Project Grimm: I plan on using this thread to document swapping the engine/trans (diesel) out of my 2000 Jetta TDI into a 2000 Ford minivan. We needed a family vehicle that gets better then a 20 mpg minivan, hence the swap. We are projecting from the outset a minimum of 35 mpg. The donor vehicle came with a blown engine from a friends scrap yard and is extremely inexpensive even though it is rust free and loaded with leather etc. The swap will entail a partial harness/computer swap along with the obvious engine/trans/inter-cooler etc. Tire size will be changed to maintain current gearing and eventually mild injectors to compensate for the extra weight of the minivan. We'll likely add a pyro to make sure we don't toast it.
Phase one: completed - checking, measuring and making sure it can be done without major surgery/fabrication.
Phase two: in process - buying as many parts ahead of time to speed the actual swap. We can't be without a family vehicle for months. I just picked up a clutch from South Bend Clutch today. Thumbs up. In the mail are things like a rear main seal, trans fluid, etc - we plan to change wear parts that are readily accessible while the engine/trans are out.
Phase three: mechanical swap. The purpose of this phase is to get the vehicle running and on the road. Fabbing mounts, axles etc. We should begin this phase in a month.
Phase four: finishing misc. Once its on the road, we'll figure out details like making speedometer work.
btw. I know this is a cummins forum, but I know some of you here and thought you might be interested in what is likely a highly unique project.
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