I have heard alot about these, most of it good. I was wondering if anyone has any experience with some practical applications.
I was mulling over the idea of trying to cram one into an old Ranger, but it kind of seems to me that unless you're planning to go offroading....a lot.... It isn't really practical.
The mpg most say they get is around 15-20 (Haven't really been able to talk to anyone NOT running a 4wd platform)
I have found a few for sale at about 2500$, already mated to a Ford 5speed, ready to plug and play. I realize how much of a pita its going to be to wire it up, and run all new fuel lines, etc...
But another thing I'm curious about is: There are a few listed as being a "computer-less" engine. I have ZERO experience with diesel engines, besides what I've read.. So...

ISO KNOWLEDGE!!!! Any tidbit you've got, lay it out. Helpful links welcome.

Can you fabricate?


It's not just drop it in and go....

It wont be easy... And if you do it cheaply it will crumble and be a constand headache..

What i mean is, are you mechanically inclined enough? And can you recgonize problems and trouble shoot? There will be no shortage of that during this job hhaha

Id also look into what that drive train is rated for. Diesels gob torque so do some research in that department aswell

There is almost no wiring. They are mechanical injection. Mid 20's in a 2wd if you leave the fuel turned down.

I have three things. 1 A nearby machine shop, 2 A buddy with a few different welders and lots of experience using them (He works for the Co-op, does lots of exhaust work, and works with hydraulic, etcetcetc...), and 3 lots and lots of time lol
I've been wanting to get all the way into this. I've been piddling around, fixing things as they go wrong. I'd like to have a "real" project... top to bottom all mine.

This makes alot of sense. Is this true of all years of the engine?

jimmyhoud is your man.

Ive seen a few of the newer wrangler unlimited with 4bts swapped in. I hear its quite an expensive endeavor but the results are nice. Plenty of torque and many people report high 20s MPG easily on 35"+ tires.
If I had the money id think about it.

Very minimal wiring. You will want one with a mechanical injection pump. Only things you need to make it run is a starter wire, voltage regulator for the alternator, and a fuel shut off solenoid wires, or you can always put a cable operated shut off which is what I have.
The engines themselves are very easy to work on. Im not sure about swapping into something else. If you have any questions about the motor, let me know and I'd be happy to try to help. Ive messed with these cummins motors for a little while now. Lots of fun.

Great site for 4bt swaps:
http://www.4btswaps.com/forum/forum.php

Very simple motor. There are a few kits out there to make swapping these motors a little easier, still takes a TON of fab work to make something like this happen.

Rangers, Dakotas, s10's, older toyotas, etc. it's all been done. Th only problem is by the time you pay (or do) the fab work and the cost of a motor, you're better off buying a gas 1/4 ton truck. it'll take you 15 years to break even.

2500 bucks is a pretty cheap deal. Most of these 4bt's complete (minus transmission) are 3k+