Please read through the common questions below. If you have any further questions please give us a call, email, or chat with us on social media!
HOW DOES THE ADAPTER WORK?
Our adapters make the back of the TDI engine physically resemble the back of the original engine it is replacing. No drilling or welding required, no custom flywheels, or shorted input shafts. Any transmission that originally bolted to your engine will work with this adapter kit.
WHY ARE THERE TWO ADAPTER PLATES?
Our two plate system allows you to clock/rotate the engine while keeping the transmission in the stock orientation. There are three different clocking positions: 0 degrees, 10 degrees, or 15 degrees.
DO I NEED A FLYWHEEL OR FLEXPLATE?
Our TDI kits utilize the original flywheel or flexplate from the original engine being replaced. You will not need the VW TDI flywheel, clutch, torque converter, or starter motor.
HOW ACCURATE IS THE TRANSMISSION ALIGNMENT?
We use our Aerospace Grade CMM to pull all the dimensions off the original engine. It allows us to precisely reverse engineer the bolt pattern down to 0.0001". Incorrect alignment will cause premature failure of the pilot and input shaft bearings, excessive clutch plate wear, and internal gear binding.
HOW EASY IS A DIESEL CONVERSION?
-It depends on which vehicle you want to convert and how much mechanical experience you have.
-If you approach the conversion in stages you can get the vehicle driving in less than 5 days.
-Stage 1, do your research first, and lay out all your required tasks.
-Stage 2, focus on getting the engine in and driving with very minimal changes to engine and wiring harness.
-Stage 3, after you confirm the engine runs and drives, start your performance upgrades, custom wiring harness, gauges, engine rebuilds, etc.. This method reduces the number of variables you introduce to the project, and significantly increases your conversion success. Too many people make too many changes right from the start or try to make it perfect the first time round. Take it slow, minimize the number of changes all at once, and you will have a successful conversion!
-You will need regular mechanic tools, engine hoist, welding machine, basic fabrication knowledge, some electrical knowledge, and beverages.
DOES TDCONVERSIONS DO CONVERSIONS ON CUSTOMER VEHICLES?
-Not currently. We sell the conversion kits to get your engine into the vehicle and bolted to the transmission.
WHAT IS THE COST TO CONVERT?
-Conversion cost depends on the vehicle you are converting and the performance level you want.
-The TDI comes stock ranging from about 90hp up to about 150hp. The 1.9L and 2.0L can easily achieve 175+ hp and 300+ ft-lbs with only a turbo upgrade, injector nozzles, and a tune. Upgraded turbos start at $600, nozzles $250 plus installation/calibration, and ECM tunes $400.
-Our adapter kits are $1199 USD with free shipping.
-A used 1.9L TDI engines can be purchased for $500, and up to $1500 for the newer common rail 2.0L TDI.
-Add in some motor mounts, a little fabricating with your favorite electric metal glue gun and you could be on the road for under $2000.
AM I GOING TO SAVE MONEY BY CONVERTING?
-Yes the diesel should get at least double the fuel mileage compared to your gasoline engine.
-Diesel is typically cheaper than gasoline, plus the increased MPG nets you excellent savings and eventually pays for your swap.
-But lets be on honest, you are doing this because you want to save the polar bears and love sexy anodized parts.
DO AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSIONS WORK FOR CONVERSIONS?
-Yes an automatic transmission will work with our adapter kits.
-You will need a standalone TCM controller for your specific transmission. These controllers are highly tunable and have manual shift modes.
-Be aware of your torque converters stall speed and full lock RPM. You may need to purchase a new converter that better suits the TDI.
CAN A FULL SIZE TRUCK BE CONVERTED?
-Most certainly yes! For TDI conversions into half ton trucks we would recommend at least a Stage 4 Malone tune or equivalent with supporting mods (turbo, injectors, etc..). The little TDI can easily achieve 315ft-lbs+ with a larger turbo, injector nozzles, and a tune. In comparison, a Chevy 1500 with the 5.3L V8 is 320hp / 335 ft-lbs. It won't be a rocket ship but it is possible!