- Thread starter
- #101
Damn near across the country.. narrowside.
Cummins conversion in process.
- Thread starter Cummins80
- Start date
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Nicely done, great trick, just read through the whole thread. Good luck with it
Here is a quick Vid of the Build. Diesel Conversion Specialists - Timeline | Facebook
- Thread starter
- #104
Update on the Cummins conversion-
After I was able to get the vehicle in my hands my had everything in place. The budget was broken down for the remaining steps to include a reasonable lift, Paint, tires, wheels and possibly a new Slee rear bumper. In addition I added some slush for a front axle service and new brakes on all 4 corners. I needed more slush..
Here is a recap of my experience and overall ranking of each respective resource that was used. While nothing is perfect in expectation nor result I will give this conversion an overall 8 of 10. Mostly because of my ignorance associated with this kind of project. I got lucky in the outsourcing of many of the jobs and also had some bad luck as well.
First the decision to install a diesel took me one of 2 routes. A domestic sourced diesel or a Toyota diesel. While both options have their attractive qualities and I am certain that a debate exists over what is ultimately the best solution. No solution is without it faults and after a long deliberation and discussion with several individuals who have owned both types lead me to choose the Cummins conversion. The benefits were many and the reputation of an industrial engine in an industrial chassis was a very attractive option.
I researched multiple companies that offered a diesel conversion service. After a lengthy interview process of several mechanics literally from New England to San Antonio to the Pacific Northwest. After having a conversation with the guys from Diesel brothers in Utah, they referred me to the team in Kalispell Montana. Diesel Conversion Specialists, became the choice for my conversion based on their expertise in Cummins conversions but maybe because they would always answer the phone. Every preemptive question was answered and the expectations were set for a 5-6 month conversion. (Obtaining the kit from Duiser added a couple of months to the overall completion-Credit to Duiser, He was fundamental in providing support and product. His help was much appreciated) I would like to imagine him having a ready supply of parts on a shelf but I imagine demand doesn't support the idea. All the same his quality is second to none.
Once the engine was converted and I made the 1100 mile drive back to Denver, i couldn't be more happy. The vehicle ran well and had plenty of power. Fuel economy improved quite a bit and overall the job was done with a high level of attention to detail. This portion of the project gave me a false sense of security as it was completed in time and very close to budget. I figured the rest would be a cake walk...
The next step was going to be suspension. I needed a small lift, more so I needed a spring to support the additional weight. While not a massive increase in pounds 300 was enough to start sagging the 12-13 year old OME 2.5 inch heavies. As you can see the ARB bumper and 12k pound winch add a few LBS. I started to deliberate based on my questioning of several members of the Forum on how and what would work best. After detailed research and speaking to one of the foremost experts on Landcruisers I chose to use Slee to upgrade the suspension and provide me the strength but equally as important the drive ability of a stock LC! We opted for the 6# kit with Comp springs on the front and 4 inch springs on the rear. The kit provided the proper geometry and added security of the Slee Control arms. Tis was certainly not the only option nor the cheapest option. I felt it was worth breaking the budget to get this right. Lets also not forget , Having Slee in your backyard and not using them is kind of a shame ; )
Once the suspension was complete, we needed to work out a couple of small bugs. Having your install mechanic in Montana and the vehicle in Denver does not make for an easy solution. The boys at DCS made it simple! Using a shop in the local area we were able to get the small electrical repairs made with little to no effort. Wile I was in the shop i ordered Tom woods double cardans fro the front and rear shafts. i figured after a quarter million miles it would be a good time to have those replaced.. What a difference they made. The vehicle shifted as smooth as it did when new. The driveline had zero vibrations and the overall feel was nearing perfection. Mechanically we were doing great!
Now for the paint... I budgeted 5k thinking that should be more than enough. It wasnt... 3 k over budget...Dont tell the wife. New fiberglass, new black plastics, new grill, new logos and emblems, new mirrors and 11 weeks later we were done.
I went with Toyo tires and chrome wheels. While I thought i git a stellar deal on EBay. Finding the fifth wheel proved to be difficult and costly. Brakes were provided by the local Brakes plus great guys..! New discs,calipers,pads ect.. Went through and re tubed all the brake lines while we were at it.
Front axle service Complete...OUCH! rear axle service not too bad. Full fluid flush and Finally.... We were scheduled to put on the new Slee rear bumper.
It was 11 months to the day from start to finish. While this project is never truly complete (I have plans for new skin on the seats) It is done and being enjoyed thoroughly. I spent this weekend in sub 0 temperatures 200 miles from home and about 100 miles from the nearest mechanic running the rig through its paces. I awoke at 7:30 on Saturday and the temperature was a brisk -9 degrees. The Landcruiser (affectionately renamed the YETI by my boys) Turned over coughed a plume of smoke and started without fail. Running around the mountains in a foot of fresh unmolested snow, through rivers and fields the rig proved to be a blast! One complaint- It needed a radiator block to heat up to operating temperatures. Minor inconvenience.
