“Just about there. I still need to adjust valves (tool was at shop to do so this PM) and get exhaust manifold back from exhaust man. Should be able to get it all tomorrow (Thursday).”

The biggest difference between the original 2.25 liter diesel and this rebuilt 300Tdi 2.5 liter is — according to Zak at Zombie Motors — direct injection diesel (vs. indirect injection). This will make cold starts easy. Won’t have to use glow plugs until it is well below freezing. More like a modern truck: jump in, turn the key, and drive away.

We opted not to get this engine with the turbocharger because — as I understand it — that would have required a different transmission. But even “naturally aspirated,” this engine will provide a lot more torque than the old one and won’t be as smokey/noisy.