OM617 Conversion Series: Toyota Pickup 3VZE-to-OM617 Swap Overview

I put together a quick video highlighting all the key aspects inside the engine bay of the OM617 swap on a 1991 3VZ-E V6 4x4 Pickup. This video is meant to give you an idea of how you can place/route items. I will creating more videos in the future to further break down the swap and go into more detail on all areas of the Pickup.
Conversion parts: doomsdaydiesel.net
Full Parts List: www.doomsdaydiesel.net/tech-info
Music provided by: bensound.com

[@zachfabbian1441]

Awesome build. Unquie and practical perfect little truck.

[@andrewjackson9853]

Did the same swap into my '81 CJ5, lifted it, Detroit n Chromoly up front, OX Manual cable locker rear, 37" DOT LT Crawlers, 12k Warn... Have all the parts to do the intercooler, 105 amp alternator, hood and roof rack. Love the OM617.

[@makingcookingfixing]

I also have a CJ5 with a OM616 engine in my case they simply removed and blocked off! the oil filter! i have no oil filter on my engine! (because there is no space for it) what did you do for oil filter?

[@011CJ]

Man I hope I can buy one of your kits one of these days. I was close a few years back but then I hade 2 kids lol

[@offgridmangogrower]

Like your mods. And attention to detail. I used that exact intercooler…came off a turbo Renault (if I remember correctly). Mounted on side wall with a fan on my Nissan scout. Like to see a better pic of the modified sump.

[@doomsdaydiesel]

Doomsdaydiesel.net for the "ultimate clearance" front sump, and the new rear sump

[@TorchFpv]

Very nice!!

[@kuldipdhak7972]

Very good idea I like it because not to much vacuum line. Like 300d Mercedes engine

[@TheSohckid]

I just looked up the swap kit and I am really thinking about doing this and getting rid of my old 3vze

[@doomsdaydiesel]

You'll certainly never regret it!

[@TheSohckid]

@@doomsdaydiesel One question though will that oil pan clear a dual shock steering stabilizer?

[@doomsdaydiesel]

@@TheSohckidyou shouldn't need 1 stabilizer let alone 2! You'll have to relocate to a different position if you want to make that work.

[@jamesmay5394]

@@doomsdaydiesel what is that intercooler from?

[@doomsdaydiesel]

@@jamesmay5394 Saab Blackstone

[@Princess_n_TheDuke]

Beautiful

[@tr3nt5m1th]

Also, are you only running the valve cover breather, or did you run the crank case breather to the oil catch can as well? Would it cost too much vacuum to illuminate the breather on the upper oil pan? I’m working on that right now, just converted the valve cover breather to AN fitting as well as the turbo drain. Debating drilling and tapping another a.m. fitting in the crank case breather since the factory one is worthless and leaks

[@edgar12345632]

Great video someday I wanna do the same swap. Where did you get all the stuff turbo pipes and things like that.

[@doomsdaydiesel]

Ebay, amazon, and summit racing

[@edgar12345632]

Thank you

[@mike-hp9yv]

I would like to have the Mercedes diesel in my 05 Tacoma 4wheel drive

[@rlong9830]

There is one of those diesels for sale in my area right now. I have a 97 t100 4x4 automatic. I need a recommended parts list.

[@ThePenttimonkkonen]

Nice job! How much did you charge for this?

[@philipallen7956]

Very cool truck, seems like you could have gotten a much larger single or at least 2 medium pusher fans on the front of the raditor.

[@doomsdaydiesel]

Pushers will cause overheating. They block surface area and don't flow as much. I've troubleshooted this with 5 different customers now. The fan in this truck cools just fine with that built pump in 93° weather. A second will fit if needed. And if that's still not enough, the serpentine conversion opens up room for the mechanical fan.

[@philipallen7956]

@@doomsdaydiesel weird, im by no means a diesel expert, honestly very limited experience with them outside of reg maintenance. But have built at least 5 street cars over the last few years with between 400-600hp ls's and in summer in Texas with ac on they do the job just fine. Wasn't trying to flame or anything just adding a suggestion. It's a really cool build and I like the amount of parts from various oems you used!