That being said the cost of this project was over budget by several thousand dollars. I full expected to have this complete at under 30k. 35k tops. I now own a very capable vehicle that certainly turns heads that will also serve as home, camper and coffin if my wife ever finds out.
If you are interested in such a conversion, i would be happy to provide you with the steps to avoid the cost overruns that i experienced. If you are a competent wrench turner and have time, you could do the majority of the work I outsourced ( I would recommend having the guys at DCS do the engine swap regardless of your competence,Its worth the brain damage.) and easily finish this project for under 30k.
New Re manufactured Cummins 6BT Complete new rebuild. from the Pan to the turbo is all new parts. 12k Plus labor and Cummins conversion kit***
New exhaust 1000
New suspension complete package sans Heavy Comp springs 5k installed
New radiator Toyota OEM 300
New brakes-1100
New rear bumper installed 3400
New tires and wheels 2100
New axles 1300
New shafts 650
Paint and body including all new fenders, belt moldings, mirrors and grill-8500
*** Labor and kit can be discussed with the team at DCS or you can privately message me.
After I was able to get the vehicle in my hands my had everything in place. The budget was broken down for the remaining steps to include a reasonable lift, Paint, tires, wheels and possibly a new Slee rear bumper. In addition I added some slush for a front axle service and new brakes on all 4 corners. I needed more slush..
Here is a recap of my experience and overall ranking of each respective resource that was used. While nothing is perfect in expectation nor result I will give this conversion an overall 8 of 10. Mostly because of my ignorance associated with this kind of project. I got lucky in the outsourcing of many of the jobs and also had some bad luck as well.
First the decision to install a diesel took me one of 2 routes. A domestic sourced diesel or a Toyota diesel. While both options have their attractive qualities and I am certain that a debate exists over what is ultimately the best solution. No solution is without it faults and after a long deliberation and discussion with several individuals who have owned both types lead me to choose the Cummins conversion. The benefits were many and the reputation of an industrial engine in an industrial chassis was a very attractive option.
I researched multiple companies that offered a diesel conversion service. After a lengthy interview process of several mechanics literally from New England to San Antonio to the Pacific Northwest. After having a conversation with the guys from Diesel brothers in Utah, they referred me to the team in Kalispell Montana. Diesel Conversion Specialists, became the choice for my conversion based on their expertise in Cummins conversions but maybe because they would always answer the phone. Every preemptive question was answered and the expectations were set for a 5-6 month conversion. (Obtaining the kit from Duiser added a couple of months to the overall completion-Credit to Duiser, He was fundamental in providing support and product. His help was much appreciated) I would like to imagine him having a ready supply of parts on a shelf but I imagine demand doesn't support the idea. All the same his quality is second to none.
Once the engine was converted and I made the 1100 mile drive back to Denver, i couldn't be more happy. The vehicle ran well and had plenty of power. Fuel economy improved quite a bit and overall the job was done with a high level of attention to detail. This portion of the project gave me a false sense of security as it was completed in time and very close to budget. I figured the rest would be a cake walk...
The next step was going to be suspension. I needed a small lift, more so I needed a spring to support the additional weight. While not a massive increase in pounds 300 was enough to start sagging the 12-13 year old OME 2.5 inch heavies. As you can see the ARB bumper and 12k pound winch add a few LBS. I started to deliberate based on my questioning of several members of the Forum on how and what would work best. After detailed research and speaking to one of the foremost experts on Landcruisers I chose to use Slee to upgrade the suspension and provide me the strength but equally as important the drive ability of a stock LC! We opted for the 6# kit with Comp springs on the front and 4 inch springs on the rear. The kit provided the proper geometry and added security of the Slee Control arms. Tis was certainly not the only option nor the cheapest option. I felt it was worth breaking the budget to get this right. Lets also not forget , Having Slee in your backyard and not using them is kind of a shame ; )
Once the suspension was complete, we needed to work out a couple of small bugs. Having your install mechanic in Montana and the vehicle in Denver does not make for an easy solution. The boys at DCS made it simple! Using a shop in the local area we were able to get the small electrical repairs made with little to no effort. Wile I was in the shop i ordered Tom woods double cardans fro the front and rear shafts. i figured after a quarter million miles it would be a good time to have those replaced.. What a difference they made. The vehicle shifted as smooth as it did when new. The driveline had zero vibrations and the overall feel was nearing perfection. Mechanically we were doing great!
