Cummins 6BT

[GLTHFJ60]

s***!! I forgot that the split case is not centered, and that the rear axle is not either.

I think that I will be going with the GM NV4500. Now it is time to collect the parts and assemble the engine.

Where should I look for a clutch for this setup? I checked the Centerforce website, like AA told me to, but I did not see anything for the 6BT at all. Does anyone know anything on this topic?

 

[dieselcruiserhead]

Centerforce is overrated. You can get a good LUK brand clutch for probably less than $200. YOu will also get nickled and dimed and there is plenty you are forgetting, radiator, exhaust, motor mounts, steel/fabrication materials. Any hoses or adapters, intercooler, fluids etc etc. It really does add up! Buy or check the Advance Adapters NV4500 catalog first. I don't think there is an adapter for the 32 spline GM NV4500 to the split case but I may be wrong. I know there is for the 23 and 29 spline Dodge models. You can also mix and match, Dodge NV4500 with a GM input shaft for example. The catalog is a huge help - if you search on pirate you'll find tons of info about this including lots of quetions and answers from me when I was going through this... I am happy with my choice, the Dodge 23 spline version. There is a clocking ring for the Dana 300. 23 spline Dana will fit behind a Dodge SD 23 spline NV4500 but you need a $180 bearing retainer from JB Conversions or buy the whole clocking ring kit with deeper input gear for $250 which is what I would do...

Andre

 

[Gus]

How much power does the 6BT put out in the later model trucks?

I'm still thinking that a 6 cylinder would be nicer than a four cylinder.

The Cummins equiped Dodge pickups (6BT, I believe) used the NV4500 from around 90 to some time around 01/02 with very few reliability issues; it will easily handle the torque of the 6bt, that's what it was designed to handle.
The early Cummins 6BT's in the Dodges were the 12 valve units, in 98.5 they upgraded to a 24 valve design. The 24V Cummins equiped trucks were rated at 235hp/460lb-ft for the NV4500 5-speed equiped trucks, the auto equiped trucks were rated at 215hp/420lb-ft. In 01 the High Output 24V Cummins was available(along side the satndard output unit) producing 245 hp/505lb-ft with the 6 speed tranny(NV5600). In 03 with the introduction of the 3rd generation Dodge Ram heavy duty pickup trucks, I believe the power output of the High Output 24V was kicked up to roughly 300hp/550lb-ft with the NV5600 6-speed manual tranny(the specs for the 03 HO engine are from memory so give or take a couple hp/lb-ft). For the 04.5 model year Dodge released the 24V Cummins 600 series trucks 325hp/600lb-ft, sometime in 05 they kicked the torque up to 610lb-ft(horsepower probably didn't change much). A couple good Dodge Diesel websites with tons of Cummins info are www.dieseltruckresource.com , www.turbodieselregister.com and www.oilburners.net
I'll be very interested to see what you can find on this conversion as I'm planning on doing the same thing to a 83 FJ60 truck conversion (aka FJ65)once I complete the FJ40 build up. I'm sure the 4BT is an awsome engine but, I'd rather have more power than I need. I want an overkill engine(a twin-turboed smoker cruiser with at least 1000lb-ft + would be pretty cool), I will be boxing, diagonally bracing and generally beefing up the frame, the drivetrain will be primarily 1 ton domestic(NV4500, Dana 60 front end, Dana 70 rearend or equivalent, I haven't decided upon a tranfercase yet).

 

[GLTHFJ60]

Sweet!! I'm with you on the idea that more power is better. I don't think that my truck will be that cool, but I will try.

I noted your new Dodge. How do you like it?

I know that nickle and diming is very, very tricky. That is why I added $2,500 extra in my price list farther up on the page.

 

[Tinker]

My ex-Dodge mechanic buddy bought a Cummins diesel truck about 5 years ago but got the 5-speed because his contacts said the 6-speed was weak.

 

[sixty]

I've been contemplating this conversion for a LONG time. I have an 02 ram to compare fitment with my fj60. 1 big problem you will have will be intercooling. The Dodge intercooler is wider than the entire front clip of an fj60 so getting one than can flow enough will be difficult (unless one of the units being used for the 4bt will work, I doubt it). maybe use meth/ water injection.

It would be best to get a whole wrecked truck because there is alot of expensive crap that does not come with alot of the engines for sale.

LUK gold brand clutches are decent & there a a bunch of good clutches for about $400- $500.

I would go with an NP205 & 1 ton axles.

I figured about $10-$12k, but that engine would be totally worth it.

 

[GLTHFJ60]

I definately agree on buying a whole wrecked truck. It would be cheaper in the long run I think. The biggest problem is finding theright year truck with the right engine and the right transmission. That is probably what I will do, then again maybe not.

Who knows.......

 

[Gus]

I also agree that buying an entire truck would make the whole process easier. Realistically, I think the 12 valve Cummins would be much easier to transplant into a cruiser, slightly less electronics to deal with than the later 24 valve engines. BTW, I like my Dodge, pretty comfy, tows well, decent fuel economy, plenty of power.

 

[GLTHFJ60]

I forgot to ask, how did you come up with the FJ65 name? Is that an old model that I have no knowledge of?

 

[Tapage]

I forgot to ask, how did you come up with the FJ65 name? Is that an old model that I have no knowledge of?

65 series on TLc models, don't exist ..

 

[GLTHFJ60]

That's what I figured, but I wanted to know how he came up with the name in the first place.....