Engine Swap to Diesel

So I just picked up a project truck. a 2003 Tacoma 2.4L with light chocolate milk colored oil. Head Gasket? Anyhow, the mechanic said new engine. So I'm thinking, if i have to spend all that money why not go with a diesel engine? is it even possible to get one for this truck? it also has a 5 speed manual. Of course. I could go with finding out what really is wrong and try to repair it myself. kind of odd as it only has 96013 miles on it.

Thoughts?

 

With enough time and money, yes, you can.

However expect to replace every single wire, vacuum line, and drivetrain related system in the truck. Engine swaps to non-stock engines takes months and even years. There are members on here who have swapped to Toyota 1KZ-TE Turbodiesels, 2JZ-GE’s, LS7’s, and even Cummins 4BT’s.

All of them require extensive modification to the truck. Welding, fabricating, and wiring for days.

And then you have to worry about emissions. If you live in a emissions state or county, you have to ensure every emissions related system is functional. If you do an engine swap in California, for example, you must bring it to the Bureau of Automotive Repair (BAR) to be inspected, and issued a corrected VIN. The engine swap has to conform to strict guidelines, additionally. This varies state to state.

Even if you wanted to swap to a 3.4l 5VZ-FE v6, an engine that came on the 1st Gen Tacoma, it requires re-welding the engine perches, and re-wiring a majority of the truck.

So the short answer is no, it’s not a good idea. Drop in a low mileage JDM 2RZ-FE for $1k off eBay and call it a day.

 

Well said, not something you just want to do on a whim.

There is a shop called dieseltoys that does a D4D swap (factory offered diesel available in Hilux, the Tacoma equivalent, in other parts of the world), but you still have all of the emissions/licensing shit to deal with, and the price tag of $30,000 doesn’t make it feasible for most.

 

Their pricing is insane. It just comes to show how involved these swaps can be.

 

Yeah, at that point you’re getting to the price tag for a new diesel Colorado. Toyota not offering the D4D in North America makes me angry, I’d have sold my soul for one long ago if they were available.

 

D4D is great. I drove a Toyota Fortuner in the Philippines with the 1KD-FTV D4D Turbodiesel, and what a beautiful beast that thing was.

 

I guess I’ll just wait...until 2026 til I can import an 01 Hilux with a 1KD under the 25 year law

 

I dropped by the local Toyota dealer outside Manila, this is what their Hilux equivalent of the TRD Pro looks like. So cheap too! Only $30k USD.

 

WOW thanks for the insight. Way to involved and expensive for me.
At 96000 miles wouldn't repair be a good option?

 

similar price in Cabo San Lucas when I ckecked last time I was there... 4X4, 4 door, diesel.

 

also, you'll get better fuel mileage out of a 2RZ/5M than any diesel/A(or M). So for the money @BartMaster1234 is correct, skip for now

 

Beyond that, there's pretty decent aftermarket support for the 2rz, if you want more power you can spend ~3k and put down some pretty nice power

 

Oh yeah. Tons of people turbocharge the 4 cylinders, they can handle boost well.

 

4 cylinders are relatively cheap and easy to rebuild, however, the 2RZ engine is a dime a dozen and you can find Japanese imported motors for about $1,000 with low mileage.

 

Diesel swaps in San Antonio Texas I think started at $28,000 http://dieseltoys.com/

 

A buddy of mine in Austin was just telling me about them.
Also noticed your call sign, KA5QMG here.

 

New Technician. Looking for an Elmer if you don’t mind helping with pointers.

 

Cummins R2.8!

 

You don't want diesel. Believe me. I live in a country where every other car is a diesel, eve Prius (OK, maybe not Prius, but shit load of Opel or VW with 1.3l turbo diesels). That thing is terrible for DD (yes, I drove few). Diesel is good for farm tractor or long hauling tow trucks. My 23 years old 4-banger outperforms any newest Hilux here (Hilux is available only with diesel 2.4 2GD-FTV engine). And don't start with fuel economy and low rpm torque. That torque i good between 1600 and 2000rpm (great for towing or plowing). When you want to accelerate (0-60mph in 13.2 sec ) you will be running 3000-4000 anyway (best power at 3400rpm, red line at 4400rpm).

https://www.autocentrum.pl/filmy/po...2-4-d-4d-150-km-at-przyspieszenie-0-100-km-h/

Read my motto: Diesel is for heating, gas is for cooking, electricity is for lights. Cars use petrol. ("petrol", this is how gasoline is spelled in "English" ).

 

I absolutely loved my 2013 Jetta TDI... too bad they lied about everything. That car was quick and got over 65mpg. I could easily do 650mi on one tank of diesel.