Now for the paint... I budgeted 5k thinking that should be more than enough. It wasnt... 3 k over budget...Dont tell the wife. New fiberglass, new black plastics, new grill, new logos and emblems, new mirrors and 11 weeks later we were done.
I went with Toyo tires and chrome wheels. While I thought i git a stellar deal on EBay. Finding the fifth wheel proved to be difficult and costly. Brakes were provided by the local Brakes plus great guys..! New discs,calipers,pads ect.. Went through and re tubed all the brake lines while we were at it.
Front axle service Complete...OUCH! rear axle service not too bad. Full fluid flush and Finally.... We were scheduled to put on the new Slee rear bumper.
It was 11 months to the day from start to finish. While this project is never truly complete (I have plans for new skin on the seats) It is done and being enjoyed thoroughly. I spent this weekend in sub 0 temperatures 200 miles from home and about 100 miles from the nearest mechanic running the rig through its paces. I awoke at 7:30 on Saturday and the temperature was a brisk -9 degrees. The Landcruiser (affectionately renamed the YETI by my boys) Turned over coughed a plume of smoke and started without fail. Running around the mountains in a foot of fresh unmolested snow, through rivers and fields the rig proved to be a blast! One complaint- It needed a radiator block to heat up to operating temperatures. Minor inconvenience.
That being said the cost of this project was over budget by several thousand dollars. I full expected to have this complete at under 30k. 35k tops. I now own a very capable vehicle that certainly turns heads that will also serve as home, camper and coffin if my wife ever finds out.
If you are interested in such a conversion, i would be happy to provide you with the steps to avoid the cost overruns that i experienced. If you are a competent wrench turner and have time, you could do the majority of the work I outsourced ( I would recommend having the guys at DCS do the engine swap regardless of your competence,Its worth the brain damage.) and easily finish this project for under 30k.
New Re manufactured Cummins 6BT Complete new rebuild. from the Pan to the turbo is all new parts. 12k Plus labor and Cummins conversion kit***
New exhaust 1000
New suspension complete package sans Heavy Comp springs 5k installed
New radiator Toyota OEM 300
New brakes-1100
New rear bumper installed 3400
New tires and wheels 2100
New axles 1300
New shafts 650
Paint and body including all new fenders, belt moldings, mirrors and grill-8500
*** Labor and kit can be discussed with the team at DCS or you can privately message me.
3400 for a rear bumper what? I could have paid myself 75 bucks an hours plus the metal for less than 2000. WOW!
- Thread starter
- #106
Like I said- I am sure it can be done cheaper. One thing I have learned over the years, When I think I can save a nickel, It usually costs me more than paying for it the first time. The aforementioned bumper is 2400 plus the receiver 400 and installation of 500. While not inexpensive the quality is second to none. If you could build this quality with the supplied hardware for the tire, tire swings ladders ect and do it cheaper there certainly is a market.. I would be surprised if the end result is much less expensive.
Im just a cheap ass. Non of my cruisers are even worth $3400.
- Thread starter
- #108
The sad thing, either are mine ; )
Just read this thread from start to finish. WOW, I'd love to do this with a 60, or even cooler a 55, but that would probably need a frame replacement in the build. Great rig, have fun, and I really like your cool ride.
as it got bumped, i too read this thread from start to finish... very nice 80.
cummins is a great motor. and dig the white. best colour for a cruiser me thinks
cummins is a great motor. and dig the white. best colour for a cruiser me thinks
on a side note, whats you fuel economy like?
- Thread starter
- #112
Not a Honda Civic ! 14- 16 on a new Motor.
I got 14-17 on my trip to Big Bend this last weekend. Not my best but I was doing 70-75 on I10 the whole way loaded down. I'm sure winter mix fuel is at all the stations now. Keeping at 60-65 will drastically increase mileage but that is hard to do even going up steep grades. The engine just wants to go!
- Thread starter
- #114
That's actually a good point. I can't drive 65. If I would keep my rpms below 2100 the economy goes up. I found a tail wind and moderate speed I can manipulate the fuel economy to 20 plus. But that's just not real.I got 14-17 on my trip to Big Bend this last weekend. Not my best but I was doing 70-75 on I10 the whole way loaded down. I'm sure winter mix fuel is at all the stations now. Keeping at 60-65 will drastically increase mileage but that is hard to do even going up steep grades. The engine just wants to go!
Can you tell me where you got the air cleaner box? I'm assuming you kept this one over the Donaldson.
Thank you very much. I hope you are enjoying your truck. I have a 1HD-T and love driving it.
Cummins,
That is one sweet rig. PM incoming.
That is one sweet rig. PM incoming.
- Thread starter
- #119
So i think we are at 2.5 years. I wanted to provide a no nonsense assessment of this project.
