"Phase 2" CJ5 project contemplations

[js5020]

With the purchase of a donor vehicle I now have a body and can complete "phase 1" of my CJ project, which is to have a running and functional vehicle again in a few weeks (hopefully) and can start contemplating "phase 2" of the project.

I've always had the want of a diesel engine in a CJ. Currently there are several engine adapter kits available that simplify installation for a conversion, engines of interest include the 5 cyl MB turbo diesel, and the VW TDI's. I think I'd have to rule out any of the GM or IH V8's due to weight of the engines?

Any oil burners out there with experience with thoughts or opinions?

 

[PistolDave]

There is a company Home that is making parts to install Kubota V2203 industrial diesels into early jeeps. There is an extensive thread here 1999 Jeep Wrangler 2.2L Kubota diesel swap - Expedition Portal where a guy swapped one of these into a wrangler and turbocharged it with some pretty interesting results. Might be an option for a lightweight CJ5 build.

Dave

 

[js5020]

There is a company Home that is making parts to install Kubota V2203 industrial diesels into early jeeps. There is an extensive thread here 1999 Jeep Wrangler 2.2L Kubota diesel swap - Expedition Portal where a guy swapped one of these into a wrangler and turbocharged it with some pretty interesting results. Might be an option for a lightweight CJ5 build.

Dave

Thanks for the link, I finally got around to reading it, to bad the pics aren't able to be seen. Another engine option to consider. I haven't decided if a diesel is going to happen, I have always heard the AMC 258 i6 / 4.2l is the perfect engine in a CJ but I have never driven/owned one to see if its true. My last CJ had a SBC in it and was way over powered for my purposes.