Suzuki SJ - any fans? possible diesel conversion?

Skree

Skree

Skree

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Yeah Yeah Yeah, if you wanna post about how girly Suzuki SJ's are don't bother. :p

I'm thinking about buying a Suzuki SJ to convert to some diesel engine. I'm thinking peugeot or vauxhall 1.5. Used to have an SJ back in the day, and LOVED off roading in it. I even used it on road with road tyres on and the shackle lifts removed - it had a vitara 1.6 engine and was damn fun.

However, with the price of petrol and the legality of using vegetable oil, I think a diesel engine is the way to go.. I love diesel engines, the way they drive, the reliability etc. I've seen a couple of diesel conversions on SJ's before, and it's been used to great effect - 1.5 and 1.9 peugeot units.

I actually have a vauxhall 1.5D engine in the garage (bosch FP) and enough bits to get it running. Has anyone in here done any work on such a conversion? know any places i could get transmission adaptors/engine mounts?

or even if the vhx engine is a bad idea and i should look for a 1.5 peugeot unit?. I will be using this vehicle on road too as well as off road - hence my interest - big mpg (even the petrols can do 40mpg) on FREE FUEL :D
 
Look for a Manta gearbox, but be careful which model you get as the starter bump has to be on the right side. (think the carlton might have the same layout too)

As for mounts, make 'em yourself. No need for an adapter plate if you're using the right gearbox, but you'll need to make up (bodge) a new prop between the gearbox and transfer box. And fiddle with your existing props if you need to push the transfer box back a touch. Good oportunity to lengthen your wheelbase too.

If you go for a pug engine, then the LDV 200/Pilot box is what you need, and then you WILL need to move the transferbox.

6129picture0291nr7.jpg
See how the x-fer box no longer touches the original mount.

Then there's the interior to fiddle with. If the gearbox & x-fer box are further back, so are the sticks ...

6129ebay0142nh4.jpg




ps, why are't you already here? zook knowledge by the bucketfull (and quite a few derv conversions too)
 
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*Grins* i am there now.. lol..

whoa.. thats a lot of welding right there.. i'd try to bodge the box/case together without having to shift the trsf case back if possible.. shorter prop - could have such a part made up :) just hope a manta box fits to the 1.5 engine :D
 
A 1.8 manta box will bolt up to the 1.5 or 1.7 Isuzu diseasel lumps. As will a 1.8/2.0 Carlton 'box.

They fetch a hefty price mind, as they're pretty much essential for fitting C20XEs into RWD cars.

*n
 
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