VCDS and OBD diagnostic device in the On-Board Diagnostics Shop
Diesel, Engine Technology and Vehicle Technology. Repair, Maintenance and Diagnostics (OBD).

TDI Engine Conversion for VW T3: Info & Docs

 
New Topic Reply 🔗 ⭐ 🖨 Dieselschrauber - Index » Diesel Engine Technology
Author Message
dieselmartin
Profi-Schrauber
Profi-Schrauber
Avatar-dieselmartin

Joined: 03/13/2003
Posts: 10121
Karma: +29 / -0   Thank you, like it!
Location: in der Werkstatt
2007 Volkswagen Passat
Premium Support

Post25-08-2005, 17:16    Subject: TDI Engine Conversion for VW T3: Info & Docs Quote

Hi.

After my colleague gave me a hard time about the JX, I now have to help with, or actually do, the TDI conversion.
It will likely be a 1Z engine, and the original gearbox (3H or similar) will remain (for now).


Can anyone provide me with information (links, documents) on this topic?

What about "registration"? Is there a standard inspection report available?

Thank you.
m;
Transparency, Teamwork
... there was another T.

I don't know what the f*ck it was.


Translated on 23-09-2026, 14:07.
Back to top Profile PM Garage
lappen
Guest




 


Free account, no CAN development support

Post25-08-2005, 17:24    Subject: TDI Engine Conversion for VW T3: Info & Docs Quote

pretty good forum.
http://www.t3-umbau.de/


and here's the guru himself:
http://www.syncro-bernd-jaeger.de/DEUTSCH/TDI-Umbau/tdi-umbau.html


Translated on 23-09-2026, 14:07.
Back to top
Maciek
Guest




 


Free account, no CAN development support

Post25-08-2005, 21:59    Subject: TDI Engine Conversion for VW T3: Info & Docs Quote


After my colleague gave me a hard time about the JX, I now have to help with, or actually do, the TDI conversion.


Hehe, congratulations, you JX Killer. You shouldn't step on that little engine, otherwise it will retaliate icon_wink.gif.

Here are two links for a brief overview.

Renovation1
Renovation2
The more you do yourself, the cheaper it will be. Parts from commercial suppliers are expensive.
Your colleague won't be happy with the 3H transmission. In general, the original transmissions are a weak point. The 1Z is still okay with its 200 Nm of torque.
Regarding registration, I would simply suggest visiting the TÜV (technical inspection authority). There are many similar modifications.


Regards,

Maciek.


Translated on 23-09-2026, 14:09.
Back to top
dieter
Profi-Schrauber
Profi-Schrauber


Joined: 01/27/2003
Posts: 270
Karma: +13 / -0   Thank you, like it!
Location: LK Uelzen

Support

Post26-08-2005, 10:05    Subject: TDI Engine Conversion for VW T3: Info & Docs Quote

Hi,

"The transmission should probably still work for now, as long as it hasn't already been damaged. The bus will just be slower because the TDI engine doesn't rev as high as the JX engine. I also drove my AFN with the JX transmission for a year; it's almost like an automatic, always in the highest gear."
If you need any circuit diagrams, please let me know.

Greetings,
dieter
T3 syncro 16 AFN
- steckenbleiben, wo keiner hin kommt -


Translated on 23-09-2026, 14:10.
Back to top Profile PM
dieselmartin
Profi-Schrauber
Profi-Schrauber
Avatar-dieselmartin

Joined: 03/13/2003
Posts: 10121
Karma: +29 / -0   Thank you, like it!
Location: in der Werkstatt
2007 Volkswagen Passat
Premium Support

Post26-08-2005, 10:42    Subject: TDI Engine Conversion for VW T3: Info & Docs Quote

Thank you, Dieter.

but circuit diagrams will be the least of my worries, since I already have a 1Z and have been wiring it extensively icon_twisted.gif.

I see the problems more in the (self-made) mechanics.

- Motor mounts (double hydraulic, like those from Bernd Jaeger, or rubber mounts, like those from Notter).
- complete exhaust system

What exactly is the JX doing at 4000 RPM? Currently, it has 215/65(?) R15 tires on it.
(Unfortunately, the bus does not have a tachometer icon_sad.gif.

m;
Transparency, Teamwork
... there was another T.

I don't know what the f*ck it was.


Translated on 23-09-2026, 14:12.
Back to top Profile PM Garage
mullemaus
Guest




 


Free account, no CAN development support

Post30-08-2005, 0:17    Subject: TDI Engine Conversion for VW T3: Info & Docs Quote

Thank you, Dieter.

but circuit diagrams will be the least of my worries, since I already have a 1Z and have been wiring it extensively icon_twisted.gif.

I see the problems more in the (self-made) mechanics.

- Motor mounts (double hydraulic, like those from Bernd Jaeger, or rubber mounts, like those from Notter).
- complete exhaust system

What exactly is the JX doing at 4000 RPM? Currently, it has 215/65(?) R15 tires on it.
(Unfortunately, the bus does not have a tachometer icon_sad.gif.

m;

I know a group that mostly converts T3 vans. TDI engines or even 4.2 V8 Audi engines are common among them. If you're interested, feel free to contact me; I might be able to provide you with a phone number or some information.


