Patman

You may need to regear with the diesel... at least with the auto, I think they recommend 3.73?

I'd love to do the diesel swap as well, but I'll need to save just a bit more...

FlameRedJK

That would be so bad ass, pictures when you're done

Chronotripper

For those interested, this is taken directly from trailjeeps.com

" Bruiser Conversions is setting a new standard in power for Jeep JKs. With the Cummins 4BT Turbo Diesel Power Plant, Jeep enthusiasts can now boast improved performance in torque, fuel economy and fuel capability, and of course, the cool factor of a diesel engine. In fact, the 4BT engine is capable of producing 400 ftlbs of torque at 1700 rpms. "After several years of intense research with different applications, the reliability, torque and power benefits just made this a no-brainer," says Jeff Garland, founder of Bruiser and owner of Jeff's Jeep Yard in Clearwater, FL. With multiple fuel capabilities, the Bruiser 4BT engine can run on several different types of fuel, including waste vegetable oil and bio-diesel. Don Altman, co-owner of Trail Jeeps in Boulder, CO, installs HEMI engines in Jeeps and sought out Garland to provide another source of power to his Jeep clients. "The HEMIs don't hit full power until the rpm gauge shows 4000 rpm. By that time, catching traction might rip the axles off the jeep in an off-road situation. The ability of the diesel pilot to control the power is like nothing I've ever felt off-road," says Altman.

Engine Name:

Cummins B series 3.9L 4BT Turbo Diesel

Our Application:

2007 - 2012 Jeep JKU
1997 - 2006 Jeep TJ
1987 - 1995 Wrangler Unlimited
1987 - 1995 YJ Wrangler
1976 - 1986 CJ

Configuration:

Inline 4 Cylinder Turbo Diesel
Displacement:

3.9 L, 239 Cubic Inches
Bore:

4.02 inches
Stroke:

4.72 inches
Aspiration:

Turbo Charged, Non Intercooled
Engine Weight:

725 - 765
Oil Capacity:

10 Quarts
Horse Power:

105 - 170 Hp @ 2300 RPM*
Torque:

265 - 420 lb-ft@ 1600 RPM*
*Hp & Torque Ratings vary by application"

The transmission options are (included in the above price):
Raptor 700r stage 3 or 4L80 for automatic
NV4500 for manual

I will be going manual if I do this.

rvator

I would love to put a 4bt cummins in my 71 Bronco one day. I have used them for years in industrial and logging equipment. They are good running little engines. They crank easy in cold weather without being plugged in. I don't know about the emissions though, it will need bigger injectors and a larger turbo to put out enough power,they are only 80 to 100 stock @2700 rpm. Some of the newer step vans are in the 120hp and 300ft/lbs range.

Chronotripper

I just looked up the specs. Here it is for those interested:

2.8L VM Motori Turbodiesel
Type and Description: Four cylinder, inline, liquid-cooled
Displacement: 171 ci (2,768 cc)
Bore x Stroke: 3.70x3.94 (94x100mm)
Valve System: Belt drive, DOHC, 16-valve
Fuel Injection: Direct injection, common-rail, 23,000 psi
Construction: Cast-iron block, aluminum cylinder head
Compression Ratio: 17.5:1
Horsepower: 160 at 3,800 rpm
Torque: 295 lb-ft at 1,800 rpm
Engine Speed: 4,300 rpm, electronically governed
Oil Capacity: 6.3 quarts
Coolant Capacity: 13.2 quarts

So, depending on the price, I might consider it. It would have to make up for the lower horsepower and torque though. Also, I am unable to find a shop that does this conversion in Colorado, and the one in Boulder is a out a 40 minute drive for me.

This dealership has also already done a conversion for one of their Jeeps. If anyone is in the area, go and ask to test drive it and let me know what you think. I didn't mind the noise or shaking, but this was before they found out that one of the valves was bad. I have yet to drive it since they fixed it.

cfr

I work in Boulder... Hi!

Have you driven a diesel conversion? I'd be very interested if it can pull the hill on I-70 from Georgetown to the Eisenhower Tunnel on cruise control at 70 MPH.

brownimus

From JeepYard's Bruiser Conversion FAQ:

Q) What type of horsepower and torque numbers should i expect with a base 4bt.

A) The average 4bt makes 120 horse and 385 ft/lbs of torque @ 1900 rpm's. The motors that we build are 250 horse and
492 ft/lbs of torque@ 2700 rpm's (remember the more power the less economy).

Emphasis mine.

That is a LOT of torque to put through even the HD 44 in the rear on stock tires, let alone 35's. Put some heavy 37's in the mix and you'd probably blow the whole arse end up just leaving the driveway.

AlexTen

There is a modification officially trading in europe - JK 2.8 CRD.... 177 HP.....common rail, turbo-diesel...
Tried, not impressed.

Chronotripper

I've driven the dealer's conversion they did before they realized they had a bad valve (or something that was bad, maybe fuel injector?). It definitely didn't handle highway speeds like a Hemi would, but it performed reasonably well. It's still in the shop, but if you get a chance, stop by and try it out. It's at Pollard.

What's the max recommended input torque for a stock dana 44? I tried looking around online and all I could find was around 1930 ft/lbs on some website. Does anyone know at what limit the dealership will stop the warranty?

What were you not impressed about? Obviously it isn't meant for speed like the Hemi, but that's not what I would be converting for.

arjeeper

If it were me, I'm not sure I'd put that much cash to get the VW engine based on it's numbers. Now, the 4BT numbers looks awesome! This could be really cool!