Is there any RWD manual trans that will bolt up to a TDI engine? Maybe using an adapter? I know they have adapter kits for TDI into Suzuki Samurai (FWD, I know). I need a diesel engine swap for my 69 roadster project and would LOVE to put the TDI in it. Any info greatly appreciated.
Thanks!
Your project is very do-able, the adapter plates or the basic vw to Samurai kits that are out there, all would work. The Toyota(22r/22re) 2wd truck 4 & 5 spd. xmsn. all have the same bellhousing as the 4wd. models.
Yes, you could also use the stock zuk. xmsn. since it has a devorced t-case w/ an intermediate drive shaft connecting the two. But there is reliability concerns about using it behind the 1.9td, it seems the tranny gets super hot & can't handle the torque for very long, so BOOM!.
Of course you could get the ACME adapter to use the 2wd xmsn from the 1.6L Geo Tracker(suz) or the Suz Sidekick, alittle more robust/stout.
However, because of the increased hp/torque that the TDI puts out(even w/mech. pump), I would run the toy stuff('82-'86 W58, '86.5-'92 R154). They often see amer. v6/v8's if front of them, i.e. Advance Adapters, etc. The beauty of going toy is, you reuse all of the toy stuff(clutch,throwout bearing,starter,flywheel, etc.) no mismatched components from other cars to make it work, like in the suzuki kits. However, w/ the toyota kit there will be clearence issues to overcome w/ the low slung turbo exh. to toyota starter. The toy starter mounts from the front, on the pass. engine block side. Since I am going mech., I just bought a new ATP type turbo exh. manifold that shoots straight out from the head.
I think the bigger issues you will have to over come will be fab. motor mount brackets, fitment between your frame rails(especially w/that stock oil filter bracket sticking out like that), ECM/wiring harness & plumbing.
Yes, it's very do-able, just depends on your mechanical skills, tools or resorces available, patients, how deep is your pockets, etc., etc. :lol:
If you do decide to go the toy route, I would suggest monitoring e-bay first. There is two vendors selling their kits on there from time to time & you might be able to get it for less.(FRYNON8/ Jerry is one, don't know what user name ACME/Jeff Kerr uses there, but it's not ACME) Do a search for "suzuki samurai" or "vw diesel"
Right now fabbing my motor mounts to fit the samurai. Got the flat plates cut out & mounted to the TDI block. Will weld off of that once situated in the engine bay. On the frame side will be using '32 Ford rubber bisquits. I know Advance Adapters, Novak, Trans-Dapt have these simular unversal jeep v8 kits that might facilitate your install.
If you would like some pics. to get an idea let me know.
Toy truck 5sd.: gear ratio
"82- '86 W58
1st...3.285
2nd...1.894
3rd....1.275
4th....1.000
5th....0.783
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