[bigman]

My relative has a Mahindra CJ340.

It has a Kirloskar engine which he wants to change for something with a bit more punch.

Please can anyone suggest a replacement diesel engine that could be easily installed.

[MalluDude]

I've seen people using the Isuzu 1.8 engine and 5-speed stick, used in Ambassador, as a retrofit. Though the engine will be smooth and fuel-efficient, the vehicle won't be very exciting to drive. Of course, if 4-WD is your requirement, then forget the above. You could go for a later model Jeep box in that case.

BTW, did the kirloskar engine come stock with the vehicle?

[bigman]

Thanks for your suggestion.

It does not have 4WD so I guess they Isuzu unit would be ok. The current engine is nothing too exciting, it is very slow so anything would be an improvement.

Is the Isuzu engine you mention petrol or diesel ? He wants a diesel engine.

I believe he bought the Jeep with the Kiloskar engine. I doubt it is the original stock engine.

[MalluDude]

Diesel... The diesel Ambassador was what I meant.

[Steeroid]

You get pretty good used Toyota and Mitsubishi diesels. Inquire around in Cochin or Coimbatore and you will find a good fit. Not very expensive, either.

[bigman]

Thanks.

Roughly how much would it be for a Isuzu 1.8 with the 5 speed gearbox ? or a similar Toyota set up.

[Aditya]

Try the 4cyl 2.5L 72bhp diesel unit from the Bolero. It's powerful enough for the Jeep and has a 5 speed gearbox.

[bigman]

Originally Posted by Aditya

Try the 4cyl 2.5L 72bhp diesel unit from the Bolero. It's powerful enough for the Jeep and has a 5 speed gearbox.

Is it easily available like the other power units mentioned above ?

[Aditya]

I don't think this engine will be difficult to obtain. Mahindra used to fit this engine in the Armada Grand and the 540 / 550 too. Slight modifications may be required to be made to the 340, but, it's worth it.

[GTO]

bigman,

You havent specified your location, but if I was looking for a diesel engine transplant...I would only trust Tutu Dhawan from Delhi. That dude is a genius with an extremely precision-oriented attitude. I have seen his work and not only do you get performance, but also daily use reliability! I am dead sure he would make a transplant work with 4x4 gear. Hes expensive, but well worth it.

The Conti 1.8 engine used to be a popular fit on the CJ. You lose the 4x4 and gain a lot more in power. To each his own, but a Jeep without 4x4 is akin to an impotent man.

GTO

[bigman]

Thanks GTO.

The Jeep is in Punjab. He said there are a few places in Nabha where they refurbish jeeps and also near Sirsa (Haryana). I have seen a few refurbished Jeeps (engine, gearbox and new body) from Dabwali (Sirsa) and they do a decent job for a reasonable price. I have yet to see anything form Nabha.

I agree with your comments about the 4x4.
There is no 4x4 on the Jeep at the moment and I doubt he will want it fitted. I guess he prefers an impotent Jeep which he hopes will get its much needed viagra with a new engine.

Based on what you guys have told me I will tell him to go for the Conti 1.8 or the 2.5L 72bhp Bolero unit.

[GTO]

Based on what you guys have told me I will tell him to go for the Conti 1.8 or the 2.5L 72bhp Bolero unit.

Sorry to miss this earlier, but the 2.5L Bolero engine will not fit. The CJ chassis is too small to accomodate the longer drivetrain parts.

The 1.8 Isuzu engine costs about 7,000 in Bombay (used).

GTO

[bigman]

Thanks again GTO.

I will suggest the 1800 Isuzu set up.

[ananthkamath]

My mechanic friend has done a good number of jeep engine conversions, most of them on 540 chassis with Kaiser bodies.

He says that you can retain 4x4 even if you fit a Isuzu 1.8. The original gearbox needs to be retained for this but he does not recommend this.

He has used various Nissan & Toyota engines in the past mated to the original Toyota gearbox and says that the Toyota engines give the smoothest feel & last very long (typically 2+ lakh km). Prices are in the range of 20 to 25 k (for 1C & 2C) last time I heard (long time ago)

You can consider using the Qualis engine because it has adequate power and parts are readily available. I heard its expensive though (>60k).

Another favorite here is the 307 Trax/Traveller engine mated to the Sierra gearbox. This has the advantage of being cheaply available. The engine is quite refined and smooth though sounding a tad agricultural. The Sierra gearbox as everyone knows is pretty good.

In addition, 5-cylinder Mercedes benz engines are also available and can be fitted with some effort but may be unsuitable for your CJ 340 because it has a short wheelbase.

You could also consider the 1.5 liter Toyota 1N engine; though it may seem underpowered on paper, it is said to be a good match for the Jeep.

Mahindra engines are ok but are neither very smooth nor very refined. The new CL MDI engines are extremely good for off-roading due to their abundant torque, but I think GTO is more qualified to comment on this.

[bigman]

Thanks for the reply Ananthkamath.