2003/04 Dakota Diesel Conversion

[afgunn]

I am wanting to convert the above vehicle to diesel. I am wanting a 3.0L diesel engine and would prefer 6 cylinders. I am currently looking at the Mercedes diesels but does anyone know of other diesel engines that are 3.0L (+/- a little)?

[HH]

Nissan 3.3L inline 6 cylinder. This will bolt up to a Chrysler big block transmission, used in IH Scouts and Jeep CJ10A Tugs and CJ10Exports.

Isuzu 3.9L, 4 cylinder. Used in Isuzu & GM box trucks.

[afgunn]

HH, thanks for the reply. I really like the idea that a Nissan SD-33T is a 3.3L I6 and that it will bolt to a Chrysler big block trans (SAE 4) but did they make them past 1988? That is what my best research has turned up!? I would like something newer if at all possible.

I looked deeply at the Isuzu 3.9L 4BD2TC (and 4BD1T) earlier but, at the time, decided against it because I wanted a smaller, lighter engine but I may have to come back to it again. I also wanted an I6. Does anyone know the SAE bellhousing for this engine? What transmissions will it connect to GM, Ford, Chrysler, etc? I have read that the 4BD2TC is a direct injection engine, is that true? Parts seem very available for this engine, that is a big plus.

Mercedes may be out due to all the electronics, key sensing, etc. And a lack of compatibility with any american transmissions.

[afgunn]

In researching the info I have again, I have determined that the Isuzu 4BD1T(2T) has a SAE #3 bellhousing pattern (it may be rotated by 15 to 20 degrees!?). Does anyone know what auto transmissions will bolt to this pattern?

The Dodge Dakota 4.7L V8 and the Dodge 5.7L Hemi V8 come with the 45/545RFE auto trans. Does anyone know what SAE pattern these are? SAE #3 hopefully!? These trans have the same bolt pattern as the 518/727s if that helps anyone.

Thanks for the help!

[HH]

If you want a bolt in then, I think it will be easiest to use a GM trans with the Isuzu as they were used together. If you want to use Chrysler parts you also have the VM 2.8 used in the Jeep Liberty or the new VM 3.0 in the Jeep Grand Cherokee.

If you want to use the Chrysler trans then, Phoenix Castings (http://www.phxgrp.com/transmission.htm) should have the adapter you are looking for.

[afgunn]

HH,
Thanks for the great info, esp. on Phoenix Castings! Looks like the mechanicals are falling into place or at least some options will work. I am still trying to come to a decision on what engine to use. Maybe there is some engine out there that I am not aware of yet?! And a Mercedes may work yet, I will look at an earlier model Mercedes Diesel.

VM 2.8
IIRC it was only in the Jeep Liberty one year, last year. Seems like it might be difficult to transplant that modern of an engine into another vehicle and with it only being in US vehicles for 1 year, parts may be difficult to come by in the future. IIRC, it is an Italian made engine, VM Motori.

VM 3.0
I believe you are referring to the om642, a new V6 by Mercedes, that is going into the Jeep Grand Cherokee. I would love to have this engine to put into a vehicle. It has great hp and torque capability. It has been in production about 2-3 years I think and will be in the Dodge Sprinter and the Grand Cherokee this year 2007 in the US. It will also be manufactured here in the US. Again, I am concerned about transplanting an engine of that late model with all the electronic controls and it seems it would be expensive, being so new.

Seems right now the options, as I see them, are an earlier 3.0L I6 Mercedes, the Nissan 3.3L I6 SD33T and the Isuzu I4 3.9L.

Seems like an I6 would be preferred over an I4 engine due to being smoother and more HP and Torque potential. Any opinions?

[afgunn]

Well, the EPA Gestapo have nixed my gasoline to diesel conversion. We do not have tailpipe emissions testing in the county in NC that I live (they may start soon) but, we have what I call emissions verification. They check to see that all the parts are there, no check engine light AND for the "proper engine". You must have an engine that came in the vehicle in the model year. Diesels have yet to come in Dodge Dakotas. Maybe model year 2010! Can you say Cummins Dakota!?

So, I will be making some changes to the 4.7L gaser to make it more "efficient" and be asking you guys some questions. Thanks again for all the help.

Waiting on those Dakota diesels!