cbr600rx7

I bet the title got your attention so here we go. One of the reasons I picked up my 4Runner was the hope of doing a diesel swap down the road. My plan was to source a mercedes OM617 5 cylinder turbo diesel and assemble my parts for the build while I am waiting for the 3VZE to die. Well I happen to have a friend who offered me a 01 Jetta TDI for $500 and now the gears are turning in my head. The TDI is not salvageable as a car but the drive train is good with about 150K on it.

So here is what I am thinking.

OM617 = durability, simple wiring, decent MPG, way less painful instal.

1.9TDI = good power from small engine, great MPG, wiring nightmare from hell.

I am leaning more on the OM617 because I plan on keeping the 31s and 4.56 gears with the R150. I know the 5 cylinder is not going to be a power upgrade and even with a little tinkering I can probably only expect 140hp/225tq at best. For me keeping it simple and only needing one wire to run the motor makes me happy and the ability to run multiple fuel options isn't to bad in my book.

So what do you guys think? Any experince or successful swaps or advice?

ozzir70

I am thinking the same exact thing. OM617 is the way to go but they seem to be going up in price because allot of people are buying them up. I wish I hadn't just rebuilt the 22RE in my truck. that 1500 could of gone a long way towards the 617

cbr600rx7

Yeah I agree. Your lucky with the 4 banger at least a few companies make adapter plates. So far I have not found any one who makes a adapter from the R150 to mercedes.

I think the key to having a happy 5 cylinder swap is by treating it like its a stock 22R. Unlike most diesels who like low RPMs the OM617 and others in its family line like to rev. It really doesn't get into its full powerband until above 2600 RPMs and can handle sustained cruising at 4400 RPMs where most old diesels would be throwing parts. So by that consideration you should set your gearing up like you would for a carbureted 22R.

28-29 inch tire 4.10~4.56
30-32 inch tire 4.56~4.88
33 inch tire 4.88~5.29
Any thing over a 33 inch tire =5.29s or higher

This is only my personal take but considering the OM617 really starts to wake up around 3000 RPMs I think the aggressive gearing would help her run where she needs to be.

donomite49

I like the tdi, but don't know a lot about it. Like to have the vw, to build a runner on 33's gettin 35+ mpg. How far from NC are you?