[@doomsdaydiesel]

@@philipallen7956 normally diesels run much cooler, so much in fact that a lot of Cummins 6BT swaps don't even have fans. IDI's have to run hotter to burn the fuel, which I believe is the culprit with the overheating 617's. In your LS builds, I'm guessing you had plenty of radiator? Whereas we're limited with radiator size in these Toyota's.

[@philipallen7956]

@@doomsdaydiesel I think you def onto something with radiator size i do try to upgrade them size wise if it's possible. as well as the general engine temp difference between gas and diesel.

[@tr3nt5m1th]

For the furs shutoff I’ve used the Toyota vsv, which died, then an aftermarket vac switch that worked for a week. What is the shutoff switch you are using?

[@doomsdaydiesel]

My own Doomsday Wiring Harness with an EGR solenoid from the Toyota

[@simonharris1804]

What does your adapter kit consist of for bell housing I have a 93 LN107 3L 2.8 has the G52 box I know they aren’t the best box TIA

[@doomsdaydiesel]

www.doomsdaydiesel.net/product-page/om617-to-r150-adapter-kit

[@AustinRadio]

Hi I just bought a 300SD and the engine has seen better days so I was thinking about rebuilding it and was thinking of turning it into more of a performance car. I was curious how much horsepower could I max out while keeping it reliable and safe. With all performance parts going into the engine what would be a reasonable amount of power? I am trying to get around 300-400 hp out of the engine and wanted to know if that was possible?

[@doomsdaydiesel]

Add a Dieselmeken pump, HE221 7cm² from me, and Saab Blackstone Intercooler, and that'll get you a reliable 220hp. Anything beyond that is a pipe dream.

[@gerardourbina6243]

Any recommendations for a Isuzu trooper? I recently purchased a 240d. Subscribed!

[@doomsdaydiesel]

I'm not well versed on Troopers, but you can never go wrong with a Toyota R150 since they have transfer case options with outputs on either side

[@gerardourbina6243]

@@doomsdaydiesel so the most cost efficient option is the R150 set up? I guess if I got this engine for my swap the I’d also need to swap transmissions. Not finding much info at the moment but that’s what it’s looking like.

[@doomsdaydiesel]

@@gerardourbina6243 yes, either swap in an 88-95 passenger drop, or a 96-04 drivers drop.

[@pyr0674]

I have a 1990 4 runner 3.0 and i want you to swap it! Where are you located??

[@danstrausbaugh6430]

What kind of mugs are you able to achieve with this set up what do you charge for this conversion

[@doomsdaydiesel]

They can net around 30mpg with stock suspension and tires. My rock crawler on 37's was getting 24mpg on the highway at 60mph. Call/email for prices on in-house swaps.

[@pallermo]

Question: Did you change final drive / front drive? what is you max. speed? :)

[@doomsdaydiesel]

No. You gear the 617 the same as the Toyota motors

[@simonlimon3098]

Great job! How much did it cost to build?

[@doomsdaydiesel]

Depends on the options the customer chooses

[@baykay9559]

Awesome swap!!! In your opinion, is the standard transmission and transfer case up to the challenge of the OM617? I have a 91 3.0 w the aforementioned. Would you suggest a different clutch?

[@doomsdaydiesel]

Oh ya, this trans came behind an LS in a certain application. It can hold 300hp no problem. I'd recommend the 10" Aisin clutch.

[@baykay9559]

@@doomsdaydiesel awesome, thank you!

[@swiftyspeedg7794]

am doing this swap on my 98 first gen tacoma, and am having some pain issues with the crossmember, do you offer a 5vz to om617 pan?

[@swiftyspeedg7794]

pan*

[@markloubser2433]

Nice job,BUT, that intercooler must go elsewhere, ie in the airstream. That plastic will anyhow cook over the turbo...

[@doomsdaydiesel]

Ok, I'll tell it to quit working 😅 (it's been beaten daily for 4 years without a problem)

[@aduako7]

Can you do the same for me? I have a spare OM617 in my garage and I can purchase a 90's manual 4runner for the swap. Where are you located?

[@doomsdaydiesel]

I'm in Nebraska

[@sukhjindersingh6896]

Hello, I had a question about the oil pan, did it have be modified to fit?

