Acy, I do remember talking to you about your diesel conversion over the phone. I remember this swap sounded somewhat difficult to me. I am in no way a mechanic and even the 3.4 conversion seems daunting to me. However through my search for a solution to better efficiency with the Trooper I have always thought that diesel and all the fuel options it represented were my favorite solution. I am also willing to learn as I go and take my time because I literally plan to keep the Trooper forever. Whatever I do now will benefit me for years to come. You said your Trooper and the TD install represented buying another car for you so it made sense to do what you are doing. I feel the same way in that even though my Trooper is running good at the present I want to make it as efficient as possible. For me it is a responsibility in the times we live in with shrinking resources to be as efficient as possible in any way you can. So if I can RECYCLE the Trooper instead of buying another vehicle that seems good to me.
To answer some questions posed about my capabilities and readiness to do any kind of swap. (A).I do have other transportation and could take the Trooper out of commision for a while to do the swap. (B). I do have a relative that is a diesel mechanic from eastern europe who has stated: get me the specifics on a diesel swap and he will be hands on as much as I need him to get the swap done. (C). He has all the tools needed and I have a fair amount of tools also.
Everything considered I would much prefer the 2.8Turbo Diesel. It fits in with a lot of my goals and my personality. I plan to build a Straw Bale house to retire in. I have researched them for about 10 years now. They are very effecient, easy to build yourself and represent self sufficiency and awareness that their is a better way than the traditional methods of going to the bank and borrow a lot of money to build an inefficient costly house. Trooper,s represent sort of the same spirit to me. Like you said what else can you get for under $2000 that can do what a Trooper does. It's just that gas mileage thing that throws a monkey wrench in the works with the Trooper. The 2.8 TD is the optimal upgrade for a Trooper in my mind. Then I could have my cake and eat it to.
This forum is great. We have sparked a healthy debate and discussion concerning topics we shoud all be interested in and concerned about. Everyone can and should benefit from this. You have re-inspired me to pursue the DIESEL path for the Trooper.
A few more questions concerning the 2.8TD.
What kind of power and mileage do you expect from the TD in relation to the 2.8 gas?
Do you have an automatic Tranny option with the TD or must you stay with the 5spd?
When do you expect to have the 2.8TD project on the road and stats coming in as to it's performance?
Acy, I will check out your site also...Thanks again...Steve <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/pfft.gif" alt="" />
