My question is...why would you NOT swap over to a TDI if your 4.0 died? Why would you repair/rebuid the 4.0?
I'm looking for opinions of hard evidence. Not personal inhibitors or roadblocks(i.e. 'I don't have a shop and/or tools', or 'I don't have the money and/or time')
Thanks for the help and info.

 

So I know it's rude to answer a question with one but what insight exactly are you looking to gain that wasn't addressed in 1000 or so other tdi swap threads? I think for most people money and time are pretty inhibiting. There was a guy a couple months back putting one together and if he did all the labor himself and bought the truck for $1000 the outcome was a vehicle worth arguably $1000 more than the sum of his investment.

I'm not sure but I think AntiChrist is maybe the only person (active on this forum) that has actually done it. It would take a very long time to justify the gas millage aspect of it and parts would be even harder and more expensive to come by. For the record, money and time are the reasons I don't have a helicopter parked in my back yard

 

if you eliminate your inhibitors i don't see why anyone wouldnt do the conversion... if i had unlimited money and time and a shop big enough i would do it for sure! i would also import a few defenders a forward control and a lightweight and do my best to get a howler built over here.

 

The question has not been answered before according to my searches. I am planning on doing the swap, unless there is a valid reason why the 4.0 should not be replaced. I can justify the money and have the time, space and tools to do the job. Any fabrication can be handled between my father(machinist for 40+ years) and myself.
And money is not unlimited. I feel that the engine would be a worthwhile upgrade instead of future engine repairs on the 4.0

 

If I could get a hold of a 300TDi easily, you can bet your sweet **** my petrol engine is getting yanked.

I've been toying with the idea of swapping in a Mercedes 5cylinder Turbo Diesel, as it's an extremely comparable engine from what I understand.

 

I just looked on eBay, and there is one complete setup with an autobox, and the guy is asking $7K for it which, IMHO, sounds fair and outrageous at the same time.

There looks like a 200TDi engine for about $5K...which seems pretty high for a 200 series engine.

Isn't there legislation about importing engines from other countries? I thought it was banned or something...?

 

I'm sure Alaska is a little more forgiving, but in the great state of New York, I wouldn't have a snowball's chance of registering and inspecting my Disco with a diesel in it.

 

What's an inspection...? Isn't that when they measure your fish or the antlers?

 

I've been considering a 200TDI but leaning more towards the 300TDI. Cost will be anywhere from $4-6k. Considering the cost of a 4.0 head is $1200+...and my being a $1500 drive(boat ride) from the closest dealer...a TDI is actually cheaper in the long run.

 

i wouldnt get a 200 if i were you. the 300's are quieter and have more HP. just get an early 300 otherwise you will have to get the ECM and all. the earlier 300's don't have an ECM.