Utimate diesel engine swap brewing? One of the kind mitsubishi diesel truck in US?

[Monterorider]

AZ crew? I've never seen one before stateside for obvious reason not being EPA certified.
But here is one available: 2008 Mitsubishi L200
You most likely won't be able to register it but if you manage to keep it this side of the border it would at least be ultimate desired engine swap for many. It's 4 door crew cab 2.8L TD that's turbo diesel according to VIN, AUTO, I'm guessing part time 4wd EasySelect. It's build for mexico. One of these babies http://www.mitsubishimotors.com.mx/index.php?s=modelos&m=detalle&a=9
I've conversed with custodian. Truck is in disrepair.

The truck doesn’t run and hasn’t in quite some time. The dash wiring has been cut, holes in dash cut. Interior is disassembled, exhaust system missing.

I'm sure parts can be sourced from Mexico :sombrero: if you manage to keep it stateside. I was thinking about it but just don't have time/resources for this size of project. Also I'd be in big DEQ hassle. If you are adventurous enough, mechanically inclined and live out of emission testing area it would be amazing project. If you can squeak it by your DMV you might even get one of the kind truck in entire US (rated for 25 hwy/20 city mpg, 2200 playload). Or get all the parts for perfect Montero engine swap.

 

[eurosonic]

hmmm interesting, wonder how hard it would be swap into a 2nd gen.

 

[Monterorider]

It's 4M40 engine from Pajero. Not it "should be" relatively easy. But Sacramento is in emissions testing area. Isn't it? They'll eat you alive for doing this.

 

[off-roader]

Maybe you can to register it for off road use only.:smiley_drive:

 

[Monterorider]

There is no such thing. What's the point anyway. If I've had thousand acre ranch maybe. Even Rubicon trail is designated as road (Forest Service or whatever it is) isn't it? You wouldn't be able legally drive it really anywhere off private property.

 

[off-roader]

There is no such thing. What's the point anyway. If I've had thousand acre ranch maybe. Even Rubicon trail is designated as road (Forest Service or whatever it is) isn't it? You wouldn't be able legally drive it really anywhere off private property.

LOL, I'm no expert but I'm pretty confident there is a way to do this. Ask Paul Allen how he brought in a Porsche 959. It's for non-road use. For the track only.

Do you think race trucks are street legal? Nope. Off road use only.

I would think you can bring one in with that type of designation.

EDIT: I should add that after re-reading this post I find my tone possibly confrontational. It's not meant to be by any stretch so hope you don't take it that way.

 

[Monterorider]

Well. I don't know how to do it and what does it entails (most likely serious $$$$$) so I avoid giving this advice unless I can be sure of it. Have you seen off-road use only registration form in DMV? Does Paul Alen use it on the street? Trailer queen rock baggy is understandable but hauling around regular pickup would be rather silly. Can it be done? Maybe! I've got no clew.

 

[scrubber3]

I sure am glad I don't live where the government can dictate what engine I put in my rig.

Good luck whatever you do!

 

[Monterorider]

Of course you are. You can only put same or later model year EPA approved engine into your street legal car. That's federal regulation. Do otherwise with import engine it's up to $35000 per violation.

 

[Silverwulf]

Some guy over in the nissan forum is swapping a deisel in xterra. Ask him how he is going about registration/smog.
http://www.expeditionportal.com/forum/threads/73196-Roninjiro-s-xterra-build

 

[off-roader]

Some guy over in the nissan forum is swapping a deisel in xterra. Ask him how he is going about registration/smog.
http://www.expeditionportal.com/forum/threads/73196-Roninjiro-s-xterra-build

I assume it can be transplanted so long as it was available for that year or is a newer diesel and meets emissions regulations. Just not sure if it was past regs or current ones? I would assume past regs.

 

[Monterorider]

I'm not saying it can't be done. I've considered it myself. It's harder in some states and illegal in all of them but individuals usually fly under radar. There are plenty diesel rovers around. I know those people personally. EPA only usually hunts down large exporters and to levy big fine on them. None the less if someone gets away doing something that doesn't necessary make it legal does it? This is not that big deal of infraction but technically still illegal

if this guy tries to move to state with emission testing he'll be royally screwed. Or if suddenly hist state/city institutes it. Most of people how get away more or less easily are those with pre-OBD II vehicles. Whose get tested with sensor. OBD II they just plug computer in to check for codes and emission monitors, etc. You can get diesel to run clean enough to pass emission test but there isn't much you can do about OBD II.

 

[off-roader]

Yeah, if I were considering it, I'd be looking at a 95 or older rig & a newer diesel. As far as I can recall the key considerations for the CARB are...
1) Transplant engine is newer than vehicle.
2) Meets smog regulations from date of manufacture.
3) Diesel engines were not smogged prior to 98 or so
Oh, yeah and I'd register my primary residence in a CA county w/out regular smog testing.

Check out this page in regards to general smog requirements...
http://www.dmv.org/ca-california/smog-check.php

 

[Monterorider]

That's one way people do it. Which technically itself has own legal ramifications.

 

[roaming knome]

I was looking at this also and called about it. It is not diesel, it is a 2wd gas motor with 5sp trans. It would still be cheap for someone looking for a project vehicle but definitely not diesel.