Incredible work you guys! Obviously, I'm a bit behind on this, distracted by work and getting my 130 imported, but just saw and read through pretty much the whole thread. The idea of having a smoother running and more reliable power train in the buggies is great, and I'm all for the reduced emissions. A couple of personal thoughts from my experience:
1. I've had a pretty heavy 110 that I used for long range desert trips for several years with a 300TDI, full size IC, VNT, etc that frankly was a lot of fun to drive. Upwards of 150Hp and while more is probably better, don't know that I need a lot more. It was a used engine that I imported that wasn't too unreliable except for maybe the P gasket. The prospect of having a more reliable engine with that power and a little more, plus EPA compliant, is a big deal. I suspect that emissions compliance is going to become a bigger deal not too far down the road, perhaps even in Maine. At this point, if it takes an ECU to get there, probably the least of my worries.
2. With my two 200TDi defenders, and one with a stumpy r380, this would be an easy mod given motor mounts and R380 adapters now in production, particularly for non welding diy guys such as myself.
Great option that I'll take seriously in say a couple of years or so when I find more time on your side of the pond. Thanks for the great info.
On a side note, any word from Cummins as to how sales are going and if they are likely to do subsequent lots?