Fuel Mileage

[bmwmc]

I would like to hear some real numbers for a 1.9TD in a Tracker.  That is the swap I want to do.  But diesel costs more than gasoline around here and I am trying to decide if its economically feasible to go with the diesel engine.  I get about 27mpg from the Tracker.  At local prices, I would have to get about 30mpg on diesel to break even.  Is that likely to happen?

[AcmeAdapters]

Most 1.9TD engines do not get much over 30 if any outside the VW application samurai or sidekick.  For the sidekicks and trackers running the 1.6TD we have gotten as much as 38-42.  If you want the power of the 1.9 you will need to compromize some on the mpg.

[Karhu]

In theory,

Torque is what moves a car. 1.6TD is high reving engine, and torque peak is in higher rpm's than in the 1.9TD.  Therefore the 1.6TD is more suitable for the Sidekick's or Samurai's transmission, were as the 1.9TD would need higher gearing to get the best MPG out of it.

1.6TD has a smaller displacement than the 1.9TD. So when running both engines whit the same amount on RPM, the MPG will be better in the 1.6TD.

I will be running 4.3 R&P gearing to get the RPM down in my 1.9TDi swap. I will be doing this to get best MPG out of my Sidekick. The torque peak in the 1Z engine is in round about 2000 rpm's, so I want to get close this by swapping the R&P gearing and tires.....

[bmwmc]

Thanks for the honest answer Acme.  I don't know if I need the power of the 1.9TD.  I do not want anything noticeably less powerful than the stock 1.6, which I find adequate.  I see the 1.6TD makes slightly more torque, but much less HP than the stocker.  Not sure how that translates into the driving experience.  I am only interested in the swap if I can have similar power with increased economy.

Karhu, thanks for the lesson in the RPM differences in the two TD engines.  I have only owned a Tracker two weeks.  It has a tired (158000 mile) engine, but I find it OK power-wise.  Are ring & pinion options very plentiful?  Economical DD and 4WD are what attracted me to the vehicle.  I really like it so far.  I like projects.  This one needs some love in the front end as it feels pretty worn/loose.

[Karhu]

Go whit the 1.6TD if you just want to have better fuel economy. I would have swapped also that engine to my sidekick, but the traffic laws were I live would not allow it (emissions).
So I had to choose  between from 1.9TD and 1.9TDI.

[bmwmc]

I would really like to hear from people who are living with these diesel engines.  If I am satisfied with the power of the stock (and well worn) stock 1.6 16V, am I going to be happy with the 1.6TD?  Is the "feel" similar?

[AcmeAdapters]

best way to describe is that the diesel will have the same seat of the pants feel at highway speeds on flat ground but the torque at take off and hills is much different, like an axle gear change.

[bmwmc]

Does anyone have a link to a dyno chart for the 16V 1.6 and the VW 1.6TD?  That would be very helpful in comparing the two engines.

[4wheeler]

I`m running a 1.9TD  with the K03 turbo.
I suggest getting the older 1.9TD with the K14.
I`m also running 34"LTB`s and yota axles, tranny and t case.
The RPM is slightly lower then when it was in the golf.

I`ve turned up the fuel a bit , turned up the boost and added an intercooler.
It feels easily twice the  power of the 1.6 gasser.
If you plan on bigger tires you will NOT be happy with the stock motor.
It will drastically drop power and fuel economy.

I get approx 25mpg average when not hard on it.
In my opinion diesel is always a better choice when upgrading tire size.
Plus you get the added benefit of being able to run WVO.

[bmwmc]

My decision is which diesel.  I plan to go no larger than 29" tires as I only plan a 2.5" lift.  I am talking Tracker.  I am happy with the stock motor now.  Guess I need to get the 29s on first and see if I still like the power level.

[surfersami]

Although not a tracker, I have a Sami, and the 1.6 n/a motor. I just got 39 mpg out of the last tank full going up and down rolling hills in the Lancaster/Rock Hill SC area. On the highway it is weak pulling hills. I have the .865 to 1 5th gear and it would do better mpg wise with the .765 5th. I run totally stock gears and 235/75-15 tires (28"-29").
In a tracker you would be happy with the 1.6 Turbo, it would feel like your driving the gasser around town, and you would have the highway mpg and power when you need it. Don't expect to drag race much with it without a bunch of tweeks though. You may not even have to change the R&P gears with the tire size change. Look up a gear and tire change rpm clculator on the web and run your tire size and gear figures to find the right mix.
With the smaller tires you may even do alright mpg wise with the 1.9TD

[4wheeler]

If you are only running 235 75 15 and you want to run a diesel in your tracker. No matter what diesel you pick you`ll have to use a numerically lower gear set. since you tracker comes with either 5:12 if standard or 4:62 is auto. You ll need to drop to 3:62. I belive the sammi third will work.
If you want to get away from re gearing you`ll need to run at least 31`s. That way you ll only need to use the 4:62 auto gears.

MPG will be amazing with the small tires.  I`m guessing 40 plus easy. If you get the pump tuned on the 1.9 with the K14 turbo. You ll get bigger # s then the 1.6 and the same fuel economy.

[surfersami]

Sami axle gears are 3.73, was the 3.62 a typo? .1 makes a substantial difference on top end rpm.
ex...  I have a .865 5th at 3000 rpm I run 55ish.
With the early .765 5th at 3000 rpm I'd be at 62ish.
7 mph is substantial when it comes to mpg at the same rpm.

[ZukiJon]

Although not a tracker, I have a Sami, and the 1.6 n/a motor. I just got 39 mpg out of the last tank full going up and down rolling hills in the Lancaster/Rock Hill SC area.

I think I passed you on 200 last Fri. .......... I was driving my buddies Zuk not getting 39mpg ..... more like 12.  Oil burners seem to be the way to go.

[surfersami]

I think I passed you on 200 last Fri. .......... I was driving my buddies Zuk not getting 39mpg ..... more like 12.  Oil burners seem to be the way to go.

That was the orange sami I assume. Cool - what size tires are those?