Gas to Cummins conversion

[aggietruck]

I have a 98 350 and I was just trying to figure out how difficult and expensive it would be to drop a cummins in. Or would it just be feasable to go with the 6.5. The only problem i have with the 6.5 is my dad had one and the injector pump went out on him several times.

[vegaman04]

Do you have a money tree in your back yard, because if you do, pay and have the cummins swap done. Either way, both would be a nice setup, but how much cash and time do you have? It all factors to what you can afford to do. The parts for the 6.5l swap (donor truck preferred) would probably be easier to come by then doing a custom Cummins swap (depending on the 12 or 24 valve). And then to tune and work out all the kinks and twirks. You prolly could do the 6.5l swap in your driveway/garage. Hope this helps.

[FordeatinZ71]

if you do a 12V Cummins swap you will come out cheaper. all you will need is the adapter plate for your transmission and custom mounts. there really isn't much more to it. the 6.5 needs a computer to run (assuming you are going with anything newer than a '94 model) while the 12V Cummins only needs fuel, power to the starter/alternator/a few sensors and you are golden. the 12V Cummins will also make you a much happier person than a 6.5 will.

with that all being said, this swap isn't a cakewalk. there is more involved with it than i said, but i went over the basics. the basic overview, it IS easier than a 6.5 swap and most likely cheaper. the Cummins is a LOT more reliable than a 6.5 diesel. people get the fantasy in their head that because a 6.5 came in a GM originally it is cheaper to swap in...but the 12V Cummins is a great universal motor. it requires practically nothing to run...

[Black06]

a 4bt swap is another option as well.......they were commonly used to replace 350's in breadtrucks over the years due to the simplicity of retrofitting them

[vegaman04]

Will you fan work, or are you gonna switch to electric? Radiator sized properly? You'll need an intercooler. Stuff like this, prolly no one on here will know unless they did the swap. Probably the better place to ask is at dieselplace.com, with a lot more members, but this is also GM forum, not dodge.

Oh by the way, you dont need to do a SAS swap, but it is recommended! This is the crap you have to read, research and figure out. Seems easier to swap the 6.5l in.

What truck do you have by the way 1/2, 3/4 or 1 ton?

[FordeatinZ71]

a 4bt swap is another option as well.......they were commonly used to replace 350's in breadtrucks over the years due to the simplicity of retrofitting them


OOOH, nice suggestion! these are some bad lil motors!

[Black06]

and you can apply most of the common 12V mods to the 4BT......plus get better mileage than a 6

[CodyZ71]

You might try talking to this dude, hes gota 4BT in a 93 suburban. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OFi8mjUfU1g

[Dukemaster]

Check this site out also.

http://www.cummins-conversion.com/

[94Bla§er]

cummins for life

[beater truck]

Thanks for this thread! I've been wanting to do something a bit different with my '94 ECSB, and now I've figured it out. I was seriously looking for a complete TD truck and just do a drive train swap, but this cummins 4BT swap looks like the better idea. I'm going to have to dig around now and find out adaptable the NV4500 tranny would be to the 4BT.

[D_Theater]

All you want to know about running a 4BT/NV4500 can be found by following the link...

http://www.4btswaps.com



Andy

[Greystone]

It would be a cool conversion, but like stated earlier, be prepared to spend some serious coin. It seems like it would be more economically feasible to buy a used Dodge 12V. They have great power and get even better fuel mileage.