Everybody is talking about V6, V8 conversions, probably interested in vehicle performance... I'm interested in engine reliability, fuel economy and the possibility to use alternative sources of fuel, which is why I for one would like to try a TDI conversion. Since I don't have the money to get myself a VW TDI maybe I could get one of their engines in my car, but how acomplishable would this be?
How much would I expect this conversion would cost?
Would I get the same gas milage as a VW TDI does?
Would I have the same performance as I do with my 2.2 auto?
I'm thinking about the 2.0T engine that the TDI passat has, maybe even the 1.9T but I'm not sure if it'll be able to do as fine as the 2.2 I have.
Discuss.
well here
#1more than a VW with a TDI..don't waste your money
#2Probably pretty close if you wasted your money
#3does it matter you want better gas mileage..performance and gass mileage don't mix pick one or another
you will go through hell before you get VW electonics to mix with bottom of the line chevy stuff. It would most likely be cheaper to just to buy a VW, you can get used ones for a decent price. As for problems with them, on the older ones (pre 03-04) they have issues with carboning up the intake manifolds, its not uncommon to replace intake manifold, EGR valve, and EGR cooler every 40K or so. Also we put alot of overlay harnesses to the glow plugs (wiring harness dies) The newer pumper diesel TDI's seem to be preaty trouble free for the most part, the biggest problem is the tandem pump, it tends to leak gas all over a hot engine while your driving. Your going ot be paying a ton of money, not a cheap engine, not a cheap ECM, hell nothign is cheap on VW's, the fuel injectors on the pumper deisels are $1000 EACH.. If you can'[t afford a TDI then chances are you can't aford to do the swap. As for gas mileage.... a J with a VW TDI would get better gas mileage then a VW with a TDI, ints no secret that VW's are fat pigs, same drivetrain in a lighter car = better gas mileage. As for performance, 2.2 OHV auto is slow, TDI's are slow (except the Toureg with the twin turbo V10 TDI, that things hauls ass like you wouldn't believe) Either way it wont be a quick car but I think the TDI engine would make it a little bit faster at best, I wouldn't be looking at those engines if your out for performance.
