Why Are TDI Swaps So Popular?! (TDI Swap Series)

Today on Dirt Lifestyle we are talking all about TDI swaps! These have become very popular in the past couple of years and for good reason. When I swapped my TJ a few years ago there wasn't a whole lot of information on swaps. I plan to change that with this video series! A well built TDI has plenty of power in all the reliability you could ever want in a 4x4! Volkswagen makes a good platform for your swap and I'd like to prove it with this BHW. In this episode we pick a donor, pull the motor and talk about your options. Enjoy!
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#tdi #tdiswap #dieselswap

[@HuckWizard]

Nice one Nate! As someone who hopes to do a TDI swap one day this is a gold mine of information! Can't wait to see how the build goes

[@jeremy8715]

Spencer R same

[@mnsterbruiser]

I love how educational yet entertaining the videos are. Gets the dream wheels turning.

[@DirtLifestyle]

Thanks! Happy to see you enjoyed it!

[@Snailmailtrucker]

I bought a 2002 VW Jetta 1.9 TDI Automatic Trans last year for $2,100.00.. No Reverse and the trans was acting up. The seller included a spare 1.9 TDI engine with 163,000 miles on it with another Auto trans that was supposed to be good....Plus 3 large wooden crates with other VW TDI parts from that spare car. I found a guy like you who had done a 1.9 TDI swap into his Toyota pickup truck...he wanted my spare 1.9 engine and offered to put a 5 speed manual trans into my original 2002 Jetta for my extra 1.9 engine and parts... I jumped all over that deal as the parts were just in my way and the trans had recently lost 4th gear. 2 days later he brought my 2002 back with a sweet 5 speed manual and I have been smiling ever since ! 45mpg makes me smile...... pretty quick too ! I also have a 2004 VW Jetta TDI that I bought after I bought the 2002 above. It started and ran but has Low oil pressure. It's a 2004 1.9 BEW (I think) TDI Wagon with 99,000 miles on it...not sure what direction to go with this 2004.

[@DashnCars]

I'm huge on this swap. I've been convincing a lot of engine swap keyboard warrior type on the gospel of diesel. We bought a diesel Porsche Cayenne last year, 700 miles to a tank of fuel. Plus it'll tow my racecar and still get 20 mpg.

[@truckerrickakamanowar]

I saw a similar setup with a Cayenne that was hauling a porsche track car. I remember being very impressed that it was towing the car, spare tires and all the other gear that comes along with it. I also loved the plate it said GOALS. 👍👍👍👍

[@littlerhino2006]

Diesel makes the world turn

[@Jbennett070]

I looked into doing a 1.9l swap into my XJ, then looked at the OM617. But I wanted to keep my AW4 and not have to worry about a shift controller, etc. So, the 4.7 stroker build stood out the most for me!

[@FishGoesWub]

I would Really love to do one of these to my 79 Cherokee Chief, 40's, 3 linked in the front , 63's in the rear, A respectable 5000 Lbs. I Would love to be able to cruise around town without throwing my entire wallet in the fire, I've done some research and most people are averaging around 10mpg on 40's with A typical LS Swap. I currently get around 5 With the original Amc 360. Definitely need to do a little research on this little diesel motors.

[@mazevx2451]

Torque gets the job done. That's why we're glad to have the 2.8L diesel in the jk from stock in Europe 😉.

[@MakinEndsMeet69]

Actually the heaviest loads are moved by electrical motors which are run by diesel engines like a train but close great video my brother keep them coming

[@matthewhauke6975]

My brother has a 1990 jeep Cherokee and months ago I found out about tdi swaps into jeeps. So he decided that would be the way he's gonna go. Excited to help him out with it and see how it turns out so maybe one day I'll do it to one of my vehicles

[@micahhaislett3792]

When my 4.0 shits out this is my plan. Keep em coming man. 👍🏻 now.... to find that doner...

[@05glisedan]

I thought about LS swap but this is going in a whole other direction. Gonna stop looking to v8 and see how this swap goes.. Really looking forward to mission......

