CA Legal Diesel 100 Build

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midfat

midfat

10 Year
Joined
Mar 24, 2013
Threads
87
Messages
1,154
Location
Santa Monica, CA
So I started talking to Gale Banks Engineering today about their Via Motori EcoDiesel Turbo 3.0L V6 crate diesel. It's the same platform used in the current RAM 1500, Jeep Grand and Maserati Ghibli, but with a few extra Gale Banks tricks. It sounds like I can successfully petition CARB to grant me a waiver IF the vehicle is retrofitted with an engine that's already been approved in the state of CA AND has emissions standards NEWER than the original engine. In this case, all are true. The more complicated issue is that I would also need to port over all applicable emissions equipment ranging from intake to tailpipe. Doable, but tedious.

The stats:
V6 3.0TD complete engine weight is 498lbs vs the Toyota 2uz V8's 510lbs (?)
Guessing the 3.0TD is smaller or equal to the 2uz dimensions
V6 3.0TD 268HP @ 4000rpm vs 2uz 235HP @ 4800rpm
V6 3.0TD 421 lb-ft @ 2000rpm vs 2uz 302 lb-ft @ 3400rpm

All of this is looking pretty good so far, but what about the tranny? Apparently, GB also had an 8 speed tranny set-up, but I'm guessing the complexity of grafting that to the LC drivetrain may be beyond overwhelming. Perhaps not.

The 2014 RAM 1500 Crew Cab 4x4 weighs in at 5802lbs (with the EcoDiesel) vs the LC's 5390lb curb weight. The 400lb weight savings would be negated by accessories like rock bumpers, etc., so the LC is probably closer to 6000lbs. It's a wash.

Between the ~28mpg fuel economy and the big boost in torque and HP, this would be a beast geared with 35's. And you'd still have a 9000+ towing capacity.

Cost wise, let's say I have $20k into my current 2004. It's near flawless. To go out in the market and get anything as comfortable, capable and luxurious, regardless of gas or diesel, I'm into a $70k+ truck that'll depreciate $40k in four years. The crate engine is $8k, including CPU. I could probably piece the rest of the emissions equipment for an additional $4. Figure about $15k in engineering and fitment. Put in some overage for the unexpected and let's call it $50k all in. There is NOTHING in the market today that could touch that. Seriously, nothing.
 
I've been considering a diesel swap in mine now and putting numbers together. Thank god I don't have to deal with CA emissions.

Good luck, will be watching this and hope it happens!
 
That’s awesome dude. keep us updated about the process/progress.
few pointers to keep in mind before u start. these are small pointers but it will add up to cost of your project
1. how is doing all the fab works for the engine swap ? new engine mounts , relocating hoses , and etc.....?
2. if u keep your transmission all u need is a new controller to adjust your shift points( i don’t know what that unit calls)?
3. who is doing the electrical works? (glow plugs, fuel pump etc.......)
4. you need to change your fuel lines to diesel fuel lines.
5. diesel engine create lots of heat so plan on improving your cooling systems.
good luck .:cheers:​
 
Why stop there? Do a SAS while you're at it ;)

Christo making it look easy:

blue_2.jpg
 
I'd hate to have to figure out the $/HP or ftlb gained but I can't wait to see your writeup and (lots of) pics!
What fun project!
 
My 2cents, I love the idea of a diesel LC. I wish it came that way from the factory in the US!

My concern is, the v8 there now is a spectacularly great motor. I've heard, one of the best motors ever shipped to n America. You're getting rid of it, and replacing it with a motor guaranteed to give you more problems then the factory v8. The diesel does not have the reliability of the v8 and the personal (or even shop) fab job will lead to more tinkering And issues down the road. Unless you have exceptionally high mileage, I wouldn't trade the great benefits of the factory reliability for the diesel advantages.
 
Having said all this, I'm looking forward to reading about the project
 
This would be sick. From what I've gathered on swaps in CA, it's easiest to get a complete donor rig for the swap.

