As someone who owns a big turbo 1st gen cummins and a 2015 2.0 CR tdi, i'm ridiculously excited to see where this goes. Ive been toying with the idea of a tdi powered disco for a long time now, and with the 55mpg i get out of my stock emissions-riddled tdi, I cant even imagine how much fun id have with a comfortable and efficient overland rig that makes all my favorite noises.
I wouldn’t apologise for providing an information heavy video, it is necessary for engine selection and providing the overall background of the engines. I think your engine would be sick in the Jeep pickup.
I’m a hard core “buy American” guy but it’s hard when people are charging thousands of dollars for wore out 4BT’s that need a complete rebuild. I’m very happy to see to see alternatives. If anything it’ll help bring the cost of the other engines down. Competition is a good thing.
I LOVE Cummins but I'm not a fan of the 4bt. Let me rephrase that, I like it in other people's vehicles just not mine lol. I think the 6bt is a way better option these days. Smoother idle, more power and cheaper!
Back in my Suzuki Samurai days, the VW TDI was the ultimate engine swap! Never did one- I was focused on 1) wheeling 2) ultra-low gearing 3)suspension 4)armor. My VW fix is served by my 2019 Golf R toy and my 2003 GTI dd. Great channel!
I agree...you don't have a prerunner yet...doesn't have to be super crazy...but a simple prerunner build would be cool and you would be learning along the way since you have mostly crawlers.
I'm really excited about this engine build! My Jeep was totaled over a year ago now and I haven't had the time or money to work on it. After seeing all these TDI videos you posted I decided I'm going to swap a TDI into my broken Jeep if the engine needs to be replaced. Can't wait to see how the build turns out!
@@DirtLifestyle That's alright, I crawled out of the mangled pile of steel with only a few bruises and cuts so I'm very thankful. You're absolutely right, putting a TDI in it will be amazing along with all of the other upgrades I never got to do
I second this. There was a photo years back making rounds of a festiva rock crawler. Just make it a mk1 crawler. Just don't do a swallow tail or the purist will hunt you lol
I've considered doing the Cummins R2.8 in my 88 Ford Bronco 2 but with the TDI I can get adapter kits to mount it to my M5R1 transmission and I wouldn't have to change much except the fuel pump and lines to work with diesel. I currently get 15-20 mpg running gas, seeing 40+ on diesel would be awesome!
My vote is the low buck diesel truck. I wanna see if you can light up all four tires. Maybe even put a np242 t-case for full-time 4wd. Maybe tackle prerunner long travel suspension 🤔. It's awesome the way your growing this channel Nate. I specifically enjoy your willingness to tackle the hard compromises. Like Dana 44 over Tons. Diesel over LS. Aluminum over steal. That I believe is real progress, and can't wait for more. 🤘
Great information. I've been looking forward to this series. I've been trying to learn a lot more about the TDI engine since I first found your channel.
I love that you’re doing this build. It may not be as powerful as those turbo Ls engines people keep bragging about, but it’s way more interesting and cultured.
My Wife had a 2004 Jetta TDI & it would get 60 MPG highway! I never new much about the durability of these and there wasn't a lot available at the time that I new of. I think it was brilliant using one in your TJ, no one else has one. I would stick it in the TJ?
Don't stray from the dirt lifestyle....put it in something that will see dirt....crawler, sand rail, trophy truck....I vote trophy truck...what ever form you chose though, I am interested in the build... hunkered down in Tacoma waiting for more...lol
I'm thinking a beater MJ if you could find one. I do like the idea of a caddie though........ooooooh, maybe a beetle. Just wanted to like your style dude, I'm mostly into Jeeps, but Ive had my share of vw, both watercooled and aircooled. Awesome content fellow Washingtonian. Thumbs up from Bellingham.
