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Opinions on Gremlin Diesel Swap

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tyrodtom View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote tyrodtom Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: May/27/2018 at 8:14am
Whoever put the diesel in probably used the transmission that came with the diesel.
It would be a much more difficult swap otherwise.

Easier for them that way,  but more difficult for you if you decide to change just the engine.
66 American SW, 66 American 2dr, 82 J10, 70 Hornet, Pound, Va.
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote jpnjim Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: May/27/2018 at 8:43am
Around here the formula is:

pick one of the dozen or so 4.0L XJ Cherokees rotted from the bottom up on Craigslist,
swap the engine & trans from that.

Finding a 2wd Cherokee in new England is the tough part.

Fnding a 2wd 5spd Cherokee is even more difficult,
other parts of the country have plenty of 2wd Jeeps,
but no rust so they're not biodegraded (& cheap!) like they all are up here.

Wouldn't be that bad if the OP does end up keeping the Diesel & running on Veggie oil,
seeing a Gremmie roll by smelling like french fries would sure turn some heads! LOL

What could you name it?
The Vegglin, Gremmie-veg?
French Fry Gremlin?
Maybe just a powered by McDonalds badge would work Smile
71 P-code 4spd Javelin/AMX
some Jeeps and some Fords
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farna View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote farna Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: May/28/2018 at 7:13am
I'd drive it first, just to see how it does. There is the novelty of a diesel Gremlin, but that's just it -- it's a novelty. Should get good mileage, my Chevette would get in the mid 30s average, and 40 mpg wasn't out of the question on a long trip on the interstate... and that was with a three speed automatic trans! IIRC I averaged just a bit over 40 on a trip back home -- from Mtn. Home ID to Lexington SC. That was cruising an average of 70 all the way (except in the mountains...). So for gas mileage it should be fantastic... it's just not going to win any stoplight drags.

A turbo should add power without decreasing gas mileage for normal driving. You can turbo anything, just keep boost down. Diesels run on air -- they run best when air is packed in. You can hardly get a diesel highway vehicle without a turbo any more because they take so long to pick up speed without one. You'd have to adjust fuel delivery though, so that could be an issue. I'm sure a mechanical fuel injection pump is used, not electronic like some of the modern diesels, so it might not adjust for much boost. Still, even 3-4 psi is better than none, especially with a diesel. But I'm not a diesel mechanic and might be wrong... it appears that more boost is better, especially in a diesel (not just for more power, but cooling!!)...
Frank Swygert
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