Turbodiesel SWAP ideas
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 422
Likes: 52
From: McDade, Texas
W211 e320 CDI
Turbodiesel SWAP ideas
$2k SW20 on my lift....
Another day at work
So I came of age during the 90’s and now while nowhere near rich I’m basically secure in income. My car brain however really only likes older designs of cars. I look constantly at Craigslist and equivalents for the dream cars I loved in freaking high school. I have owned most of them, an NSX for 11 years, raced a Z32 twin turbo (i SUCKED) in SCCA, had a brief stint with a Supra of Gen IV variety, still look for DSM GSX models and my only gas powered car is a variant of the 4G63 powerplant. What I’ve always wanted though, is a turbodiesel sporty car. I’m a diagnostic and engine specialist and tuner of exotic motorcycle (and racecars of open wheel variety lately, year 26 or so of dyno tuning) builds.
I cannot get two swaps idea out of my head. Fully built OM642/6 speed manual into a Nissan Z32 chassis (non turbo, don’t like super-HICAS on turbo chassis) and the one I REALLY want to do, a VW CR170 built w 6 speed manual into a Toyota SW20 (2nd gen 90-95 MR2) chassis. These are cheap DIY type builds for me but definitely take time and patience. Another is an old Volvo 122/244 tdi swap, it’s a sickness I know.
Im sure I’m not alone in my strange diesel desires. What are your swap ideas?
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 9,225
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From: V E G A S
1922 Ford Model T / no OBD
For last 20 years I've been dreaming about driving modern MB diesel wagon in US.
Keep drooling when I see those 40 mpg wagons with 4M on European forums.
I am still tempted to do it as I have time and equipment for the job, but since we don't drive cars much (pickup for RV vacations) the time for such conversion can be used for better things, like enjoying beer while watching the view.
Keep drooling when I see those 40 mpg wagons with 4M on European forums.
I am still tempted to do it as I have time and equipment for the job, but since we don't drive cars much (pickup for RV vacations) the time for such conversion can be used for better things, like enjoying beer while watching the view.
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 422
Likes: 52
From: McDade, Texas
W211 e320 CDI
25 years and older is easy legal import to USA. Gotta say I’ve been considering getting another e39 but this time, bringing over a manual shift diesel. I have a Texas automotive dealer license...bringing in Japanese cars as novelties has been easy enough. It’s always cash up front though. FYI looking for that perfect SW20 chassis, must be in great interior and exterior condition, must be leather interior and hardtop also, but motor and trans can be junk. I’ll buy a complete CR140 VW total loss car to build from. Rear hit preferred, they are always going cheap at auction.
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 422
Likes: 52
From: McDade, Texas
W211 e320 CDI
Mmmmm, which part? Happy to learn from being wrong? My total bmw diesel experience was one in the late 80’s a greay market that found my dad somehow? 25 year old imports are flooding into Texas?
Senior Member
Joined: Jan 2013
Posts: 305
Likes: 42
W211 E320 Diesel OM642
Interesting, I've been itching for a diesel wagon myself. Cars from japan seem to be rust free but are they easy to come by? Can you guys link some places that sell those Japanese 25 year old + cars?
Senior Member
Joined: Mar 2017
Posts: 258
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R320, Astro, JSW, ST4
Duramax/Allison into a Checker Aerobus
Sports car? Hmm PD150 into TT Quattro... Oh wait, has been done:
http://forums.tdiclub.com/showthread.php?t=471792
That's actually a saga of a for sale thread, amazing but fanatical/expensive build.
He had to sell it because of the CARB bureaucracy.
No, wait - add more lightness... I'm not really familiar with JDM models how about the CR into an early Integra/Prelude?
(Also - It won't be much longer before the Honda 2.2 cdti cars are import eligible!)
Sports car? Hmm PD150 into TT Quattro... Oh wait, has been done:
http://forums.tdiclub.com/showthread.php?t=471792
That's actually a saga of a for sale thread, amazing but fanatical/expensive build.
He had to sell it because of the CARB bureaucracy.
No, wait - add more lightness... I'm not really familiar with JDM models how about the CR into an early Integra/Prelude?
(Also - It won't be much longer before the Honda 2.2 cdti cars are import eligible!)
