QSB conversion

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The Phoenician

**** your sensitivity!
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Yes I tried searching, but could not find what it is I'm looking for. I'm in Iraq, the internet is slow and I'm impatient. So I apologize ahead of time if this has been covered.

Has anyone successfully replaced their Toyota engines with a Cummins QSB 4.5? If so, what are your impressions, and ball park price? Also pics would be greatly appreciated. If this has been covered can someone link me to the thread. Thanks.
 
Im not sure about the QSB, but I think the general consensus about the 4 banger cummins motors is they pull good, but rattle alot and are noisy.

The newer injection pumps might make for a smoother running rig though.

Quite a few 4 cyl cummins conversion 80 series for sale in the last couple years.
 
I don't mind the noise, or the rattling, been driving Humvee's for a while and other psd trucks out here. I just need a bullet proof diesel. I was looking into the 4.5 because I'd like a bit more HPs than the 4bt has to offer. If the QSB 's dimension are close to the 4bt I might try to fit one in there when I get back. Of course if it's too expensive might just go with an Isuzu 4db.
 
I am under the impression the isuzu's are a smoother running engine and may be better suited to long term daily drivers.

There was a fair amount of proffits conversions built that went up for sale not long after on the forum. I believe it was due to the noise of the vehicles and had nothing to do with the workmanship, but I think many of them had sound insulation installed, and cruisers with a bunch of work freshly done to them up for sale soon after seems to be concerning.

Though, dont let me talk you out of it, the QSB's may be quite a powerplant and work well for ya.


Edit: there was a cool twin turbo isuzu ford f150 thread on another forum that was a good read as well!
 
In case anyone is interested, this is the reply I got from Proffitts, for that price I'll get the 1HD-T.




Mike,



We have not done the 4.5L QSB but we just finished up a 3.9L QSB in a 1996 80 series. The 3.9L QSB became the 4.5L QSB a few years ago. They are virtually the same engines but different displacement.



The power of the QSB is good and the engine is significantly quieter than an all mechanical 4BT. MPG has yet to be determined but we believe it will get better than the all mechanical version.



The QSB is a lot different than the all mechanical 4BT. We have to replace quite a few parts on the engine in order for the QSB to work. We have to replace the: exhaust manifold, oilpan, idler arm, etc. All in all, it is about $1500 worth of parts.



Conversion costs can vary depending on if you want a new or used engine.



The QSB conversion that we just finished, cost $29K all said and done. This is with a new engine and a new transmission. Essentially this is a new car that will last many thousands of miles.



Feel free to call the shop if you have any questions. We can be reached at 1-877-PROFFITT or 801-563-3140
 
Last edited:
In case anyone is interested, this is the reply I got from Proffitts, for that price I'll get the 1HD-T.




Mike,



We have not done the 4.5L QSB but we just finished up a 3.9L QSB in a 1996 80 series. The 3.9L QSB became the 4.5L QSB a few years ago. They are virtually the same engines but different displacement.



The power of the QSB is good and the engine is significantly quieter than an all mechanical 4BT. MPG has yet to be determined but we believe it will get better than the all mechanical version.



The QSB is a lot different than the all mechanical 4BT. We have to replace quite a few parts on the engine in order for the QSB to work. We have to replace the: exhaust manifold, oilpan, idler arm, etc. All in all, it is about $1500 worth of parts.



Conversion costs can vary depending on if you want a new or used engine.



The QSB conversion that we just finished, cost $29K all said and done. This is with a new engine and a new transmission. Essentially this is a new car that will last many thousands of miles.



Feel free to call the shop if you have any questions. We can be reached at 1-877-PROFFITT or 801-563-3140

The 1HD-T is to me without a doubt your best bet for a factory diesel swap. I hedge only because I have a a 1HZ and am concerned regarding who I might get to work on the engine in the States once it does need work. If you are wrenching yourself then not an issue for you. If not wrenching yourself maybe a different Cummins. The noisy rattle, I had an old Toyota B engine, might not get to you but maybe the significant other:princess: or the neighbors might think otherwise once you get back CONUS. Just a thought. BTW What are you looking to swap an engine into? 40 series, 60, 80?:cheers:
 
You have to realize that this is BRAND NEW engine that will last 400K miles or so. The engine alone is almost $10K direct from Cummins. It also includes a new transmission and a 4" lift for it all to fit. Try pricing a brand new 1HDT and 5 speed, throw a 4" lift on it and see where you come out ;)
 
Volcano Cruiser, I have an FJ62 SOA with 37" Creepy Crawlers.

I got another reply from Proffitt's, it would cost about 16k for the 1HD-t depending on where they get the engine. I think that's the best route to go as of now. Or I'll just get the Isuzu 4DB in there if I'm too broke by then. You have to understand the desert sun makes me hallucinate enough to think that's small change. I'm sure once I get home the significant other will slap some sense in me and make me spend that money on her instead.
 
I considered putting a QSB3.3T in my Jeep for some time. However, even though I have access to Cummins engines at dealer pricing, I bought my 81 for less than the conversion would have cost. Wait a few years and you can do the same.
 
You have to realize that this is BRAND NEW engine that will last 400K miles or so. The engine alone is almost $10K direct from Cummins. It also includes a new transmission and a 4" lift for it all to fit. Try pricing a brand new 1HDT and 5 speed, throw a 4" lift on it and see where you come out ;)

I was not saying that didn't worth or it's expensive .. ( which is ) just a big step in engine swap .. I have no clue how much will cost a brand new 1HD-T ( dreaming about the chance to get new one from Toyota ) .. lucky me I have one already in my 80 :D
 
The only experience i have with the 4.5QSB was working with a forklift that had one for power. Virtually the same as the 3.9 dimension wise, did seem to have a little more grunt! I have an '02 3.9 4BTA with the vp30 pump, we'll see how it works once i get it into an 80 series.
I also picked up a 3.9 QSB last year that's in storage, only issue will be electronics/wiring. Defenitely runs smoother than the older 3.9's.
I'll be folowing the thread hoping you do a build.
Cheers!
 
RigPig,
right now, it's looking like I can't justify the price of a QSB conversion. It's probably gonna be the Isuzu or the old 4BT. We'll see which one I can get my hands on first when I return home. Keep me posted on your build once you get started. Looking forward to learning from everyone else's experience first.
Cheers
 

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