Build a mini trophy truck out of a Subaru Baja. Fabricate your own custom suspension, Exo cage. And still be a little family friendly for you. That or check out the Smyth UTE kits and convert a Jetta Ute to RWD as a fun little commuter truck or diesel drift machine 😂
Again your content continues to amaze . It’s awesome to finally see someone who does all their own work . You truly know how to build your own stuff and it’s awesome . Can’t wait to see what you do with the new tdi motor . Would be cool to see you turn the Jeep truck into a Baja or sand buggy . Can’t wait to see what this build is going to look like when done . You have convinced me to want a TDI swap in my TJ. Keep up the great work !
I'm going to pick up my 05 Passat Wagon today!! BHW!! Just found your channel yesterday. been binge-watching. I have an 88 MJ it's going into. Looking forward to my build. so glad I came across this info....Thanks! definitely subscribed.
JeepTruckJeepTruckJeepTruck!!! Build it killer, keep it sleeper! And seriously man, don't shy away from the information-heavy videos. You've got a lot of experience to share and you do a great job of getting it across.
I just picked up a 2005 TDI Passat to possibly use as a donor for my TJ build. I'll be following your 2.0 TDI build. I can't wait to see the next episode!!! 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻
Great video. I really like the idea of a TDI in a Jeep! As far as a muscle build with this engine a Rabbit Truck would be sick! How about a Comanche TDI race truck?!
I’m waiting for my 2.5 to die I’m my YJ then do a diesel swap. Now I’ll be able too look back at your build to figure out what I can afford to install. Can’t wait for more of this build up
Omg Nate. I’m so happy you have your own channel. You have me chompin at the bit to see more of this tdi build!! Can’t wait to see this build! Thank you!!
I've definitely had my fair share of tribulations with the swap in my cj but the engine has always ran good. It runs a whole lot better once I got the timing right. I've been plagued with transmission issues with the swap. The adapter plate a bought was part of that. That socks that your engine now runs like crap. Is it a whole new engine? Did it run well in the donor car?
Old Smokey Jeep the guy i got the engine from side run like crap because it sat for 14years and it has crazy amount of smoke coming from exhaust and popping from the exhaust so I’m done with the om617 engine. So this is my last try with a diesel engine and going to a om606 if this doesn’t solve my problem I’m going to put a ls5.3 in it.
Thanks Nate!! I picked up an 04 Passat for next to nothing, a month ago upon your recommendations when you pulled this motor. I am looking forward to your engine build. I know nothing of TDIs, but I love to learn!! Thanks again, and keep the great content flowing.
This channel was great with the fabrication and 4x4 content but sweet mercy it’s about go to a whole other level. Can’t wait to see some classic Jeep rolling coal with 400+whp
If you are interested, I have a 1980 VW Caddy shell, straight but in need of major structural rust repair about the windscreen and strut towers. My long game is to marry the firewall forward of a Passat to the Caddy with something like what you are working on TDI wise. Mini trophy truck!
Swapping & building engines is definitely my favorite part of automotive fabrication/customization. A diesel drag truck would be sweet I would love to see this engine in a drag truck! However tbh I would not be one bit upset if it went into the jeep truck or a crawler 👍🏼
@@DirtLifestyle No kidding,on the editing...STELLAR!!! Nate,I grew up in northern NY (West Stockholm)&it would get cold there.My mother had a diesel Rabbit (L4?). That car would sit for weeks at a time. I've hated diesels ever since. At least your gas will start(hard) at 38,42,or 50 below.That thing wouldn't start at around -5 &colder...uugh! Not saying you're going to convert me,but I'm DEFINITELY interested in this build. Keep up the hard work,because this is the best off-road youtube site,bar none! P.S.I'll still be BB Ford in everything,but I appreciate anything gearhead related...especially from this channel!
I would love to see that TDI monster in a small 4x4 pickup build. Preferably something old and uncommon like a Ford Courier or Datsun 620. Cant decide if i prefer the crawler or prerunner idea. I suspect the only way this could be competitive as a prerunner is building it on a very light chasis, somehow i think your proclivity toward aluminum and proper design vs overbuilding brings that much closer to reality. Your content has absolutely convinced me to TDI swap my Wrangler, and possibly my Cherokee as well. Keep it up!