And I agree with @mcgaskins, do the SAS! Maybe even do that first :grinpimp:
 
Subscribed! I've always wished Toyota sold the diesel LC's here - first for fuel economy, second for engine longevity, lastly for torque. I agree there is nothing on the market in the $50K range that offers what you would end up with. Post lots of pics!
 
Okay, so I've been mulling this over for the past few days (instead of sleeping). Weighing options and looking at the best path, I'm solidly convinced that the EcoDiesel MV3.0T is the best option for the 100. But... Many of the real benefits of this engine seem to be inherently linked to the rapid-fire 8-speed transmission. While that definitely complicates issue trying fit that into the Hundy, I kinda feel like if you're in for dime, you're in for a dollar. Add to that the need for complete emissions system and the need for a donor vehicle is left as the only viable path. So that leaves only two options: the RAM 1500 or the Jeep WK2.

If I choose the RAM 1500, I may have to dump the HF2A transfer case in the 100 and use the Dodge unit that came in the RAM. This would render the Hundy as a true 4WD truck with switchable 2H/4H/4L. I'm not even going to explore disconnect front hubs, so not a huge economy gain running 2WD. However, if someone like "Marks 4WD Adaptors" could help graft the 8-speed transmission to the HF2A transfer-case, bada-bing-bada-boom!.

Alternatively, if I could find a Jeep Grand Cherokee EcoDiesel as a donor vehicles, and more specifically, one with the "Quadra-Drive II" drivetrain, I could kill a gaggle of birds in one swoop. I'd be looking at adapting driveshafts rather than transfer cases/transmissions. I could grab the entire engine, transmission and t-case as a unit. Assuming the Jeep driveline could take the stress of the extra weight, it would be a straight shot.

Thus far, I've really only focused on the mechanicals aspects of the transplant. I would think there would be significant benefits in using as many native components as possible - an engine, transmission and transfer case that were engineered as a system - but admittedly, I'm making a lot of assumptions. Nonetheless, everything seems to be pointing in a positive direction.

Many, many more conversations and questions. If I can establish this as completely viable, the next step is the search of the perfect donor. Much like a liver transplant, that's going to be a sit and wait situation. I'll have to work through insurance salvage brokers and wait for some poor soul to roll their practically new Jeep or RAM.
 
Is the crate engine only 8k? If that is correct, this could be huge. Brand new diesel engine in the 100 series platform would be incredible.

Dieseltoyz will install the 1HD-FTE for 28k.
 
I'll know more in mid November, but I'm thinking the complete motor is probably in the $8-10K range. Frankly, I don't think the motor is the biggest issue with the transplant. It's going to be the adaptation of all the associated electronics and sensors. And the transmission.
 
How does the EcoDiesel MV3.0T compare to the 1HD-FTE in terms of cost and performance? Can a swapped 1HD-FTE pass CA smog?
 
RND1 said:
How does the EcoDiesel MV3.0T compare to the 1HD-FTE in terms of cost and performance? Can a swapped 1HD-FTE pass CA smog?
Click to expand...
Until very recently, diesels were pretty much enemy of the state here in Cali. Which vehicle did the 1HD-FTE come out of? If it wasn't a vehicle that was "50 state legal," pretty sure it's a no go. One of the joys of living in America's most ungovernable state (though it doesn't stop them from trying).
 
The 1HD-FTE is a Toyota 4.2L I6 turbo diesel that was sold in the 100 series in Europe, UK, and Australia. Not sure if it was offered in Canada? It was never offered in the US so not sure if someone has tried this swap and successfully had it smogged? Since it was engineered from the factory with this engine, presumably a swap of this nature would be "easier" with a factory ECU, wiring harness, etc and mating up to the tranny / t-case etc.?
 
Your best bet is an older jeep diesel, not sure its what you want though. You are looking at a new transmission and transfer case, no one has an adapter for you. As creeper says, need to know which side the transfer case drops. Wiring and electronics are not all that difficult. Paying for the labor hours will be the most difficult. :eek:

I'd much prefer a duramax in the 100 to anything else but, around here that won't float. :cheers:
 
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