The 2.8L VM Motori is the untapped resource smaller-displacement diesel enthusiasts have been waiting for. This engine has many things going for it. It has common-rail injection, passes '05-'06 federal emissions, and makes 160 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque. The non-emissions-legal engine shown here does not feature exhaust gas recirculation (EGR), but otherwise has everything needed to be called a modern diesel engine. Its 2.8L displacement makes it a good candidate for Jeeps, Toyota FJ Cruisers, small pickups, cars, and hot rods. High production numbers means the parts are out there, somewhere.
Here is the Jeep T1 (military long-wheelbase) donor vehicle. The 2.8L VM Motori diesel engine and five-speed NV3550 manual transmission were used in conjunction with the Rubicon's stock 241-OR transfer case with the 4:1 low-range gearset. This combination called for custom-fabricated motor mount perches (frame towers) and driveshaft lengths for the Rubicon.
Steve Houtman and Keith Montone of Mopar Performance Parts installed the above-mentioned diesel engine in an '05 Wrangler Unlimited Rubicon. They worked on this project after hours on their own time. The donor vehicle was a military, long-wheelbase Wrangler known inside Chrysler as the T1. It might have been easier to switch the bodies, but that would have defeated the whole purpose of the engine swap.
So what did these engineer enthusiasts find on their exploration in diesel conversions? Overall, the 2.8L turbodiesel is a good fit due to both its physical size as well as its power output. The team found the Rubicon's frame, specifically the motor mount perches, needed modification (welding) in order to accommodate the diesel's motor mounts. Bolt-on motor mounts would make this a very easy conversion. Wiring the engine's ECM with a plug-in harness does not seem impossible. The intercooler and radiator have plenty of room, even with a mechanical fan, so that is a positive sign. The Rubicon's NV3550 five-speed transmission is found in '00-'04 model years. It bolted to the back of the diesel without any adapters. The earlier AX-15 will also bolt up.
Demand for the Italian VM Motori inline-four is increasing. Perhaps one day we will look back at this demonstration project from Mopar as the birthplace of a whole new aftermarket segment. | 
The Rubicon's original motor mounts (arrows) were replaced with brackets able to support the diesel's circular bushing motor mounts. |
Notice both mount styles are located generally in the same place behind the front axle. | |