich]

Welp, you got a new subscriber. Good information, these engines are pretty prolific in the Geo Tracker/Suzuki Sidekick/ Samurai clubs because of their compact size and weight although they are usually older engines. I hope I might be able to swap one in right about the time they decide what to do with all those impounded diesels and get one cheap.

[@natebleepinjeep9564]

Glad to hear it man! If you like the tdi stuff I've got some videos on my playlist of my jeep in action. And I have some power mods I'll be adding to the TDI soon. I've seen a lot of Suzukis with tdis in them. Very popular swap and for good reason

[@suavehouse5150]

I have a 03 TDI ALH Definitely a gem 💎

[@danielantoniozd26]

Wow super Informative!

[@natebleepinjeep9564]

Thanks!

[@Jarod1941]

I'm with Bighouse245. Definately my face Jeep of the BJ channel. Except maybe Scorpion. Hmmm... Thanks for the vid Nate. You just saved me days of research time. Mahalo. 🤙

[@thomascollins9214]

wow very detailed

[@DrHavok1]

Man what a great vid

[@richarddoire2872]

Great video, thanks for showing. I really would like to do an engine swap. I have a chevy 305! But I'm going to change my mind and treasure hunt for a diesel engine.

[@natebleepinjeep9564]

Thanks! Come over to the dark side! Diesel is where it's at!

[@ec6933]

Wow this looks just like mine and I've got a 1.9 TDI too, I thought this was mine for a sec

[@erniestanger6613]

Would love to see the 4bt swap info. Something id definitely consider putting in my Cherokee!

[@kadenwatt2033]

4BT's are great engines, but they vibrate like a mother. Really hard to keep it from shaking the whole vehicle, plus they are really expensive since they're so sought after in the diesel market. "Deboss Garage" here on KZbin has a lot of info on the 4BT and its related engines -- he even swapped a 4BT into a early 2000s Chevy Tahoe. Good guy with great content.

[@paulbaker3144]

That might be Portland. I saw a Terwilliger sign. And there lots of people riding bikes lol. Anyway I bought a Motorhome with this 4bd1t engine. It has 70K miles. Runs great. Im going over the basics like adjusting the valves. I noticed a couple exhaust manifold to cylinder head studs are missing today. Glad I noticed that. Thanks for the video. If something happens to this Motorhome I’ll pull the engine and put it in a 4x4.

[@mancaverc9833]

I’m considering a tdi swap in my b2200. It’s setup for mountain roads and tight tracks. Tdi in a slammed mini truck 🤔 it would be different

[@bobhilly546312156332]

Thinking about swapping my explorer

[@kyhillbillys10]

Working on an ahu tdi swap into my yota. Wiring isn't bad just have to remove stuff like egr and cruise control. Making mounts is the biggest hurdle.

[@chuckvan1568]

You've shown impressive knowledge of the TDI engines. I too had a 2009 VW TDI and sold it back to VW. It was a great car and I loved that engine. The emissions thing was BS. I have heard of several storage lots full of TDI's. One was a stadium parking lot near Denver. Excellent little engines!

[@ronaldreed7698]

By BS you mean they shouldn't have lied right? It seems with politics like they are presently lying is acceptable, IT ISNT, liars can't be trusted PERIOD.

[@lamarzimmermanmennonitefar5269]

Its a scam. You lost a very efficent car

[@bannedbycommieyoutube5time920]

@@ronaldreed7698 ridiculous emissions standards on diesels is the root cause.

[@haskelswain1842]

What do trail friends think of all the smoke tho? I did a Mercedes diesel swap in th and I just had to bring up the rear all the time to keep from smoking other jeeps out. On the trail that smoke sets and fills the jeep behind you. How do they respond?

[@Datsmepepe]

Love my Colt 2 cam. if you are going with AUTO trans, you almost have to do a manual valve body.

[@chrisbuilt]

My brother has a purple 66 Ford F-100 with a Malone tuned ALH and Toyota Supra 5 speed using a Toyota truck tranny adapter. It’s a quick truck and a head turner with a 3” strait pipe.

[@natebleepinjeep9564]

I've seen it on tdi swapped trucks group! Very nice build

[@christopher-iy2yd]

Very helpful information!!

[@natebleepinjeep9564]

I'm glad I can help!

[@christopher-iy2yd]

The diesel content is the best imo!

[@rustedratchetgarage6788]

these are great options to replace a 3.8 or 3.6 these lil buggers can make gobs of torque

[@narrowjay0]

Great vid

[@FirstGendodgegarage]

looks good ... ive made the decision to swap my 1987 dodge ram 4x4 truck , ive got a 727 3 speed

[@GarageBuddys]

this is a swap that we Europeans do very often, I also preferred a 4L diesel instead of a petrol V8

[@lk6912]

What do you swap them into?

