Hi everybody, good to have found this group! A friend of mine got a new Jeep TJ, and I have confirmed my interest in 4-wheeling- what a great time! While Jeeps are ok, most dealerships around here want a mint for even a decent used one. Besides that, I'd like a truck that is a bit more practical for every day use, but still be tough for the trails.

I was looking at the Suzuki Vitara\Chevy Tracker, because they are a perfect size (2-door versions) and have a real transfer case with low range. Until I found this list, I had no idea that the Kia Sportage also had low range. I'm hooked now! It might be later this summer before I get one, but the little Kia's have caught my attention. You folks on this list really seem "in the know" and have a lot of good information to share.

So here's my big question- is it possible to swap a diesel into a U.S. spec Sportage? Upon searching, it seems that a diesel version was avaliable outside the US- (just like everything else) do the diesel versions use the same tranny? What are options for using a non-factory engine/transmission combination? I am a big diesel fan and a small 4x4 with a diesel would be super sweet.

Thanks for the info, and I hope to learn a lot and have a great time here.

Brendan
84 Scirocco 8v
00 Camaro L36 M49

i am pretty sure the diesels offered outside the US used the same manual tranny, but i'm not sure they were ever offered with an auto tranny. the swap could work, but you'd likely need just about everything relating to the engine, harness, computer, etc. to make it work, would be a lot of work, but yes, a diesel Sportage would be cool as hell. the Sportage is actually a tiny bit bigger than the Suzuki/Chevy and much prettier, well, until they come out with the '05 model. that 2-dr vitara is just ugly. glad another has found the sport.

Dont forget that according to solomiata info sportage engine IS a modified to gasoline diesel engine so I presume that the diesel engine will bolt right in. Now as dave said bolting is one thing making work is an other....

That's interesting- a gas engine converted to diesel. Didnt work too well for Chevy in the 70's... :P

Yeah, it would be cool. Still, the cost of importing a "crate" engine would probably be higher than trying to fab up a completely different engine in the long run. The question is, what would fit and provide enough power?

Anyone know more specifications on the "factory" sportage diesel, like what kind of fuel system, etc.. as if it is mostly mechanically driven, there might not be much of a computer to worry about. It's when you get to messing with "drive by wire" like in VW's TDI engine, when computers start to become a pain.

Time to start diggin.
Thanks for the replies and the info.

Brendan
84 Scirocco 8v
00 Camaro L36 M49

To put is more accurate is a gasoline engine with parts from the diesel one e.x. the crank shaft

Diesels Smell BAD! More torque ain't worth it!

Not the newer diesels, less particulate matter (soot) than a petrol, better fuel economy, less emissions than petrol, better torque, easier and more receptive to turbocharge, and in some cases better power. Only down side is the limited rev range, up to about 3500 rpm useful, but you drive them on their torque anyways, stump-pulling torque from just above idle (1200-1500 revs).

In essence they use electronically controlled direct injection into the cylinder (no precombustion chamber) at extremely high pressures, but controlled like modern EFI gas cars, so more accurate fuel metering = less soot.

Have a look at some of the new European diesels (VW Toureg V10 turbodiesel), truely awsome specs (even their emissions specs!)...

And about the RPM range thing- I've driven a slightly modified Volkswagen 1.6 IDI turbo diesel that would happily rev to 5000 rpm and make plenty of power that high. Somewhere around 120 hp? Pulled HARD. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" />

Diesel is the future. Petrol is for suckers. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/nana.gif" alt="" />

Brendan
84 Scirocco 8v
00 Camaro L36 M49