VW TDI Engine Swap

[mad4hws]

I'm going to start a new thread on this since the old thread started out with the assumption that I would be going the Cummins route for a diesel conversion. However, the more research I did, I realized that the VW TDI engine is a very popular conversion for jeeps, so I figure it should be a really good option for the Patrol. The biggest challenge is that I want to keep all of my running gear the same - transmission, transfer case, axles, so how to mate up the stock G60 transmission with the VW TDI engine? I need an adapter plate of course! But, none exist for the Patrol. I reached out to some folks north of the border in British Columbia. Last year I sent them an engine, fly wheel and bell housing from the stock motor and waited..... and waited.... and waited... But, alas, this week I was sent the CAD drawings for this project. It consists of an adapter plate and a crank housing. These parts are being machined currently and Reid at TD Conversions has said that he will send some pictures of it as it goes through the manufacturing process.

[Esteban]

Excellent! This is going to be a must see thread for all of us. Lots of things to learn. Thanks.

[mad4hws]

Quick Update. I have found an engine builder: Kraftwerke in Massachussettes: http://www.kraftwerke1.com/. There are several different TDI versions. Preliminarily we have decided to go with one of the earlier models. If we were after horsepower and options for electronic tuning, we would have gone for a later model; however, the later models are apparently somewhat finicky if they get bad fuel whereas the newer models aren't so much. Kraftwerke is going to start building the ALH version, which should be completed right about the time I get the adapter plate in from British Columbia. Stay tuned....

[r1lark]

Great project! How does the torque output of the VW engine compare to the original Patrol engine?

[mad4hws]

Great project! How does the torque output of the VW engine compare to the original Patrol engine?

The torque we talked abut was ~350 ft lbs. They think they can deliver that and 170hp-180hp without much tuning. Both of these are substantial upgrades from the original motor. The weight of the motor will be substantially less as well. Hopefully when we're done the engine compartment doesn't look too empty.

[r1lark]

Wow, that will be a healthy engine!!

[ZahraM5]

I just changed mine and am not so happy tbh. I wish I have such a skill. Good job!

[TD Conversions]

Hello everyone! This is Reid from TD Conversions. The Volkswagen TDI to Patrol adapter kit was completed this summer and is now in the possession of mad4hws. Here are some teaser videos and photos of the adapter kit. Turn up the volume and turn on your smoke filtering glasses.

I will make a dedicated post on all the features of the kit and how it all works and a link to mad4hws' build thread.

You can also check out our website for more info.
https://tdconversions.com/en-ca/collections/nissan/products/vw-1-9-2-0l-tdi-to-nissan-4-0l-60-series-patrol-g60-adapter-kit

First startup:


Transmission plate with starter motor teaser:
https://youtube.com/shorts/EtK2Huf9Geo?feature=share

[Peter60]

HI Reid.

I am really positive about doing a TDI swap for my G60 Patrol. I'm hoping of getting something working next year. I'm currently looking for a VW with a ALH TDI engine that I can cannibalise. That way I get the engine, electronics and various other bits.

However I have a couple of questions for you.

There are lots of optional components on your web site. What concerns me most is the engine mounts. You have a couple of options but which works with the Patrol? What about the other options - oil filter extenders etc. Are they necessary for the Patrol or are they for Jeeps etc?

The conversion kit allows you to mount the engine at varying degrees. Again is this necessary for the Patrol.

And the one that scares me the most is electronics for the TDI. What required to make the TDI reliable?

I realise of course that TD Conversions just built the adaptor, and doesn't have experience is the installation. So maybe I should be directing these questions elsewhere maybe to mad4hws.

Any help appreciated.

Peter