Oh hell yeah! This is right up my alley. Put it in the Disco! I'm curious to see what it can do in there with that power, and fuel economy. Keep it coming Nate! 🔥
For the vehicle I say something light like a 4 door geo tracker. Type of build multi use drag / tail rig. Tire size would fit big slicks for the track and 35's for the trail. Custom drive line, but still going to need 1 ton running gear to launch at the strip in 4x4.
DRAG TRUCK !! Put it in the Jeep pickup, paddle tires on the back, small smoothies on the front, Dana 20 or 30 front axle... light weight... 9 inch Ford in the rear... Auto transmission 2 speed slap shift.... ugh ugh ugh yeah.... lol SAND DRAG MACHINE ! 100 YARDS OF FLAT OUT.... they also are cool if you put paddles all around and at full throttle literally skim /fly across the top of the mud pit.... looking forward to seeing what the outcome is...
This is awesome Nate, I'm picking up a B5.5 Passat BHW this weekend been planning and looking for months to find a good candidate. Look forward to seeing the rest of these videos.
I'd like to see you install the VW TDI engine in a 1997-98 Subaru Outback wagon. Mine died a few years ago when the valves said "BYE BYE" after 215,000 miles. Been thinking about an electric conversion but a TDI that passes CA emissions, has 4' lifts & 29" tires could make a great Dirt-mobile. Excellent show by the way; very well thought out and fun to watch!!
Pre Runner a VW Rabbit Truck, AKA Caddy. Either convert to RWD or suffer with the front drive shenanigans. Also info heavy is good when dealing with an engine lots of folks aren’t familiar with. Looking forward to the build. I have a Caddy with a 1.6 and have a homemade turbo setup for it. Boost referenced pump and all. Was on a 1.5 and was a fast little rocket Rabbit. Was built pre VW turbo cars, actually borrowed by VW engineers back in the 70’s. Too bad the car rusted.
Super stoked about this, I have a 97 Xj that I've been debating on doing something...4.0 dropped a cylinder. I have a LS but the conversion kits are crazy expensive. So now I'm looking at a pre def VW tdi.
This is awesome Nate. While two of my mates at this moment are swapping 6bt into their Y61 (GU) Nissan Patrol’s, I have been obsessing over making the lightest Patrol (y60, GQ) ever built. Most Patrol tourers (over landers) over here in Aus are so over weight that they are close to, or over, gvm before they put any gear, fuel or passengers in them. If I put one of these in my truck it will really rock the establishment, yet I can’t help thinking it would be a great idea. I hope you swap it into your Disco as that would be an ideal proof of concept for me👍 Keep up the great work brother.
I'm excited for this build. I've really taken an interest in this TDI stuff and I have been tossing around the idea of swapping one into my 86 Comanche.
That Jeep truck would awesome for it. Would also be killer in that Discovery. This is exactly the information I want to see, I can’t wait to see follow up videos. I may swap something like this in my LJ.
Can't wait to see where this goes. My vote would be drag / road truck. But just excited to see the engine build in general. I don't care what it goes in. Anything will be cool.
Bro all are good ideas on what to put it in. When I heard Rabbit truck I started thinking of that unibody launching off the line lol. I help restored one when I use to do Autobody work. Which ever you decided it's gonna be awesome. Looking forward to seeing the upgrades.
The 800 miles on the TDI is pretty badass! Def include all the technical details like the lifters. If it was me I would put it in an SUV do something different and put it in a Range Rover.
dude i currently have an 04 bhw tdi and im trying get everything around to put it in my 95 wrangler. was going to go with the om617 until i found your channel. ill be keeping tabs on this series for sure. keep up the awesome work :)
Can't wait to see what you crank out of this motor. You inspire me to swap a TDI into one of my Jeeps, but I live in comiefornia and I drive them on the road so worried about smog issues etc.