[LWB.ZUK]

hi guys, im keen to swap the tired old 1.6 out for a 2.0 turbodiesel at some stage. Im thinking the RF as its mechanical injection, has decent torque and the later vitaras had them fitted from factory. But.. im stuck on what gearbox to use.. can i get a bellhousing to use my 1.6 gearbox (id like to keep using it as ive not long fully rebuilt it) in NZ i can get an engine from a mazda van or similar so thats no issue.
basicaly has anyone on here done this conversion (or similar as im open to options) to their vitara ?? any info would be great.

[watermouse]

Noone that I am aware of on this forum has done this conversion. The "Diesel Conversion" thought bubble pops up from time to time but the conclusion that everyone comes to is that it is not worth the effort let alone the money.

But you would be on the right track.
RF with bellhousing and gearbox from NZ would be the way to go. Your current gearbox and diff ratios will be all wrong. You would need a custom bellhousing to mate it with your current box. GV 4.8 or 4.3 diff ratios.

some interesting and relevant tech http://www.auszookers.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=17&t=16746&view=next

Suspension upgrade to take the massive weight increase.

Also consider the later common rail MZR-CD engines which are based on the RF block, up to 2.2l with respectable power figures. That may be worth the effort but would require driveline strengthening

Total cost of any conversion would be multiples of your cars current value.

I have driven a JDM RF diesel Grand Vitara in NZ and it was a bit underwhelming.

(hint: J20A)

[Gwagensteve]

Mech pump rf's eat head gaskets don't they?

[LWB.ZUK]

Cheers mate ! I never thought of diff ratios ... Your quite right I don't think a diesel will enjoy sitting on 3500 rpm on the open road .. I've thought about j20a also but once again , unshure what gearbox to use ?? . And yea I've heard a few people say there bad for heads. Also heard some ppl gettin a good run from them so it's a tricky 1

[watermouse]

A J20A will bolt up to your current gearbox.

[coneykid]

We are in the process of a 2.5L ford courier wl turbo diesel and auto conversion to a v6 vitara. It's not for the faint hearted. It's my father in-laws and honestly I don't think it's worth it. Anyway. I will start a build thread.

[Gwagensteve]

Please do. Very keen to see this.

[coneykid]

[coneykid]

[coneykid]

We are having sump issues that have to resolved.