[@user-ju3ns2cz1u]

@Joe man ,If it is any help I currently have a stretched YJ on 37s D60 rear ,D44 front 5.3/4l80e single turbo . depending on your aptitude and goals /funds you might find a clear winner between the the LS and TDI . If you have never done a swap before it is important to factor in figure out what swap has the most support info wise and parts. Depending on where you are in life ...wife/kids/work, time my be limited so easily sourced answers and parts is a game changer or say prefabbed engine mounts, like say Novak . I have mocked up an engine and had it tacked in on a Saturday morning, vs engine in and out 20 times and taking all weekend and all your brain and your still not sure you like it lol . My experience with the LS 5.3 was a massive improvement over the 4.0l like driving a peppy newer chevy truck thats with proper gearing.(bought a complete truck for $1200 running and driving like stated in the video it is way easier that way. won't nickel and dime you so bad) , but not life changing, but I wanted dirt bike like power so I have sense put a cam and a single turbo. if I were to do it again . I would do just the 5.3 and a cam. The diesel looks very appealing though . I will most likely put one in my other jeep. Just because I cant help myself. Plus I have a cool wife @ dirt lifestyle, great videos you speak and present well. you are great to watch

[@alain99v6]

interesting fact for off road swap, with the first gen TDI you could swap a pure mechanical injection pump that was available in european light trucks and get rid of the engine computer, electronic pedal, wastegate controller etc a friend of mine did it and could run is engine all the way up to 5500 rpm

[@ec6933]

Ok I know you just started this channel more or less but I just found it last week and this is some goooood content.... I'm not sure why, fun to watch, helpful info, not alot of info you don't need or stuff everyone knows but enough to help people and be informative and interesting and applicable... Idk I usually get bored of these car vids with alot of ... Time lapse that's too far away to tell what's happening, or it'll be rambling about someone's plans later on but not what they're doing in the video, thanks man I'm stoked about the next episode!

[@cgsather3309]

You have a natural ability to communicate clearly and efficiently, which is hard to find on YT, or anywhere. Not a second wasted and all the information is useful, much appreciated!

[@DirtLifestyle]

Thank you! I appreciate the positive comment 🙏

[@matty8272]

Where was this vid a year ago? I'm in process on small block swapping a 95 xj on a super tight budget... Good video. short sweet and to the point. Keep it up. Good seeing you doing your own thing.

[@jeshuaoffroad9791]

One of my favorite Jeep channels

[@kevingilson7917]

I can't wait ! Nice one Nate , I am almost finished on a 1978 CJ 5 frame off rebuild I love the sound of my Jeep . I have a 1986 Suzuki Samari that needs a motor. " You have my full attention!!!"

[@fastdadgarage-northsouthch4418]

I love he didn’t throw parts in a big pile, hate when good parts get cut in half and turned into scrap. Someone will need or want almost everything.

[@rhyswilliams695]

The Passat is a nice vehicle. Common rail direct injection changed the game. Stick it in the Land Rover, wind up the boost and let it breathe. Very cool swap.

[@matts_.4494]

As a happy owner of a TDI Golf I thought I knew everything I needed to know about these wonderful little engines but, seeing a TDI powered Jeep with 40 inch tires drag racing I guess V8 powered 4 x 4‘s really opened my eyes and now I know exactly what I engine I need for my third generation Toyota 4runner.

[@LMLtrever]

I LOVE this video. I am atempting a BHW swap on my Comanche!

[@DirtLifestyle]

Nice! I've always been interested in those trucks 👍

[@roccobro]

Another great thing for the swappers interested, passats are DIRT CHEAP. Like free sometimes! I bought 2 complete, driving ones for under $500.

[@tadstephen8802]

YES! Thank you, Nate. I so want to do a TDI swap and now there will be no excuse, well except money and time....

[@modifiedmetalworks4892]

I have a tdi and a little project waiting for it. the information will be appreciated. I will be waiting with popcorn for this series !!!

[@cadillacdan3404]

Dude I'm glad you stopped working to make more videos now I dont have to wait so long to watch new episodes keep it up

[@DirtLifestyle]

Lol thanks man

[@kevinsavas7173]

Awesomeness! I have a samurai I want to swap a TDI into. Looking forward to more.

