HPA Motorsports has long been involved in the tuner industry but recently decided to take a stab at the Jeep engine swap market with it's VW diesel swap kit. The kit allows the installation of a somewhat-common '01-'06 VW Beetle-sourced 1.9L TDI diesel engine in front of the stock Jeep four-cylinder AX-5 manual transmission (other common Jeep tranny options coming soon).

In stock form the VW TDI engine pumps out 100 horsepower and 180 lb-ft of torque, but is said to be easily cranked up to an impressive 165 horsepower and 280 lb-ft of torque with a simple power flash (The factory Jeep 2.5L puts out 123hp and 145 lb-ft). The 1.9L TDI weighs in at a svelte 265 pounds compared to the Jeep 2.5L at 325 pounds. It's 55 pounds lighter than the four cylinder! In the Jetta the 1.9L gets up to 47mpg, in a Jeep it will likely get slightly fewer mpgs because of the Jeeps added weight and increased wind resistance but it should easily hit the 30-40 mpg range with normal use.

VW engineers confirmed that the 1.9L oiling system was designed to handle a 1G environment allowing for 45-degree angles in all directions. An optional deep oil pan may be made available for even more extreme use. 

The TDI fits in the Jeep with no fender, firewall, or tub modifications. The Jeep radiator is replaced with a VW radiator and fan, retaining all of the VW fan controls which are integrated into the factory VW electronics. The Jeep tranny remains in the factory location eliminating the need for any driveline modifications. The Jeep tranny, flywheel, and clutch are retained. They are adapted to the VW TDI bellhousing and engine. The kit will include engine mounts, a flywheel adapter, a transmission adapter, and an exhaust downpipe. Electrical and complete engine packages will also be available. Keep an eye out in Jp Magazine for the full swap. For more info go to HPA Motorsports.