TDI first gen 4Runner, pickup

John Smith

Well-Known Member
Joined
Jan 30, 2010
Location
mt. pilot nc
The Goal/s:

1) Replace a blown 3.0 with a
VW TDI (ALH)

2) Make everything

3) possibly offer a kit for sale (if anyone expresses interest)


Starting with:

1988 4Runner

3.0, 5speed

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@skyhighZJ i finished machining the adapter last week. It was done correctly, using the dowel pins from both manufacturers! Some other adapters rely on the fasteners to locate adapter placement. I’ve read blogs stating concentricity was off by as much as .060!
 
Does it mate the tdi to the stock toy bell housing? What is the power output and do you think it will be within the power handling range of the trans? I assume it’s a w56 of some sort ?
 
Yes, my adapter bolts to the back of the TDI and the factory toy transmission bolts directly to it.

I’m thinking the ALH is 90ish HP and 150lb/ft (very comparable to the 22r) While those numbers aren’t too impressive, the people that have completed the swap are saying the TDI still out-performs the 22r and 3.0.

Both my vehicles have the 3.0 so the transmissions are the r150. I’d feel ok saying nearly all the Toyota transmissions would handle the TDI, even with upgrades and tuning.

When I’m done, i plan on making around 100hp and 200lb/ft to the wheels.
 
Subbed.
Curious about mating for the auto from a 22re.
Bolt patterns are different from the W56. Also isn't the flexplate portion specific to the 6 cyl? I believe the starter is on the opposite side from the 22r.
 
Right now, all I have available is an adapter for mating the TDI to the 3.0/3.4 6 cylinder engine. The pattern is different than the 22r.

If there’s interest in a 22r to TDI swap, I’ll machine an adapter.

The adapter would work for automatics as well. However, the 6 cylinder 4x4 transmission is electronically controlled. I’m not certain if you could make it talk with a VW ECU. I think the 2wd trans is not controlled by the ECU. I have no desire to pursue an automatic swap so I’ll never really know.
 
RatLabGuy said:
Subbed.
Curious about mating for the auto from a 22re.
Bolt patterns are different from the W56. Also isn't the flexplate portion specific to the 6 cyl? I believe the starter is on the opposite side from the 22r.
Click to expand...
The starter for the 22r, 3.0 and, the TDI are all on the passenger side
 
Neat! my brother has been telling me about this for the past couple of weeks, he said you were getting the adapter plate anodized. Bling!
 
How far into the wiring have you dug? My 3.4 won’t last forever and a small diesel does sound interesting.
 
Awesome!!!!! I’ve been in touch with a guy in Canada that does these all the time. But he uses the Aaz non computer motor that USA doesn’t have. He hasn’t done the ALH with a 3.0 he’s done plenty with the 22s....
 
@strange1

Im not too deep into the wiring/harness. Should be like most other ECU “hookup”. I do know the ALH doesn’t need to see signal from the cluster. I’ve also noticed no one is using the factory Toyota tach after the swap. I’m not sure what signal it needs to see. Right now, I’m focused on getting it mounted in the vehicle with some respectable parts!
 
Ibayne said:
Awesome!!!!! I’ve been in touch with a guy in Canada that does these all the time. But he uses the Aaz non computer motor that USA doesn’t have. He hasn’t done the ALH with a 3.0 he’s done plenty with the 22s....
Click to expand...

I’ve seen some of his stuff. You’d be much happier with my components...

I have two reasons for starting with a 3.0.

1) I have a good running 3.0 in my xcab. I needed a Truck/4Runner with a blown engine to accept my good engine.

2) for whatever reason, the 22r’s have a cult following. Very few people want to give up the 22r in favor of many better engines. There’s a lot of 3.0’s out there that need work but they’re just not easy to repair. With that said, a lot of people with 3.0’s love their trucks and need/want a better solution, in comes the TDI swap!!!
 
I plan to use the VW alternator and P/S pump. I really haven’t looked into a solution for A/C. I’ll need to get the engine mounted and running first...
 
strange1 said:
How far into the wiring have you dug? My 3.4 won’t last forever and a small diesel does sound interesting.
Click to expand...
Maybe I'm wrong but I think you'll be netting a loss on power (assuming stock). Efficiency though...
 
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RatLabGuy said:
Maybe I'm wrong but I think you'll be netting a loss on power (assuming stock). Efficiency though...
Click to expand...

He is not planning on leaving the motor stock. Apparently it can easily be tuned up for more power like most other diesel engines.
 
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