[@austinwinkles3146]

I've been debating what motor to swap into my samarai and I think this may be the winner. Love driving that little thing but man it's a gutless wonder!

[@kevinsavas7173]

@@austinwinkles3146 the 1.9 TDI is a popular one. There are some good Facebook page groups that will give you a lot of help too. Suzuki samurai owners and Suzuki Diesel. I definitely know what you mean about the lack of power. That little 1.3 gets a workout turning the 33s. I seen a couple months back on the Facebook market place a 2003 VW bug with the bad transmission but a running 1.9 for 500$.

[@crusTodd]

ACME ADAPTERS is a specialist for the TDI/ Samurai/Toyota pu swaps. Check'm out👍

[@johnuppole]

LOVE THIS!!! Thank you for starting this series!! 😍😍

[@thewanderingkansan5270]

Absolutely awesome cant wait to see more of this series!

[@JoshuaZangari]

Excited for this one.

[@vegasfordguy]

All your vids have been awesome. Can't wait for the next one!

[@chadrector4168]

Man great video!!! Im looking forward to this series! Thanks Nate!

[@jimschmidt4089]

Loving the content Nate, going to follow your build all the way through and taking notes along the way. Thank you for choosing to document this and bring us along. Glad you are taking the plunge ...and going full throttle KZbin. I hope others see the same value and learning that I'm seeing in your videos.

[@haydenlenderink3675]

Great videos! I love all of your content and it looks like you definitely had a big plan in mind when you decided to go full time!

[@Justforfun-ek7et]

This is great! I am super stoked to see this build!

[@malonetuning1870]

Keep up the great work Nate!

[@tritonboi8131]

Fantastic videos man been watching through them tonight. Have learned a ton, thanks!

[@evintacy7272]

Great video Nate!! Love this video series .....

[@idjeepindude320]

Thanks Nate, always looking forward to the new ideas you have!

[@alankuentz4617]

Awesome. Tdi's and wheeling. Subscribed! Can't wait to watch the build

[@charlespeel7078]

Awesome info. Cant wait for part 2

[@trevordavis4728]

Tdi is super cool, but I think we all want to see a head to head om617 vs tdi. AKA the “cheaper” diesel swap vs the pricier one.

[@FoamSquatch]

I am a Jeep owner that works at ECS Tuning. I am so ready for this series to really get my gears moving on ideas. Thank you for starting this, and I have to say the focus on KZbin as a Job, has turned into a nice step in quality of the videos you are doing.

[@DirtLifestyle]

Thanks! I've bought a number of vw specific things from you guys over the years. Enjoy the series man 👍

[@iamblaineful]

As a former Seattle native, your shop area is incredible, you have MASSIVE space for fun and excitement. I’ve moved to CA near the Rubicon Trail, and I don’t miss the Seattle area weather one bit, I did my 40yrs. I love Swap videos, especially diesel, so go for it. VW, Mercedes, Cummins, its all good in my book...all pre-DPF bullshit.

[@chriscary5302]

I have a '95 Rover D1 with a 300TDI (Rover motor), Discos are pretty heavy for a 2.5l diesel a 1.9l is going to have to be pretty heavily modded. At least you won't be stuck with the R380 trans.

[@jamesmurphy4736]

Incredible content as always!

[@AddictedToJeepsCom]

Very impressive video! Excellent pace - excellent content! We’re always impressed with what you put out. We’re not doing an engine swap soon, but for those who will - your channel is a must subscribe! Keep up the great work!

[@jebwatson]

Really eager to see the install of this (into whatever)! Super excited about this channel's potential.

[@spinachchin3452]

Once again. Awesome informative video. Its great seeing different options for engine swaps. So tired of the typical Ls swaps

[@tousyt7545]

You da Man! another Awesome clip...keep up the great work!!

[@MrELIAN602]

This kind of explaining makes it a lot easier 👍👍👍

[@windyboy78]

Really enjoyed this video! New subscriber now! Cheers from New Zealand!

