[79_W-150]

Anyone ever converted over to a Cummin's Diesel in the old Power Wagon's or any thing for that matter? I used to work on Cummin's when I was in the military (2 years in the Coast Guard, got out last March), and love the power and dependability of the diesel engines.

And would the current tranny/transfer case be able to handle all that power? Or would I have to swap out for a Allison tranny or something real HD?

Thanks,

-Chris

 

[NickBronco]

What exactly do you have for a powerplant in your ride now that makes you want to convert to diesel? Myslef, I know that diesels have way more torque than a regular gas engine, but just small things such as the sound a diesel engine makes is enough to make me cringe my teeth.

 

[79_W-150]

318 2 barrel.

I LOVE the sound of a diesel. Having gone to 3 diesel schools (Cummins, Detorit Diesel, and Cat) the sound, smell, feel, and power of a diesel is just awesome! Hook up a block, oil, and coolant warmer to keep it all warm during the winter, with an auto start remote so I can fire it up from the house <IMG SRC="/board/images/smilies/icon_smile.gif"> in the words of Tim "the toolman" Taylor... MORE POWER!

-Chris

 

[JasonB]

The only thing bad about swapping in a diesel is the additional weight. Perhaps a V10 from a smashed Ram or something would be better for a trail only rig.

With the diesel, you'd need all new suspension and probably axles in order to handle the weight (the new Rams with the Cummins nearly max out the D60 when you add a small plow). You'd need to box and brace the frame also to avoid twisting the frame.

 

[79_W-150]

Yeah, I had already planned on new stronger shafts and Detroit lockers front/rear, and looking into front suspension to hold the weight better.

-Chris

 

[NickBronco]

If it were me, I would just toss in a new 360 crate motor from Chrysler and call it a day. No boxing the frame, no changing motor mounts, and a bellhousing for the tranny would be more than easy to find at any wrecking yard. With little modification, I know the 5.9L could pump out 400 pounds of torque. If I can do it with my 351, it can be done easily with a Dodge.

 

[79_W-150]

The 350 in my '96 Z-28 was pushin 650hp, I know is possible from a gas engine with a little work. But I perfer a diesel, I like the power and the sound that comes with.

-Chris

 

[mj]

you have a dodge, it is all factory parts to do that,
early cummins dodge could be had with a 4 speed np435

 

[WMIF]

How much NOS were you pushing to get that 650 hp number?

 

[79W-150]

None... I had a 150 shot of NOS on the car but that 650hp was on a dyno naturally aspirated (no NOS).

Let me start from the bottom of the engine and work my way up.

Eagle Forged and Internally Balanced bottom end (Crank, Pistions, Rods). Fed Mogul bearings. I used the Impala head gasket to raise the compression ratio a little more. Had the block decked and the heads milled. ALso had the heads 5 angle jobbed, with oversized Mildon valves and a full Crane valvetrain (Double springs, hydro roller rockers, hyrdo roller lifts, hardened rods) with the Chevy LT4 HotCam. With Full length jet-hot coated headers (specially made for the Z-28's and Firebirds).

Drivetrain wise after blowing up two automatic (4L60E's) I converted over to the T-56 (6-speed manual) and was happy. But with the 3.73's I had in the rear of the stock rearend the rear finally gave out so I installed a fully independant Ford 9" rear with 4.11's (since I had the 6 speed I could run 4.11's on the street and still get 8-10mpg city).

Suspension wise I had full Granatelli. Adjustable lower A-Arms, sub-frame connectors with the X-brace,adjustable lower control arms with adjustable brackets to lower or raise the angle they were on for better traction under different circumstances, double adjustable pan-hard bar (keeps the rear end from shifting side to side), and 2" dro Eibach springs. 8 point internal roll cage with dual Ricarro front seats and Simpson 6 point harnessess (yes 6 point not the 5 point ones). An assortment of VDO guages for everything (even rear diff temp). The whole thing ran on 18X9.5 and 18X11 (rear) Corvette ZR-1 black rims (the real thin 5 spoke rims) with BFG Comp T/A ZR's 275/45/18 on front and 315/35/18 on rear. Had a 4" cowl hood, the 5" RS type spoiler (similiar to the late 70's Z-28's spoiler) 5% tint all around.

You might be like "yeah right"... but keep in mind that I raced it in the SCCA leagues for 3 years and had sponsors (TByrne Motorsports (he's a big supporter of F-Bodies, camaro's and firebirds), Simpson, BFG (actually Michelin who makes BFG's), and had Granatelli for a little (hence my full suspension from them).

Boy do I miss that car... I still regret gettin rid of it, she was SUCH a rush!

Later all.

-Chris

 

[Rawkon]

hey buddy you forgot some some very important stuff like your cam, COMPRESSION ratio, and your dyno sheet numbers.

 

[NickBronco]

He said in the very beginning that he had a LT4 hot cam, and used Impala head gaskets to bump up the compression ratio. It also sounds to me like his "dyno numbers" are, 650 naturally aspirated . . . buddy.

 

[WMIF]

What is an LT4 hot cam? I dont know chevy numbers. Do you have the duration and lift? and you can bump up the compression by a little, or a lot. again numbers help. i think by dyno sheet numbers he was looking for maybe the sheet itself...Buddy

Is NOS legal in the scca?

_________________
1998 2500 RAM V10 4x4, Daystar 2" spacers, K&N, Magnaflow, 285-75R16 BFG A/T(33"). Much more on the list.

 

[Rawkon]

Ok sorry i missed the cam part, but i still dont know the compression ratio yes it was bumped up but to what.... and anybody could say they have a 650hp naturally aspirated .
Not that i dont believe i just wanted more details.
your car was street legal? if so why would you want to drive a pro car on the street?
_________________
My Project
1997 Dodge Ram 1500 SLT, 5.9 360, 2x4, 2inch Rough Country lift, 265 75 R16 Procomp AT, rough country steering stabalizer, custom engine mud guards, Stereo system

 

[79W-150]

No, NOS isn't legal in the SCCA... which is WHY I took the bottle out every race prior to inspection. You are allowed to have the system, just nothing can be attached to it. I had the NOS because I took it to the strip once in a while, and if I felt like being a prick and rubbing it in as I beat someone I'd kick it at 90+mph and break them loose.

-Chris

 

[GeepM]

My father is currently installing a Dodge Cummins out of a wrecked Ram into a late 40's Dodge Power Wagon (Civilian Version). He is using a Ford F250 chassis and running gear, that had a 460 in it (I think the 460 is going into his 65 Bronco). Anyways, the project is still an on going project. I think he has the engine and tranny (What ever came in the Dodge) mounted and putting the body back together. Space is a major concern right now in the hood area. I wouldn't mind putting a Cummins in my 54' Willys Overland Station Wagon, but I gotta find one first. Well I don't know if it helped any, but at least there is somebody out there putting a Cummins in an old Powerwagon. Yes, I second the idea the Diesels are very powerful engines, and worth their wieght. Pun intended : 'More Power' Arg, arg... Besides if you have a good sterio system, what sound? Take care and 'Got Mud'?