[@doomsdaydiesel]

Yes, with my Ultimate Clearance Oil Pan

[@oneforthemoneyman9353]

A couple Questions 1. Will this work in a 1989 Toyota 4x4 pickup has an extended cab. 2. Is this a mechanically driven fuel pump on it. This is very interesting would like to do it to mine if possible.

[@doomsdaydiesel]

Yes & yes.

[@oneforthemoneyman9353]

@@doomsdaydiesel Cool now I'm on the lookout for a OM617. Thanks for the quick reply.

[@DucatiPaso750]

Really nice. Did you use an oil cooler, or is the Mercedes oil cooler tucked away somewhere?

[@doomsdaydiesel]

Yes, the OEM cooler is tucked up under the cab under the driver's seat

[@masonriley3603]

Without a clutch fan. Does it overheat while climbing hills slowly?

[@doomsdaydiesel]

It was fine with only 1 fan up to 90°. The 2nd fan never needed to be installed yet.

[@ta51503828]

What is that intercooler from? It fits nicely.

[@doomsdaydiesel]

1990 Saab Blackstone. Unfortunately they are not made in the aftermarket and are only available used

[@RockFordCademce]

How is your fuel hoses ran? Mine are different in to the pump

[@doomsdaydiesel]

I had to replace the lines as the factory lines as tank were completely rusted thru, so I moved them to the left side

[@Sampson6464]

I also have a 3VZ pickup (1988) that I am interested in OM617 swapping, how much would it cost to have you do the swap?

[@doomsdaydiesel]

I am not currently taking on any more customer's in-house builds as I am booked out for the rest of the year, but they typically cost $10-$12k

[@davethemmp3763]

I realize after watching your channel you are heavily invested in the Merc OM617, I see so many VW TDI conversions any reason why you focused on the Merc instead, what are the benefits of this engine compared to the VW?

[@doomsdaydiesel]

That's a loaded question. I actually sell adapters for both. The OM617 is all mechanical. VW uses approx. 36 wires. The OM617 is essentially the big brother like a 6BT is to a 4BT or a 350 is to a 4.3 Vortec. The OM617 is 3.0L vs 1.9L. They have about the same RPM range and same power potential - the OM617 just makes more because of more displacement. One of the biggest things my customers tell me is how cheap the OM617 is. It can usually be had for $0-$500 depending on what you do with the donor car. The TDI is a lot higher at $1000-$2000 for a car that has little re-sale value. The 1.9 is obviously smaller, so it takes up less room, but it has components on the rear side of the motor which can be a pain to deal with. Doomsday Diesel is really based around EMP-proof, apocalypse ready, mechanical diesels, but the TDI is the exception.

[@davethemmp3763]

Doomsday Diesel thank you.

[@4.0cowboy]

@@doomsdaydiesel how much was the swap in total? How do-able is it on a DIY scale? I always see these trucks for super cheap because the 3.0 it comes with is just trouble some. All mechanical diesel is something I’m interesting in doing in the future. Would be some good content

[@doomsdaydiesel]

@@4.0cowboy parts list is $3-$5k. DIY is very doable now that I've made it a 95% bolt-in swap.

[@4.0cowboy]

@@doomsdaydiesel man that is awesome. I’m gonna sub and keep this in mind. Hoping I’m the next 2 years we can buy an older Toyota to do something unique and document it. Thankful for the few like you

[@MrlandcruiserG]

Great to see that Toyota diesel I got a hj45 Landcruiser fo you sell kit that feet my transmission or ware I can get one thanks if you respond

[@doomsdaydiesel]

Contact Overland Crusiers in Montana

[@olympictreehugger]

i have a pickup and want to biodiesel swap it could it be done without welding

[@doomsdaydiesel]

There's about 3 total minutes of welding involved

[@dieselkumar6451]

Can u make video with it running?

[@doomsdaydiesel]

Check out the turbo-testing videos I've recently uploaded

[@lobanov2454]

Hi bro.. I see you still in a business.😀 We had talked all most two years ago. Im a Alex from Saint Louis.. I got crazy 4runner 5 speed.. Finnaly mine cyl4 show low compression.. And im ready to swap diesel in it. But not om617..i got FD35T..nissan. Crazy...yea i know. Clone.. No one been done that such swap..wish me luck...i really need it)))))))

[@doomsdaydiesel]

Good luck! Unique is cool!

