Swapping ALH to Jeep - power enhancements?

srvblues00 · April 2nd, 2012, 06:40

Hello.. I am working on putting an ALH into a 4wd Jeep Cherokee. I do plan on running either 31 or 33" tires. I've been reading and searching for the last 2 nights on here, and I have some ideas on what I want to do. Basically, I want decent power, but nothing overkill that will effect reliability. So, I'm thinking in the neighborhood of 300 lb/ft of torque and whatever HP that works out to be. I want to emphasize low end torque. I don't want to have to run this thing at 3300rpm to keep it moving. I will also be running a larger turbo and a large FMIC in hopes of keeping EGTs under control, and of course, adding some power. However, I don't want to go too large and kill low end spool up time.

Will a GT1749 be too large? Or would a 1722 be a better choice?

Thinking .216 nozzles..

Probably stick with the factory ALH intake manifold, but add a race pipe.

And who is a good place to send the ECM to for immobilizer delete, EGR delete, and tuning to take advantage of the turbo and injectors? So far, Kerma and TDTuning are on the list.

I don't mind paying for quality parts, but I don't want to get into the area of diminishing returns.. I'm not into spending another $1000 for a 10 lb/ft increase! I need to keep it reasonable.. I'm not building a race jeep lol.

LNXGUY · April 2nd, 2012, 06:54

The GT1749 is a vnt15 (The turbo that's on the engine in stock form) GT1749VB is the 'VNT17' with 49mm compressor wheel, the 17/22 is the same hotside as the vnt17 but with a 52mm compressor wheel.

I'd probably run a 11mm pump, intank liftpump, PP764's (.232) vnt17 or 17/22 and a good tune.. 300ftlbs would be cake with that setup... Mike from TDTuning has done all the tuning on my cars, I don't plan on switching anytime soon. Guy knows his stuff.

Keep us posted, would love to see some in-progress pics!

srvblues00 · April 2nd, 2012, 12:44

Thanks for the info.. for what I'm trying to achieve, do you think there's a big difference in driveability in the VNT 17 vs 17/22 hybrid?

When I get farther along in my project, I will certainly put up pics! Right now I am just working on the engine. Once I get an engine and trans that bolt together, I'll look for a chassis to put it in. I don't have a lot of room at the moment just to have a non-running jeep hanging out in the way!

TDIJetta99 · April 2nd, 2012, 12:55

Go with the hybrid.. You won't regret it... Typically you want the engine to be around 2000 at 60mph, especially in a cherokee.. The stock 4.0 5-speed gearing would do just fine.. I'll be doing my wrangler in the near future with the stock 4.10 gearing and 33" tires.. That'll put me around 2500rpm at 60mph.. A little steep but I won't be doing a ton of highway miles so it'll work out fine..

Ben Dur · April 2nd, 2012, 12:57

vnt 17 is an OEM turbo option (from other1.9tdis and 2.0tdis) that should give you an idea of its drivability. that being said the 17/22 is also quite drivable. Both are very reliable, especially at that power output. On an ALH the 17/22 is plug and play, while the 17 will require just a few extra pieces. For my ALH project i selected the 17/22 because after adapting the vnt17 i would only save a couple hundred bucks.

srvblues00 · April 7th, 2012, 21:19

Thanks for all the input and suggestions. I think I'm going to save up a few more clams and get the hybrid.

Whitbread · April 8th, 2012, 13:59

Quote:

Originally Posted by srvblues00

Thanks for all the input and suggestions. I think I'm going to save up a few more clams and get the hybrid.

Go with a 1756vk over a 17/22. I just installed one on an ALH last week and WOW. I don't think I'll ever install another 17/22. Spools at 1700-1800rpm easily and rips to 5.5K.

By using a passat/afn manifold and adapter plate, it'll get the turbo away from your starter and make that easier to fit.

NHgranite · April 8th, 2012, 14:27

Yeah, still excited for your kit !!

Quote:

Originally Posted by Whitbread

Go with a 1756vk over a 17/22. I just installed one on an ALH last week and WOW. I don't think I'll ever install another 17/22. Spools at 1700-1800rpm easily and rips to 5.5K.

By using a passat/afn manifold and adapter plate, it'll get the turbo away from your starter and make that easier to fit.

loudspl · April 8th, 2012, 15:36

+1 for GTB1756vk

I think "jimbote" is running one of those in his Tacoma

350+ft/lbs shouldn't be a problem with the right nozzles

Should be a wicked setup whatever you end up with. Post pics!

srvblues00 · April 9th, 2012, 19:24

Ok, I'm interested...

Sounds like what I want for a heavier Jeep with no aero advantages. Where do I get one, and how much? So far, my Google-fu has not resulted in much useful info on this turbo.

slamhouse · April 9th, 2012, 21:46

Just curious, why not get the liberty CRD and chip it? 200hp and 364ft.lbs. with just a chip! while returning 34mpg!

srvblues00 · April 10th, 2012, 05:50

Quote:

Originally Posted by slamhouse

Just curious, why not get the liberty CRD and chip it? 200hp and 364ft.lbs. with just a chip! while returning 34mpg!

I am an ASE tech, and previously worked at a VW dealer. I really like the ALH engine!

slamhouse · April 10th, 2012, 06:40

Oh

i love the thought of a diesel jeep but i couldn't have the patience for a swap. I may just buy a crd...

TDIJetta99 · April 10th, 2012, 07:27

Quote:

Originally Posted by Whitbread

Go with a 1756vk over a 17/22. I just installed one on an ALH last week and WOW. I don't think I'll ever install another 17/22. Spools at 1700-1800rpm easily and rips to 5.5K.

By using a passat/afn manifold and adapter plate, it'll get the turbo away from your starter and make that easier to fit.

What's the price difference between a 17/22 and a 1756vk (vacuum actuated) + manifold?

The 52mm compressor might have an advantage of being able to provide more boost at lower rpm than the 56mm, making it more drivable in a Jeep that gets used offroad.. Not sure how similar it is, but my 2260 HATES making boost under 2000rpm.. No torque at all LOL..

Lurchalicious · April 10th, 2012, 08:13

Quote:

Originally Posted by TDIJetta99

What's the price difference between a 17/22 and a 1756vk (vacuum actuated) + manifold?

The 52mm compressor might have an advantage of being able to provide more boost at lower rpm than the 56mm, making it more drivable in a Jeep that gets used offroad.. Not sure how similar it is, but my 2260 HATES making boost under 2000rpm.. No torque at all LOL..

depends on where you source the turbo in my opinon - but if you go through ryanp for example - you will pay 775 GBP for the vaccum converted new turbo; manifold will run you 80 GBP and the flange is 40 GBP; shipping is usually 30 GBP - convert all that (as of today on the GBP to USD market) looks like around 1465.

the price is somewhat cheaper for just the turbos w/ manifold - normally the cost changes when putting the 1756vk in an ALH VW because of the custom downpipe, oil lines, gaskets ect. but since you are going in a custom project allready I would get the 1756vk, its newer vane system gives lower EGT's and spools faster. plus I believe it can push more air than the 17/22