Update On The TDI Diesel Swapped Dakota, Sheared Bolts And A Dead Instrument Cluster!

Quiet a few issues have come have up including issues with my choices for adapter plate bolts, flush bolts are definitely a requirement for an automatic swap on the jeep adapter plates. The can bus system and Chrysler ECU issues forced me to switch to an all custom gauge setup. Injection pump and oil pan leaks all in the first 500 miles. What a rough start! Don't expect everything to work smoothly on a project like this, there will always be an adjustment period getting a completely custom vehicle to daily driver reliability.

[@AverageJoesracingteam]

That's awesome about the fuel mileage. Curious to see what is compared to the original engine

[@TDISwaps]

You and me both! Should have a Speedo this week to start tracking

[@Jesus-hx5vg]

Always love watching these videos

[@TDISwaps]

Glad I can keep everyone informed!

[@heyyoubuddy6749]

Hi buddy how are ya? Thank you for the update. This is an awesome build. I’ve never thought to run an automatic with the ALH tdi on a swap. You’ve done it twice now that I know of. Autos are mystery boxes to me hehehe even though I have to stock trucks with them. When I watch your videos it’s like an advanced course in automotive engineering. I can’t wait to start my build. Gotta save up some dough it’s seems to go fast nowadays!! Take care buddy God bless you and the family. Oh I dig the ultra gauge I will have to get one of those for sure!!

[@TDISwaps]

Thanks for watching! Ya it's kinda crazy the stuff that works together, but you'd never know if you didn't try 😂 you are right about the dough disappearing faster than you can make it though! Everyone is like "why isn't it painted" and "why haven't you regeared it" lol, because I don't have sponsors, that's the main reason 🤣🤣🤣

[@creativecontrol9047]

Thanks for sharing your progress! I also have a 5.9 QC that I’ve been toying with idea of throwing a tdi into. Not nearly as mechanically savvy as you but your videos are very informative and give me an idea of what I could expect lol. Not for the faint of heart! I hope you get these last few kinks ironed out and have a good runner soon

[@TDISwaps]

Thanks for watching! Yes this was a little more involved than I was hoping but it should be a nice rig once I get everything finished up, it would be nice if they came out with an adapter to use the Dodge automatic, otherwise I would probably recommend a manual transmission for the TDI

[@dakota121078]

Good progress! Looking forward to seeing some data on mileage and what other things you find. Like your custom dash cluster too.

[@TDISwaps]

Thanks man! It's turning out pretty nice, but it sure was a lot of work compared to my other swaps, there's barely a Dakota part left on it!

[@dakota121078]

@@TDISwaps some may say that having no Chrysler parts anymore is a good thing. I happen to be a Dodge and Jeep guy. I did enough work on them to understand them.

[@306familyfarm]

With my ultra gauge in my alh 4runner i used gps to set my speed by changing the distance cal untill it mached. My speedo was out like 10km because of oversized tires.

[@TDISwaps]

I didn't even think of that! Thanks man!

[@306familyfarm]

@TDISwaps glad to help! you have helped me out a lot with your videos when I did my swap, good work!

[@TDISwaps]

@306familyfarm thanks for watching!

[@infernoking7504]

Needs some fender flares🤣 that tdi starts up sooooo fast btw must be a mint engine.

[@TDISwaps]

Yeah it seems to be running really well, but once you go to one ton axles fender flares are useless LOL, my 38.5 snow tires are going to be completely outside the fenders 😂

[@jancarloscruz1047]

greetings from Puerto Rico. What is the best Volkswagen diesel engine (TDI) for a swap? thank you

[@TDISwaps]

For that answer I usually say the cheapest one you can find haha. Usually older ones are cheaper to work on, newer ones have more expensive parts but often handle higher power with tuning.

[@jancarloscruz1047]

@@TDISwaps Ok, can you recommend for a 2006 Tacoma Prerunner or a 2007 FJ Cruiser which engine to install?

[@TDISwaps]

@jancarloscruz1047 any 1998 and newer TDI is good, just have to see what's available in your area. They are all pretty similar as far as parts needed just stuff costs more the newer you get.

[@jancarloscruz1047]

@@TDISwaps I have two vehicles seen jetta 2003 1.9l ALH engine and the other jetta 2006 1.9l BEW which is better?

[@TDISwaps]

@jancarloscruz1047 well the ALH is much cheaper to work on and maintenance, the BEW is not as common and has more maintenance issues to deal with, but can handle over 200 HP much safer, so it kind of depends on your goals for the swap. 140 HP diesel will move about any vehicle, more than that is just for fun, what's more important, power or cheaper maintenance.

[@roberttammerawitchey4652]

whose adapter plate you been using?

[@TDISwaps]

Well almost every one of my swaps is different LOL, this was TD conversions

[@roberttammerawitchey4652]

cool.. I gathered up a complete alh wiring, pedal, innercooler, piping takeout from a '99 beetle, a couple years ago, and a '94 toyo 4x4 has been waiting patiently for the marriage. I was kicking around keeping the W56, or maybe stepping up to a AX15. I think I'll just stay with the toyo trans.. Then, Life got a little hairy for me and my 'fun' was put on the back burner. anyway, a recent quick search shows maybe a couple new players in the adapter dept. are U using your own tune? Stock?? @@TDISwaps

[@TDISwaps]

@roberttammerawitchey4652 i have some tuning I can offer people for mild setups up to 150 HP, but all my swaps are very custom 200+ HP and I get all that tuning from TekMekTronics.

[@roberttammerawitchey4652]

see, there ya go- just 3-4 yrs ago, all I knew about was Malone tuning. IIRC, 'stage 3 or 4' was kinda what I was looking at.

[@TDISwaps]

@roberttammerawitchey4652 ya I can support up to a stage 3, vnt15/17 type setup with my wiring deals, trying to get people into it cheap, that and the cheaper adapter options are really starting to get this swap to be more affordable

[@TDISwap]

Do a burnout.....

[@TDISwaps]

LOL that's kinda hard with 3.55 gears 🤣

[@TDISwap]

@@TDISwaps JUST DO IT!!! lol

[@TDISwaps]

@TDISwap okay let me get my bolts fixed and then I will

[@rosscullen531]

​@@TDISwapsI second that. Want to see burnoutage 🛞💨💨🧑‍🦽💨