[@daveybernard1056]

fun to see. good luck with this

[@moabwheeling]

I've been thinking about a TDI swap in my TJ so this is perfect timing . Looking forward to your next installment . Thanks Nate . Until next time take care .

[@nathanaelbolton7041]

Good one Nate. Keep them coming

[@heyyitsandy]

Not to mention that famous TDI spooooool! I’ve had a few modded TDI’s 1Z/ AHU, and can confirm they are amazing 🧃🧃

[@PaulKaiser42]

Great video!!! Love watching motor swaps. Torq is everything 😉😉

[@ruggedoutdoors8524]

Love it! I've been considering doing a swap... I just rebuilt the 4cly that's in my tj, and it's ok, but not what I'm looking for. Can't wait for the rest of the series!

[@SterlingWheel]

Keeping this video to a digestible duration is very appreciated. Been enjoying your channel for a couple months now. BTW the Land Rover had a pretty cool diesel overseas called the TD5.

[@mr.coffee540]

Great video! Can't wait for next one! Learning alot. Your decal would have had a perfect home on my tailgate table. Might need to make a trip over from Canada to pick one up. 🤙

[@theownerofpurple]

Thank you for the content I really appreciate it and it 100% quality!!

[@rideakhomie]

I have been dreaming of LS swapping something for a couple years now. Didn't expect one video to conviince me i should start boosting/rolling-coal instead. Awesome video!

[@kg1211]

Cant wait to see the rest of this build series!! I have a 07 JK and have been thinking about a LS swap, but maybe this will be the route i go!

[@quadpit]

I had a 2004 VW Golf TDI with the BEW motor. It would get 52+ mpg on summer diesel and was probably the best, least maintenance motor, I have ever had. I pulled a trailer with (2) quads like it was nothing but I could feel a 2-up covered clamshell snowmobile trailer on the back when I hauled because of the wind resistance. It was a great car and loved driving 85 in 5th and feeling acceleration when I floored it and no downshifting. I would love to someday do a TDI to TJ swap some day in the future as I think that would be a great project. Thanks for the post and I have also subscribed.

[@kyleseaver9497]

Super pumped for this series

[@duneattack]

I have always hoped you were going to talk about this swap! I remember hearing your jeep diesel clatter down the trail during a video quite some time ago. Another youtuber did a video or two on this swap, but I don't recall a whole lot of details on how it was accomplished. All I remember is one headache after another. This series may just change the world, Nate! Good on you, Bro!

[@dennisbo5004]

That’s it ! This is the channel to watch 👍

[@hawthornhide7371]

Seriously can’t wait for this series! I saw it on my timeline when it was posted but didn’t click it because I just thought it would be an quick look at the engine swap you’ve already done. I have no idea where to start with an engine swap and this will be super interesting! Look forward to seeing this, especially because here in the UK we have loads of cheap Land Rover discovery’s and VWs.

[@tonytrilex2555]

your shop is actually pretty clean

[@darrelsmith4549]

Love it dude ‼️ You absolutely make it not only appealing but understandable. I personally thank you so much 💪‼️I sure wish you was a friend bof mine,I'm a learning process kinda guy with no buddy's with experience nor offroading interest...it stinks 🤷🏼‍♂️🤣

[@baileyerickson6544]

I have a 2.5L 97 TJ and would pay for a complete build up of parts, what you had to fab, expected roadblocks etc. live these builds

[@timparkin485]

Awesome video as usual!!! Really looking forward to this one but also would love to see you TD5 was your Disco. I’ve owned a TD5 D2 and seen plenty tuned and you will not be disappointed!

[@dylanwatson8468]

Love your commitment to the videos and will be here often. Cant wait to see how this series folds out bc I've always thought of engine swapping my 2.5l tj bc I'm stuck on 33s and 4.10s and it's still just barly keeps up with traffic. Tdi vs ls hmm,

[@andrewziegler9560]

I can't say again how great this channel is . Keep up the great content . I've got an 06 rubicon that needs a tdi swap bad !

[@tacotots_132]

I was not aware of this! Great video!!

