the om617 runs like a gas motor---thrives on rpms--is one of the most successful wvo conversions-----the 4bt does not like the rpms----top torque at about 18-1900 rpm....if you pull loads or like to 4 wheel (creep) in the jeep--4bt....

 

Two totally different motor. The only thing in common is that the both burn diesel and they are simple... The 4BT is stronger and more powerful as well as louder. The OM617 as stated above is more gas like in its power band.

 

I think I'm going to look at the 617 then. I don't do crazy off-road, not do I plan to, so it seems like the OM617 is the ticket. Especially since I have a T177 in addition to the T5.

 

maybe that shop will have a unit similar to yours that you can ride in---or a previous customer referal...

 

They're up in PA and I'm down in TX otherwise I'd see if I could. I've contacted them to ask questions about them potentially doing the install while I'm deployed.

 

The OM617 is the way to go for a daily driver in a Jeep or small pickup - it was designed for luxury daily drivers. They are very simple, quiet, decent fuel consumption and do not require re-gearing. Rated torque is reached at 2400 rpm, rated horsepower at 4300. In my 617 swapped Toyota pickup I drive it exactly the same as I drove my gas engine, shift around 3k rpm, highway rpm is around 3000 rpm at 70 mph. I've gotten around 27 mpg so far over 2 tanks city driving. It is loud enough to notice it's a diesel, but will not annoy you. Properly tuned they have plenty of power - people who haven't maintained their engines likely complain about power - replace worn timing chain, keep valve lash in spec, adjust ALDA to spec, injectors clean, and you will have a great engine. And if you keep the filters clean it will outlast the rest of the vehicle.

I think my mileage would be at least 30 if I didn't enjoy the sound of the turbo spooling so much

 

years back the mercedes race team was given a om617 to build up as a race engine---they built a special injector pump--put on twin turbos and a supercharger--then put into one of their race chassis----they ran it in a 24 hour endurance race and it averaged over 200 mph for the 24 hours---the engineers have not told exactly what was done to the motor--they only admitted the obvious----it was run the one time then quietly put away---there is a danish guy trying to replicate that performance---he has a number of threads out on his build and some u tube videos..

 

I don't know about the conversion but in terms of the engine itself you'll probably pay less for the 617, 5 cylinders will shake a lot less at idle then the 4bt and low end power can be improved in the 617 fairly simply by upgrading the turbo.