As you may have read, i started with all new components, from the engine to all the connecting parts.
After receiving the new motor from Reviva, (yes new manufactured from top to bottom) The engine was sucking oil and burning about a gallon every oil change cycle. (Interesting fact-Cummins thinks this is within normal tolerances) After a year of arguments and a blown fuel pump, yes a fuel pump at less than 3k miles. Reviva decided to make good and send me a totally new motor and paid for re-installation Kudos to Reviva for making good on their warranty. After the reinstall of the new motor and some fine tuning including the fuel pin and rpm upgrade Also after driving the rig for about 9 months and what seemed to be a decent amount of reliability i was driving down the highway at about 75 mph in cool rainy weather and...... wait for it.. POP!!!! the undeniable smell of antifreeze and remorse.... I pulled over immediately to see that the brand new fan blade bought from NAPA had grenaded, tore through the radiator and severed the transmission cooling lines.
Back to the shop. This time, we went with E fans. After driving through reasonably warm weather i noticed the trans temp was climbing past 200 degrees and could and often hit 210. On the highway at top speed 75-80 mph the engine would heat past the normal range. A quick heater cycle with open windows and the fan blowing uncomfortably on me, brought the temps into normal. I called flexilite and determined we needed a fan with greater CFM. SO with out further ado The new fan will be installed this upcoming week. I suspect a double of the CFM will correct the problems.
Here is the knowledge I have gleamed from this experience-
Budget 3x expectation, Especially when you are not a mechanic/have time ( a proper build would cost you about 80-90k)
Do not expect factory Toyota like dependability
This is a vanity project- You cant tow like a Ram 3500 nor can you wheel like a factory rig
Weight is a consideration. Suspension should be factored (expect to spend 7-9k on a proper set up)
Wiring is as important as oil and often overlooked. Wiring issues will doom a project
Spend the good money on quality parts (and even then prepare to face failure)
DO NOT USE DUISER OFFROAD. I heeded previous warnings, but my mechanic seemed to be confident with using them. The parts of high quality, but the aforementioned wiring was never done correctly... Leaving me with a constant stream of s***ty electrical issues.
Research your mechanic and make certain they are up for the task. This build out is not for the meek.
Feel free to contact me with questions or comments. More pictures to follow.
As you may have read, i started with all new components, from the engine to all the connecting parts.
After receiving the new motor from Reviva, (yes new manufactured from top to bottom) The engine was sucking oil and burning about a gallon every oil change cycle. (Interesting fact-Cummins thinks this is within normal tolerances) After a year of arguments and a blown fuel pump, yes a fuel pump at less than 3k miles. Reviva decided to make good and send me a totally new motor and paid for re-installation Kudos to Reviva for making good on their warranty. After the reinstall of the new motor and some fine tuning including the fuel pin and rpm upgrade Also after driving the rig for about 9 months and what seemed to be a decent amount of reliability i was driving down the highway at about 75 mph in cool rainy weather and...... wait for it.. POP!!!! the undeniable smell of antifreeze and remorse.... I pulled over immediately to see that the brand new fan blade bought from NAPA had grenaded, tore through the radiator and severed the transmission cooling lines.
Back to the shop. This time, we went with E fans. After driving through reasonably warm weather i noticed the trans temp was climbing past 200 degrees and could and often hit 210. On the highway at top speed 75-80 mph the engine would heat past the normal range. A quick heater cycle with open windows and the fan blowing uncomfortably on me, brought the temps into normal. I called flexilite and determined we needed a fan with greater CFM. SO with out further ado The new fan will be installed this upcoming week. I suspect a double of the CFM will correct the problems.
Here is the knowledge I have gleamed from this experience-
Budget 3x expectation, Especially when you are not a mechanic/have time ( a proper build would cost you about 80-90k)
Do not expect factory Toyota like dependability
This is a vanity project- You cant tow like a Ram 3500 nor can you wheel like a factory rig
Weight is a consideration. Suspension should be factored (expect to spend 7-9k on a proper set up)
Wiring is as important as oil and often overlooked. Wiring issues will doom a project
Spend the good money on quality parts (and even then prepare to face failure)
DO NOT USE DUISER OFFROAD. I heeded previous warnings, but my mechanic seemed to be confident with using them. The parts of high quality, but the aforementioned wiring was never done correctly... Leaving me with a constant stream of s***ty electrical issues.
Research your mechanic and make certain they are up for the task. This build out is not for the meek.
Feel free to contact me with questions or comments. More pictures to follow.
Ouch… The bit with the Reviva engine doesn't give one the warm fuzzies…
Thanks for sharing your experiences.
Thanks for sharing your experiences.