Can someone comment on how strong (or weak) the 5 speed trannies were in the 2.8 V6 Troopers? I've been trying to find info on exactly what transmission it is, and whether it could handle a potential engine swap. There's a diesel engine I'm interested in swapping that puts out on the order of 277 ft/lbs of torque. Could the tranny handle it with a good clutch or would it just fly to bits? I'm thinking the engine could be made to fit using an adapter from www.obwcanada.com. They claim the adapter (from Advance Adapters) will mate the engine to any GM transmission that can handle the torque. Since the V6 in the trooper was a 2.8 GM unit, is this a possibility?

Todd K.

The MUA-5 tranny in the troopers are way overbuilt. I recall one of our Isuzu Gurus saying he thought it would hold up to V8 power with no problems.

So, I would think you'd not have any trouble with the swap you have planned. I know there is 4.3 chevy engine in front of the MUA-5 in one case. Using a custom adapter.

Joe

Most of the AA adapters are designed for the 4.3 and smallblock GM pattern, they even have a few with the BOP buick olds pontiac pattern. Not sure if they make much for the GM 60 degree pattern*. Engines with this pattern aren't really that popular to the engine swap crowd so aftermarket adapters are limited. Just check on that first before you keep going down this route.

*Engines with this pattern are the GM 2.8, 3.1, 3.4, 3.8s (except the Buick 3.8s) Caddillac 4.1, Northstar, Aurora and a few other v8 caddys.

Some more info
http://www.jeeps-offroad.com/tech-articles/4740-engine-swap-bellhousings.html

Todd, what diesel engine are you looking at that will be putting that amount of torque to the ground? I saw you posted in the Diesel forum about wanting to go with the 2.8 4JB1-T diesel engine, but I'm almost positive the stock torque number is not that high. It's still pretty good though don't get me wrong, but just thought I'd ask out of curiosity. Glad to see you're interested in going with a diesel in your Trooper as there have been a few people on the forum that have done the conversion. I almost am positive on this but if you have a Trooper with the 4ZE1 2.6 gas engine and 5-speed trans, the transmission is the same exact unit they used behind the 4JB1-T 2.8 diesel engine in other countries. The only thing different is the starter mounts on the opposite side for the diesel engine making the front of the transmission (bellhousing) different. In reality though the internal guts are probably the same, which is always great for rebuilding purposes. acy76 has done the conversion and he knows the most without a doubt given he has got his hands dirty doing it all. Great progress he's made over the time he has done it and I hope to do the same conversion in the future. Hope you keep us posted when you're doing yours too. Oh and welcome to the forum too! Glad to have ya.

Salvy

Well, I WAS looking at the International HS2800TDI (International Engine) but that's out now that I've found the MUA5 won't work. The adapters available for that particular engine will mate up to most any GM tranny, automatic OR manual. Woulda been a killer combo I think!

I'm still determined. Can someone shed light on where I could pick up the drivetrain that Acy76 used? I guess I need to read up on the 4J series Isuzu diesels now.

Todd

Pretty active group here http://autos.groups.yahoo.com/group/hs2800TDI/
From frontpage



If you wanna change to a diesel, I would not let a tranny swap stop you. With a GM tranny the options are pretty much wide open <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

That's exactly the group I came from! Some really nice options there. I have to say though, after seeing Acy76's conversion being basically a bolt-in, that's what I'm going to try to go with now.

Todd K.