14' Jeep GC 'EcoDiesel'

[Jorsn]

Looks like Chrysler pantented 'EcoDiesel' badge for the upcoming 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee Diesel...

http://www.greencarreports.com/news...nd-cherokee-diesel-to-carry-new-ecodiesel-tag

Just one more step towards making it become a reality...

 

[jeep-N-montero]

Sounds good.

 

[Dan Grec]

I hope it gets better than 33 highway / 23 city mpg as mentioned in that article.

Especially with an 8 speed (if it comes)

 

[haven]

An EcoDiesel badge would look nice on a Dodge Power Wagon. The 3.0L diesel V6 makes the same torque as the 5.7L gas V8 in the Power Wagon today, and would get better mpg.

 

[jeep-N-montero]

An EcoDiesel badge would look nice on a Dodge Power Wagon. The 3.0L diesel V6 makes the same torque as the 5.7L gas V8 in the Power Wagon today, and would get better mpg.

Especially with the new average mpg requirements I could see this happening.

 

[jeepdreamer]

And to think of the potential once the re-programmers get caught up.... Free up some of that power and maybe boost the MPG numbers in the process. Woot! And then drop it in a JK. Double Woot! Granted it will be 30 years before I could afford a used one... and I'll be over 70 by then! :O

 

[Dan Grec]

And to think of the potential once the re-programmers get caught up.... Free up some of that power and maybe boost the MPG numbers in the process. Woot! And then drop it in a JK. Double Woot! Granted it will be 30 years before I could afford a used one... and I'll be over 70 by then! :O

If it doesn't come from the factory, my plan is a used 07 JK Unlimited for ~$15k + this engine conversion for ~$10-$15k, all for hopefully around $25k-$30k.
Seems do-able in my lifetime.

-Dan

 

[Jorsn]

An EcoDiesel badge would look nice on a Dodge Power Wagon. The 3.0L diesel V6 makes the same torque as the 5.7L gas V8 in the Power Wagon today, and would get better mpg.

I'm sure we will see something in a few years. Right now Ford has the EcoBoost and Dodge could certainly steal the show the an EcoDiesel in the Ram line up.

If it doesn't come from the factory, my plan is a used 07 JK Unlimited for ~$15k + this engine conversion for ~$10-$15k, all for hopefully around $25k-$30k.
Seems do-able in my lifetime.

-Dan

Exactly what I was thinking. The transmissions are really cheap... Just gotta get your hands on an engine and all of the wiring.

 

[SSF556]

Highly doubtful on the stated fuel economy #s.......I have a 2012 ML350 BlueTec...similar setup with Grand...7 speed vs 8 speed and I am averaging 24mpg right now. If the Grand gets the 5 speed there is no way it will get 33mpg...My 2008 Grand Cherokee CRD with the 5 speed is above 2500rpms when going faster than 65mph.

Check out my fuelly page....
http://www.fuelly.com/driver/scootr29/ml350

I used to have a 2010 ML350 BlueTec and I never saw above 28 mpg.

The E350 BlueTec struggles to get above 30 mpg and it is a lot more aero than the Grand. Aero is the biggest disadvantage for and mid size diesel SUV...if you bought a 2wd Grand or ML350 that will bump you up slightly.


Now all that being said...if you bought a 2013 Grand or ML350 and drove it strictly at 55mph and no city driving you may break the 30 mpg mark.

 

[Jorsn]

Highly doubtful on the stated fuel economy #s.......I have a 2012 ML350 BlueTec...similar setup with Grand...7 speed vs 8 speed and I am averaging 24mpg right now. If the Grand gets the 5 speed there is no way it will get 33mpg...My 2008 Grand Cherokee CRD with the 5 speed is above 2500rpms when going faster than 65mph.

Check out my fuelly page....
http://www.fuelly.com/driver/scootr29/ml350

I used to have a 2010 ML350 BlueTec and I never saw above 28 mpg.

The E350 BlueTec struggles to get above 30 mpg and it is a lot more aero than the Grand. Aero is the biggest disadvantage for and mid size diesel SUV...if you bought a 2wd Grand or ML350 that will bump you up slightly.


Now all that being said...if you bought a 2013 Grand or ML350 and drove it strictly at 55mph and no city driving you may break the 30 mpg mark.

Hmmm... I've read of guys either in Aus or Europe(can't remember which) that where getting 30+ Mpg's, Hand calculated. I think this VM Motori engine is a lot better.

 

[haven]

"I have a 2012 ML350 BlueTec...similar setup with Grand...7 speed vs 8 speed and I am averaging 24 mpg"

24 mpg would be a great figure for a Grand Cherokee. The 2012 GC with 5.7L V8 is EPA-rated at 15 mpg combined. With the GC's 24 gallon fuel tank, the diesel would have a range of 575 miles. Compare with 360 mile range for the gas V8.

In California right now, for some reason, a gallon of ULSD diesel costs about the same as a gallon of regular unleaded. Not true elsewhere in USA.

 

[Dan Grec]

Exactly what I was thinking. The transmissions are really cheap... Just gotta get your hands on an engine and all of the wiring.

It's not based on anything other than my gut, but I think it's extremely likely we'll see kits from Burnsville and/or AEV not too long after the diesel GC lands.
Those guys have got to know there is a huge demand for a top quality JK diesel swap, and this engine will be perfect.

-Dan

 

[haven]

It shouldn't be hard to make a diesel conversion kit. Many of the parts necessary are already available from Jeep, since a diesel Wrangler is offered in Europe. (The Euro diesel is a 2.8 4 cylinder, not the 3.0L V6 that will be offered in the Grand Cherokee.)

However, if the diesel kit adds $15K to the price of a Jeep, I'm not sure how huge the demand will be. I wonder how many Hemi V8 upgrades AEV has sold?

 

[Dan Grec]

However, if the diesel kit adds $15K to the price of a Jeep, I'm not sure how huge the demand will be.

True. Especially for owners of the 2012+ with the 3.6 and better auto.
What does the HEMI swap cost all-told by the time you buy the AEV kit, engine and trans? I think it's right around $15k ?

I wonder how many Hemi V8 upgrades AEV has sold?

I'm only guessing, but I think it's a lot.

I think a diesel conversion will be popular for owners of 2007-2011 JKs that already have a lot of money in non-engine mods.

-Dan

 

[Dan Grec]

What does the HEMI swap cost all-told by the time you buy the AEV kit, engine and trans? I think it's right around $15k ?

I found this thread on AEV's forum: http://forum.aev-conversions.com/showthread.php?t=1891

$20k for a brand new HEMI swap, labor included. I see no reason the 3.0 diesel would be cheaper than that.

I was hoping to do most of the work myself anyway, now I know I have to

-Dan