Suzuki Club UK

Hi folks i'm new to the SJ clan, so be gentle with me! This question has probably been asked a 1000 times, I have searched the forum but the info appears to be a little sketchy, probably cus i'm new.

What make of diesel engine can be fitted in the sj, 1600 to 1900cc with the least modifications but utilising the SJ running gear? I would really apprieciate engine manufacture and what i would need to mod or get old of to complete.

Ideally i'm looking for maximum miles to the expensive gallon!

Currently running a 970cc sj

Many Thanks in advance.

Beds.

1900 pug td is quite common. Personally havn't done it but you can get an adapter from rhino ray.

Im not realy into diesel. But im sure that the other lads on here can be more helpful.

if you go diesel, the popular choice is the 1.7 isuzu but im sure you will need a vauxhall carlton gearbox to mate it up with. with that box you then have to modifiey the prop etc.
or you can use a volkswagen 1.9 diesel with an adapter plate, which means you retain the suzuki gearbox. But you will need a 1.3 box. Radiator wise, the boxey type nissan micra seems to fit, and you will probably need power steering.
Theres a kit for the vw with flywheel adapter plate etc..
The downside is weight, im hoping to rebuild mine for competion this year, but im sticking to petrol, as this makes the sj still nimble and light for off roading.

My brother has a Vauxhall Corsa 1500 diesel in his SJ, I belive it runs through a Manta Gearbox and has Std transfer box and axles. Its pretty dam fast (for an SJ) and the torque

mines got ford escort diesel connected to mk2 escort 4 speed gearbox. very low geared so won't recommend for regular on road use as 55mph is pretty much flat out, but mine is off road only. next i'm gonna make a rock lobster for it so gearing will be even lower.

srcars wrote:My brother has a Vauxhall Corsa 1500 diesel in his SJ, I belive it runs through a Manta Gearbox and has Std transfer box and axles. Its pretty dam fast (for an SJ) and the torque

was this easy enough to do? i have been looking at these engines to go in my 410

If you do decide to go diesel, then do keep an eye on the extra weight.

If your 410 is standard suspension, dont be surprised if the sump and axle bind.

Have you not considered a larger Petrol engine? The 1.6 Vitara can be fitted in an afternoon. And as you run a 410, you will need to change gear box what ever you do.

If i was in your shoes, and had my head set on diesel, i would work my choice of engine around what gear box i could lay my hands on.
It took me 3 weeks scouring the length and breath of the country to find a Carlton rear wheel drive gear box. One i found it he wanted stupid money for the box and gear linkage!

Anyway hope you get sorted...

Henry "try the 1.6.. go on you know you want to" Cureton

Like mr hover says finding gearboxes is the hard part, there are only a few options and they are hard to find. The Corsa engine in my brothers was done when he brought it but it fits nice and looks like it was a fairly easy job. My SJ Moggy I hope to get on with will has a Sierra 1800 td in it but I have had to go SPOA to clear the sump which is fne as it will only be for lanning and shows ect so not to worried about c.o.g. But I will also fit add-a-leafs to help with the extra weight so will be a bit of a monster, the chassis is about 8" over a std SJ and thats without the tyres.

Hi i have done the conversion on mine with the 1.7 turbo diesel isuzu engine which i have mounted to a manta gearbox. Like the others say really the gear box is the hard part to find and because the rally doys use them on the red top engines they fetch good money mine cost me £100 and took me a few months to find. give you a rough idea what i have done.

Im using engine from a cavalier (best to get a complete car as you have down pip alternator clutch & throtal cable etc) im using the cav flywheel with the cav pressure plate but a manta clutch plate and thrust bearing

you have to cut about 5mm off the shaft of the manta box or the engine wont turn over.

I have had to make the engine mounts but i used the alterntor braket on the side the turbo is on with defender 90 engine mount bush underneath

you need to make/get a prop made from gearbox to transfer box (cost me £80 with new end) may want to upgrade your rear prop too

Wiring is pretty straight forward.

my biggest problem is overheating im currently putting my rad in the back with electric fan.

anyway hope this helps

sorry i could answer this in an instant but on second bottle of wine so sorry.
all i will say is.

1500 td is more powerfull than 1700 td izuzu/vauxhall.
trust me i know.

if you are asking me this question 1500 td all the way. over the 1700 cavalier engine

you will need a vauxhall r25 getrac gearbox.(carlton 1800 - 2000 ohc).

when you have all this i can tell you the best - easiest way to bolt itall in.


tony