Translated on 23-09-2026, 14:13.
Back to top
Marzocchi
Blaumann
Blaumann


Joined: 01/05/2004
Posts: 238
Karma: +2 / -0   Thank you, like it!
Location: Gummersbach

Support

Post03-09-2005, 14:09    Subject: TDI Engine Conversion for VW T3: Info & Docs Quote

Hello.
I also plan to build a 1Z engine into the T3.
However, it is also supposed to receive larger nozzles and a chip.
The original clutch and transmission are no longer sufficient.
Which gearboxes can handle what?
Golf IV - ALH - Erstzulassung 9/99


Translated on 23-09-2026, 14:15.
Back to top Profile PM
Jens 16syncro



Joined: 09/16/2002
Posts: 469
Karma: +2 / -3   Thank you, like it!


Premium Support

Post06-09-2005, 10:03    Subject: TDI Engine Conversion for VW T3: Info & Docs Quote

Marzocchi wrote:
I also plan to build a 1Z into the T3.
However, it is also supposed to receive larger nozzles and a chip.
The original clutch and transmission are no longer sufficient.
Which transmissions can handle what, otherwise?

Hi,
The original T3 gearbox starts to fail beyond an input torque of 200 Nm, so it's "no way" to use it with powerful diesel engines. Furthermore, the torsional vibrations of the TDI engine damage various components in the T3 gearbox, which is why more powerful gasoline engines or indirect injection diesel engines are less problematic.
Due to the rear-mounted engine, only a very limited number of aftermarket transmissions are compatible. The Porsche G50 is the classic choice, but it is rare and expensive. Furthermore, the G50 is not particularly well-suited for TDI engines.
Another possibility is the Renault UN1, because this transmission allows you to rotate the differential, which in turn changes the direction of rotation.
The Audi Tiptronic transmission can also work in reverse if a special gear set for reversing the direction of rotation is installed.
Some contemporaries simply install gearboxes for front-engine vehicles upside down icon_rolleyes.gif. Well, you really have to be quite pain-free to do that...

"Gearboxes from passenger cars are usually geared too long, as a T3 is essentially a very heavy, boxy vehicle with enormous rolling resistance!"

Regards,
Jens.
Marcus "Ar Gwenn": Für uns sind Leute arm, weil sie mit einem Eselskarren unterwegs sind, für sie sind wir arm, weil wir ein Leben lang dafür arbeiten und Geld verdienen müssen, um uns im Alter von wildfremden Leuten pflegen zu lassen.


Translated on 23-09-2026, 14:17.
Back to top Profile PM
dieselmartin
Profi-Schrauber
Profi-Schrauber
Avatar-dieselmartin

Joined: 03/13/2003
Posts: 10121
Karma: +29 / -0   Thank you, like it!
Location: in der Werkstatt
2007 Volkswagen Passat
Premium Support

Post06-09-2005, 13:14    Subject: TDI Engine Conversion for VW T3: Info & Docs Quote

BTW:

My personal TDI installation attempt has been temporarily suspended.
The T3 that is currently disassembled will once again have a JX installed (or we will repair the JX).
I was able to convince the owner of the enormous expenses and costs involved.

I'll leave the thread up anyway, so it can serve as a small collection of URLs or tips.

Thank you for the tips.
m;
Transparency, Teamwork
... there was another T.

I don't know what the f*ck it was.


Translated on 23-09-2026, 14:19.
Back to top Profile PM Garage
mullemaus
Guest




 


Free account, no CAN development support

Post09-09-2005, 17:09    Subject: TDI Engine Conversion for VW T3: Info & Docs Quote

Gearboxes from passenger cars are usually too long in their gear ratios, because a T3 is, after all, a very heavy, boxy vehicle with enormous rolling resistance!
'

Even a T3 can achieve over 200 km/h with an aftermarket engine and transmission. icon_smile.gif You can take both of these components from a donor car and install them. icon_wink.gif For example, models like the A4, A6, and Passat, or similar vehicles. } Knowing how to do it saves time, money, and energy. Such a conversion can be made feasible even with a small budget.


Translated on 23-09-2026, 14:20.
Back to top
New Topic Reply 🔗 ⭐ 🖨 Dieselschrauber - Index » Diesel Engine Technology
Similar articles and topics
Topic Forum
No new posts Einige Infos zum Kältemittelöl Faults & Documentation (Audi, VW, Seat/Cupra, Skoda)
No new posts General information about PD testing for troubleshooting ... Troubleshooting & Guides
No new posts Some information about the longlife service Faults & Documentation (Audi, VW, Seat/Cupra, Skoda)
No new posts Conversion from 1Z to AFN engine + performance increase Diesel Engine Technology
No new posts umbau vom 90 PS TDI auf 110 PS TDII VW Vento Diesel Engine Technology
No new posts Vacuum sensor for VTG conversion. Diesel Engine Technology
No new posts Problems after renovation... Diesel Engine Technology
Jump to:  
You cannot post new topics in this forum.