CJ7 - Opposite from everything you know
- Thread starter Scramblur
- Start date
rondo
rondo
- Location
- Boise Idaho
Not sure why leaf springs are suggested for a soft ride? I have alcans on the rear of my fronty and front coilovers and they are still leaf springs.
I think coilovers or TJ coil type suspension for a soft ride.
I think diesel for fuel mileage. I wouldn't want my daughter to have a high horsepower jeep cause if she hot rodded it and sped around corners too fast then you know...
But i wonder how much the cost is on finding a diesel and all that...maybe pretty high. Is cost an issue for you?
I think coilovers or TJ coil type suspension for a soft ride.
I think diesel for fuel mileage. I wouldn't want my daughter to have a high horsepower jeep cause if she hot rodded it and sped around corners too fast then you know...
But i wonder how much the cost is on finding a diesel and all that...maybe pretty high. Is cost an issue for you?
- Location
- Grand Junction, CO
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mercedes-Benz_OM617_engine
You would want a later model turbo engine. They are easily capable of putting out 200 ft/lbs with some minor tweaks. I think 30 MPG is somewhat optimistic, but with the right drivetrain, gearing and smaller tires, it's possible. You really think a 5.3 would get close to 30 MPG? I doubt it... 22 at the most, IMO. The most fuel efficient 2WD Silverado only gets 15 city/22 highway. And a CJ7 has the aerodynamic stylings of a cinder block, which isn't going to help.
Leafs can ride very well, just because yours may not doesn't automatically mean all leafs ride like poo. My '87 4Runner had a quality set of All Pro 3" leafs front & rear... both pairs of leafs were longer than stock springs and had taller shackles and I was blown away with how well that thing rode. It went down the road and freeway very well, it was a treat on long trips.
Alcans are awesome springs, but they can only build springs with the information you provide them. If your info is wrong or your rig is setup for trail use different from how it was when you gave them the info for your spring pack, then I could understand why you're not pleased. I've ridden in a couple vehicles with Alcans and have been very impressed.
Coil springs have the potential to ride well, but they aren't even half of the equation. Long, close to horizontal control arms are what make the ride, not the coils themselves. There are plenty of TJ's with coils out there with stock or control arms and tall lifts that ride like hell.
Diesels can be expensive, but so are most other other engine swaps.
Thanks for the ideas.
To the question about budget... I'm not interested in putting 40k into the jeep, but 10-12k for drivetrain and suspension is in the range. Throw another 2-3k in other stuff and I'll be all in under 20k. Time will be my constraint... I've got three other Jeeps and a few other vehicles on the road and trails, so that was the motivation for doing something different. I need to gather the parts and pieces and it looks like a reasonably priced OM617 could be the tricky part. I am a little disappointed that the Mercedes conversion available is only for a manual tranny. I was hoping to put an auto in it.
The comment about putting my girl in a rocket is spot on. My son is already a PITA when it comes to this.
The 2.8 VM Motori is new to me. Any other thoughts on this engine? (cost, reliability...)
2009 Audi A5
2008 Toyota Sequoia
2005 Unlimited (Scrambler kit)
2003 F250
2000 XJ
1983 CJ8
1976 CJ7 (the project)
To the question about budget... I'm not interested in putting 40k into the jeep, but 10-12k for drivetrain and suspension is in the range. Throw another 2-3k in other stuff and I'll be all in under 20k. Time will be my constraint... I've got three other Jeeps and a few other vehicles on the road and trails, so that was the motivation for doing something different. I need to gather the parts and pieces and it looks like a reasonably priced OM617 could be the tricky part. I am a little disappointed that the Mercedes conversion available is only for a manual tranny. I was hoping to put an auto in it.
The comment about putting my girl in a rocket is spot on. My son is already a PITA when it comes to this.
The 2.8 VM Motori is new to me. Any other thoughts on this engine? (cost, reliability...)
2009 Audi A5
2008 Toyota Sequoia
2005 Unlimited (Scrambler kit)
2003 F250
2000 XJ
1983 CJ8
1976 CJ7 (the project)
4x4_Welder
Well-Known Member
- Location
- Twin Falls, ID
There is a forum on 4btswaps.com dedicated to the Mercedes OM617. There is at least one guy who's put one into a CJ, and a TJ.
IMO, though, you aren't going to break 25mpg without some major (ugly) aero work.
The 4x4 Labs adapter kit is right around $1k. You could always buy a Ford small block adapter kit for about $600, I'm making up a few extras to sell.
IMO, though, you aren't going to break 25mpg without some major (ugly) aero work.
The 4x4 Labs adapter kit is right around $1k. You could always buy a Ford small block adapter kit for about $600, I'm making up a few extras to sell.
- Location
- Grantsville, Utah
My 1983 got 24 mpg in stock form with 31" mud terrains. 258 six, T176 manual trans, and stupid high R&P. It also had 50 psi in the tires. Not a good ride.
My vote is:
Engine-Ecotec with a turbo.
Suspension-links and coils with the links as long as possible and the proper shocks to match.
My vote is:
Engine-Ecotec with a turbo.
Suspension-links and coils with the links as long as possible and the proper shocks to match.
I think 30mpg isn't too lofty a goal. The Mitsubishi J54 with the Japanese diesel claims 35mpg in the same shape and blocky aero dynamics. The limiting factor right now is going to be an automatic tranny. The 4x4Labs kit doesn't support the automatic. Back to square one...
4x4_Welder
Well-Known Member
- Location
- Twin Falls, ID
Bendtsen's is the company I was thinking of-
http://www.transmissionadapters.com/Mercedes%20diesel.htm
Still expensive, and while the 700R4 is a more efficient transmission than the MB, it is still a bit of a leach.
Perhaps the easiest way to hit your goal is to throw that engine with this adapter in a formerly 2.8 S10 Blazer, and then put your Jeep tub on it- Softer ride, high gears, and a lower profile.
One thing all these kits do not include is new flywheel bolts- Those MUST be replaced as they are a TTY bolt. At $7 each, the correct Mercedes bolts are overpriced and the heads usually strip.
I special ordered a batch of M10x1.0 30mm socket head cap screws (allen head) like the old style Mercedes bolts, grade 12.9 that will work quite well and they are only $2 each. The cost really adds up when you are talking 12 bolts.
http://www.transmissionadapters.com/Mercedes%20diesel.htm
Still expensive, and while the 700R4 is a more efficient transmission than the MB, it is still a bit of a leach.
Perhaps the easiest way to hit your goal is to throw that engine with this adapter in a formerly 2.8 S10 Blazer, and then put your Jeep tub on it- Softer ride, high gears, and a lower profile.
One thing all these kits do not include is new flywheel bolts- Those MUST be replaced as they are a TTY bolt. At $7 each, the correct Mercedes bolts are overpriced and the heads usually strip.
I special ordered a batch of M10x1.0 30mm socket head cap screws (allen head) like the old style Mercedes bolts, grade 12.9 that will work quite well and they are only $2 each. The cost really adds up when you are talking 12 bolts.
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