[@gurjindersingh199]

What vehicle does this motor come from and where can I buy the parts to do it ? Very Interested. I am in Vancouver BC Canada.

[@doomsdaydiesel]

1979-1985 Mercedes 300. Doomsdaydiesel.net

[@gurjindersingh199]

@@doomsdaydiesel thank you sir

[@dunavungoeckner6495]

Does anyone know if the transmission in a 83 GMC S15 with a 2.2 Isuzu 5 speed will bolt up to a om617 engine? If not what might I need. This truck is just a burnout truck for our local events. It doesn't have to be classy just functional. Thanks to anyone that can help!

[@doomsdaydiesel]

I don't support the little S10 stuff, just the common GM 90° pattern.

[@dunavungoeckner6495]

@@doomsdaydiesel sorry but I don't understand what you mean? The transmission won't hold up to the engine? What's the 90° mean? Thanks

[@doomsdaydiesel]

@@dunavungoeckner6495 Google gm 90°. I'm sure the s10 trannys would hold up, but there aren't enough of them around to create enough demand for me to support them. Might sell 1 kit a year tops.

[@LarryButler-kp3se]

Think I need to chain my OM617 to my 300TD wagon. Many come find their battery stolen. We old Mercedes diesel owners might find our whole diesel gone!!

[@StubbornOffroad]

What size of body lift did you use ?

[@doomsdaydiesel]

I make 1" body lifts for these. They're not necessary for this swap tho

[@craftedbyalvint]

Where is your shop? I’d be interested in hiring for the swap

[@doomsdaydiesel]

Nebraska

[@cmmrusche]

Is it not that big of a deal to not have the oil cooler up front with the radiator?

[@doomsdaydiesel]

It's an oil-to-air cooler. It just needs air.

[@cmmrusche]

Making me rethink my setup. Any chance you know the thread pitch to the stock 617 cooler?

[@doomsdaydiesel]

@@cmmrusche drill & tap to 1/2" npt

[@cmmrusche]

Interior threading right. I already have 1/2” npt -10an fittings to use so that works out.

[@doomsdaydiesel]

@@cmmrusche yes

[@dionisiosorto3231]

What radiator did you used??

[@doomsdaydiesel]

G-PLUS aftermarket aluminum 3VZE replacement

[@DBD801]

How much are you charging to do these swaps?

[@doomsdaydiesel]

I am not currently taking on any more customer's in-house builds as I am booked out for the rest of the year, but they typically cost $10-$12k

[@craftedbyalvint]

Is it possible to keep AC?

[@doomsdaydiesel]

Absolutely

[@xe2bio64]

How much do you charge for the swap

[@doomsdaydiesel]

Call or email for a quote for an in-house swap

[@robertstoyles]

It needs a front mount intercooler

[@doomsdaydiesel]

The TMIC works great

[@harrisoncady7105]

If you have an opening plz let me know I’d like a swap like this but with ac and heat. Your work and attention to detail is not n point sir! I have a 93 single cab m 5 speed 22re on 38.5 boggers 5:29 gears. I’m guessing this swap would push those tires no problem?

[@bowlineastronomenov5507]

how many MPGs does it go for OM617?

[@doomsdaydiesel]

Anywhere from 21-32 depending on tires/lift/gears

[@bowlineastronomenov5507]

@@doomsdaydiesel sweet! between TDI vs om617, which one do you think is more reliable and lasts longer when converted to other trucks?

[@doomsdaydiesel]

@@bowlineastronomenov5507 they're both great. 617 is easier to work on and doesn't have the risky timing belt tho

[@bowlineastronomenov5507]

@@doomsdaydiesel awesome, tnx man. hoping to convert my 3rd gen with one of those engines.

[@deepakpersaud1534]

What engine is that

[@doomsdaydiesel]

OM617

[@valleyprospectrecords6877]

Would this work with a 2wd?

[@doomsdaydiesel]

Yes

[@valleyprospectrecords6877]

@@doomsdaydieselwell a lowered 2/3 2wd?

[@doomsdaydiesel]

@@valleyprospectrecords6877 can't say I've tried it yet but will eventually swap my 03 5-lug Taco w/ a 2/3 drop