perfect diesel conversion

[deiseldreams]

I have 2 questions.
I'm looking for a respectable engine supplier for question one.
Not looking to big on super high end right now I'm looking to break out into the Dakar scene with a diesel jeep Cherokee sport.
And secondly looking for everyone opinion on the best diesel to do this balancing fuel consumption with dependability. I dig the 4bt and its a common swap and I've looked at some Mercedes motors but looking for others opinions.

[raybak]

Why a Cherokee, not my first choice or is it just because you have one. Would be easier to go petrol and use a an LS2 or such.

Ray

[Rallyper]

BMW 3,0 litre engine.

[Zeakiwi]

Have you informed your sponsors of your budget for a basic Dakar series?
Have you looked at existing Dakar/cross country vehicles for sale that are garaged/ not being used in Europe, you could rebuild, upgrade, (build up a spare parts inventory for) contract the servicing for and ship to South America or other areas events - Italy, Morocco etc?
Other possible engines - GM LS3 (better heads than an LS2), LS7. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/GM_small-block_engine
Toyota - 1UZ, 3UZ http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Toyota_UZ_engine
or the UR series http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Toyota_UR_engine
Diesel - the small 2.8 diesel made by GM in Thailand, The Toyota 1KD - 3 litre
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ford_4.4_Turbo_Diesel (need to check the 2015/16 rules whether it is eligible- Landrover 4.4 v8 made by Ford Mexico, baffled for offroad use)
https://youtu.be/heIcEc74At4 (Toyota 1VD - twin turbo diesel - eligible in production class? )
3.0 V6 24v BiTDI CR 230 kW (Audi 3 litre engine as used in the A6)