[@coreysaathoff4359]

Awesome video, quick question. what gear ratio did you end up using in the axles.

[@Vorhizzle]

Nice video.

[@natebleepinjeep9564]

Thanks bro

[@viktorb9022]

2.5 TDI "AXG"would be my choice for the heavy wrangler. not too big and heavy, but good torque in idle

[@chrisembleton624]

Nate what sort of torque figures are you getting/aiming for? I'm just rebuilding my European XJ TDI. I looked briefly at the VW TDI swap, but thought the drop in capacity may be a factor, so decided to rebuild the factory motor, but now I'm thinking I messed up. Factory specs were around 117BHP and 300 NM torque, so I'd be interested in your torque figures.

[@williamnagel2654]

Did you ever think about a Ford 3.5L ecoboost? You could probably transfer the whole driveline.

[@mareklulei5052]

Hi, Im using VW TDI-PD ASZ 130hp in my vitara on 37' s. It works well. Without bigger money tunable to 160hp, with different, but stock VW turbo possible 180hp. Good choice ;), unlimkted ammounts of parts are in every village for low buck.

[@MrJoshh1]

Doing a engine swap in my XJ in the coming year and now i have 3 places to look at for wiring. thanks! haha slapping a 1uz vvti toyota V8 in it :D

[@pressharder6920]

Nice video! And VW diesel engines are plenty here in Europe. I am in the Netherlands with a 1994 XJ with a petrol engine. I can get a reduced road tax with the petrol (gasoline) engine but not the diesel engine.

[@PeaceNGrease]

Well I was going to come in here & edit my post bc I found Nate’s vid covering all the questions I had about this swap. But my post is gone? Okay good to know how the channel works here....

[@terrygatewood340]

I have a 05 jeep liberty crd would love to see you build that out

[@wes11bravo]

The R28 Cummins seems pretty friggin badass. I've only heard people talk it up. Are there any disadvantages, problems, things people don't like about the R28 in say an 03 TJ?

[@hobbs4x440]

ahhhhh im so tempted. I gotta put my 4.0 in my ladys xj soooooooo

[@natebleepinjeep9564]

Do it! Diesel swap the world!!!

[@LostFart]

I have a SUPER cool YJ project. Im not sure if I should do a simple swap 4BT or a more complex swap 1.9L. I HATE how loud the 4bt is, but does that really matter? This build is nothing short of awesome, what say you?

[@jayjoos5741]

great informational video about the swap! What about the cummins R2.8 swap? not alot of video information abou these. its is lighter and more powerful than the 4BT or the 3.3.

[@JohnSmith-qn3ob]

My right ear enjoyed this

[@st.thomassinner6710]

Would you TDI swap the CJ sitting in the corner? I only ask because I have a 1973 CJ5 that I am considering doing a TDI swap from the 4.2 inline 6 from the Stone Age. What manual trans do you suggest mating to it, and what frame reinforcement did you have to do to support the heavier diesel engine?

[@jimmybaronio479]

11:31 soaked up and rarely smells😂 great way to review a clutch

[@gosonegr]

Dude, we have plenty of those engines in Europe, my fathers SEAT Altea runs a 1.9 VW diesel with 160HP... and we lack of gasoline engines and old jeep XJ parts. Do you know where I'm going?

[@andrewerickson6690]

I know where you are going and I'm into it

[@channghiem5012]

question are smog checks not mandatory for restration? is your rig strictly an offroad rig?

[@TCDawg91]

Nate, tell me about the battery bracket I saw. Is that custom or something you bought?

[@MullnerFab]

Yep I need a TDI tj now!

[@natebleepinjeep9564]

I've been so happy with the tdi so far! I would definitely recommend it to anyone that's looking into an engine swap!

[@MullnerFab]

Nate Bleepinjeep what’s the mpg look like?

[@natebleepinjeep9564]

@@MullnerFab the mpg is very good for a jeep on 40's. We wheeled the Rubicon for 2 days and drove freeway over Donner pass in California last September. I only used 2.9 gal the entire trip! We actually made a video about it. Its on my video playlist if your interested

[@MullnerFab]

Nate Bleepinjeep yep gonna need to check that out

[@wttjeepjk08]

I would love to build my own harness but I know next to nothing about building a harness that can talk to the touchy JK canbus system. So I have no choice but to buy a premade harness.

[@tallyman15]

Is a 2003 Golf 1.9L a good engine to use for conversion?

[@schnob92]

Maybe I missed it but what transmission are you running with the tdi? I currently have the 3.8 with an automatic. Is there a good auto transmission for the tdi? Or is the conversion to manual not to bad while doing the engine swap? Sorry lots of questions all at once. And advice is appreciated.