[@pluckypurcell5606]

Nate once again you're killing it with these videos it's a good thing you left bleepinjeep because you do really well on your own man these are awesome videos and I'll let you know I'm not going to put a TDI in my Cherokee I got a 4.0 and and it's just fine the way it is but I'm still really interested and you're very knowledgeable and easy to watch so keep it up

[@halocetin]

Well, now I’m your subscriber! Waiting to see TDI swapped discovery impatiently!!

[@rockandroad4x4partsaccesso36]

Big thumbs up on this series, I've had a VW Jetta TDI and enjoyed that car very much, I've been looking at a Passat 2.0 single rail donor car for a while now and I seen that will be the engine of choice for me in my JK. Hope this is a good choice. This will be an awesome series to watch and look forward to your future awesome videos. Keep up the great work. 👌👌 From 🇨🇦

[@tykethomison7676]

I am actually going to do this because what you have done. My plan to use a Cummins has changed since I started watching you ! Awesome content and awesome job you do with your build videos.

[@casscountyrejects]

My 86 CJ7 needs this swap. I like how you always go against the grain and do your on thing. Keep up the good work.

[@gavilan578]

Watching you on the trail to sema this year made me want to go diesel. But put one in the same kit lj that Ian johnson built for the trip. Now if I only had the skills and space to build one. Can’t wait to see the rest of the series.

[@jakemckee9303]

My favorite video so far. Im interested in swapping a diesel into my lj after my 4.0 heads out so these are what i get most excited about👍🏼 great video

[@alfredovalle7471]

Awesome videos man and sure we want to see more videos

[@ericmillier6652]

Looking forward to see the engine build. I have a 96 Passat and have been thinking about swapping my 4Runner. Thanks for the info.

[@xozindustries7451]

I've been looking into a TDI or Chevy Cruze Diesel swap for a year now, I'm glad to see you doing a video series on it

[@mrfixit____3651]

Pumping out the content!!! Awesome

[@austinbryant6654]

Love all the information and cant wait to see what you decide to put it in! Hoping to TDI swap my 2015 2dr JK but not sure how to go about it with all the computer crap it's got. Hope these videos will help me figure some of that out

[@geraldfletcher7225]

I plan on doing this to my suzuki samurai. Video is very helpful, thank you.

[@jamesvictor2599]

Great job . Very informative!!!!!!

[@ivanperkes6006]

I'll be tuned in for this specific video because of my dream of a TDI in my Comanche.

[@brisonpalmer6730]

Awesome stuff Nate

[@broverss]

Awesome! I just got my project truck running, a 1966 land rover series 2a with a bhw swap. Glad to see someone else out there is keen on the bhws for swap!

[@mikaelwise807]

Cant wait to see where this goes I have been wanting to do a TDI swap in my Toyota

[@ifitsnotbrokenfixit1193]

This is going to be a great series thanks.

[@Ryce_Cubed]

Planning on doing a TDI swap on my ranger, and this helped out a lot in what I should look for. Now to find that ideal donor

[@paulus387]

i seen a couple of your videos on the bleepin jeep channel and thought it was hella awesome. i got a 84 ford ranger that i plan on swapping a TDI into it. a few of my friends keep hinting at putting a 5.0 into it, but im not budging. i wont be able to for a while, but ill get to it one day after i get the space to do so. gona love every second of it. watching your videos convinced me to do so, thanks!

[@MisterRisk]

I've driven VWs since I could drive and have had a few TDIs. A few years ago I purchased a 96 TDI Passat (1Z) for $600 and drove it home from Boston to Detroit on ONE TANK OF FUEL! Parts I sold off the car more than paid for what I had in it. Great engines!

[@setholiver1581]

Good video I’m doing an Ls swap in my Cherokee now but bought the donor truck and made all my money back and some and go the free Ls swap complete

[@jasonjones7321]

had a alh i built in a golf, vnt 17/22, pp 150 nozzles kerma tune and a auto pump swap, thing was the most fun vw ive driven regularly put the hurt on vr6 cars

[@adamseaman7306]

So cool! Can’t wait for more.

[@metaldog7128]

Can’t wait 😁 this is going to be great 👍