I wouldn't worry about it....Fiat has more experience building engines, particularly smaller diesel engines, than most companies.
The EGR system on that diesel is the big question in my mind. If its going to be an afterthought like it was on the 4-cylinder version VM_Motori in the Patriot I'm going to wait to see how it sorts out because that last go round had problems. I haven't read the tech docs yet to see if its a single engine design for Europe and US, or if we will have to get some special emissions system to pass EPA regs. Anyone know? Maybe too early yet. Oh, and FORD are you listening???
If it would get 30 MPG, yes. But considering the Wrangler is as aerodynamic as a shoebox, I'm not sure this engine in a Wrangler can achieve the extra mileage required to offset the extra cost of diesel fuel in the U.S.
Cummins has engines developed that would work in that truck but I'm sure fiat doesn't want them in there which is a shame because a lot of guys would love to have a Cummins in their grocery getter
It ain't the fuel economy! "The engine is rated at 240 hp and 420 lb-ft of torque" ...and that's gotta be at less than half the rpms of the peak torque in the gas V6. Damn! I got a boner
What are you going to do with it? The current gasser has plenty of power, and in fact in low range it's overkill.
Anything he wants to, it would be his jeep. I thought about putting a 4BT in my CJ7 when the 256 was giving up the ghost, but instead put a small block in it as it was cheaper to do than even rebuilding the 256. I look back on it and wish I had put a 4BT in it for slow speed stuff and fuel milage, but there are times when leaving the light with the front tires in the air and leaving a mustang looking stupid makes it worth it (on a closed course). no not my daily driver, not even close, but it is fun to run around in the desert with.
If it would pull the front wheels at a stop light and leave a mustang in a drag race, or if it gets 30 mpg I'd get it. But if it falls significantly short of those capabilities I wouldn't. The point I was making was it costs 25% + to run diesel compared to gas in the states. This V6 in the wrangler would have to really shine in mileage to be worth it. As for power, the current gasser is no slouch and is speed limited to 100 mph anyway.
My 04 dodge takes 3 gallons. The recommended oil change interval is 7,500 for severe duty and 15,000 miles for light duty. I'm kinda old school and still change it every 5,000 miles. I have gone 10,000 miles between changes twice though. Look up "Fumoto valve". Makes oil changes much easier!
GM and Ford both have diesel engines in the ROTW (rest of the world) markets. Maybe not V6 diesels, but diesel engines in their small pickups nonetheless...
Plus, what will the option price be ? Currently the big three are getting around $8000 for the diesel option. That with the extra cost of fuel will give no payback like diesels did years ago... Also, if you are looking for that big truck sound, you will not get it here, this engine will not be much, if any noisier than a gas mill. I have a new Sprinter in my shop, you can barely hear the engine, in and out of the rig. Glad I got my Cummins back in 99, It looks like a truck, rides like a truck, sounds like a truck and with the stick coming out of the floor, shifts like a truck ....
How about this, a true small pickup available with either a 2.2 4 cyl or a 3.2 V6: http://www.ford.com.au/commercial/ranger
I'd love to get a RAM 1500 with a TD in it. I'd love it even more if it were a 4BT, and not some off brand Italian diesel.
When new, it got 14 added big tires - 13 chipped - 13.5 took off tailgate - 13.6 drove at 60mph - 16.1 rounded up to nearest even multiple of ten - 20
Unless you want US made only, Toyota still sells 4 cylinder Tacomas (it's a 2.4L I think) that are reasonably sized.
