What is the best 6BT?

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May 15, 2014
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After talking to Allmaras Machine and some research I found that a 6BT would be the cheaper and better option for me rather than a 4BD1T. Allmaras recommended the 91-93 6BT with the rotary pump, but I have found a lot more inline pump 6BTs in my area. Is there any huge difference? Will the inline pump version be any harder to swap in? What sort of differences in reliability, power, and consumption are there?
 
This is probably a question better asked on a Dodge truck forum, but my understanding has always been that the p-pump (inline pump) engines are preferred for power and reliability. Allmaras may be recommending the rotary pump engine because it develops less power and is kinder to the Land Cruiser transmission.
 
I was going to convert to a NV4500 anyways so handling the power should not be an issues
 
I would say find a 12v with the p pump which is an inline pump.
Reliable and excellent power potential


...via IH8MUD app
 
I have the p-pumped 6bt and NV4500. It's a pleasure to drive. You won't break any 0-60 records but you will not be struggling up hills. Any 12v 6bt has plenty of upgrades that can be done. Best part it's all mechanical, no computers to run it, so the upgrades are bolt on not computer chips.
 
This is probably a question better asked on a Dodge truck forum, but my understanding has always been that the p-pump (inline pump) engines are preferred for power and reliability. Allmaras may be recommending the rotary pump engine because it develops less power and is kinder to the Land Cruiser transmission.
I try my best to find info on the Cummins & diesel truck forums. They seem to be all about big power and "rolling coal" so a legit question gets off subject real quick.
 
First, I have a 4BD2 in my 60, second, I have talked to Dustin a few times, but never bought or used his parts. So now onto your question.

I had 2 Cummins in my boat and they are great motors and mine were rotary's. The 6BT's are better than the 4BT's for noise and vibration, but they are both obnoxious compared to an Isuzu.

I personally think the 6BT is to much for a LC, too heavy, to big physically and potentially, too much power. I know they are many done and work great, but my opinion.

I suggest you find someone who has the swap you want to do, and go see it in person. Most people are more than willing to show you what they have done.

Dustin makes Isuzu and Cummin's kits, but leans to the Cummin's.

If you have not found it, check 4btswaps.com Lots of good info on Cummins and other diesels, plus good diesel and swap info.

Do your own research to decide on whats best for you.
 
I already have a OME j lift so the extra weight should not be a problem. I think the Cummins is not too much heavier, maybe 100-150 pounds. It looks far simpler to put into a 80 series because exhaust is on the correct side and it seems to fit in there very well.
 
Well I planned on trying to tune it more for mileage over power. Somewhere around 250 hp and 500 ft-lbs of torque. A NV4500 will handle that sort of power. I think the weak point would be the axles.
 
Yeah you gotta make sure you fix the KDP (Killer Dowel Pin) in the early 12 valves supposably in the #53 blocks.
Its a cheap easy fix to just do it anyway because it can ruin an engine much like BEBs in the 1hd-t.
 
Well I planned on trying to tune it more for mileage over power. Somewhere around 250 hp and 500 ft-lbs of torque. A NV4500 will handle that sort of power. I think the weak point would be the axles.

I think the cruiser axles will be fine, R&P should take it without issue. Depends on how your wheeling it.
Upgraded axles and birfs for peace of mind.
 
I already have a OME j lift so the extra weight should not be a problem. I think the Cummins is not too much heavier, maybe 100-150 pounds. It looks far simpler to put into a 80 series because exhaust is on the correct side and it seems to fit in there very well.
Those OME J springs may not be enough if you have a bumper and winch. I'm looking into 4"-5" OME comp springs for mine. The Slee 4" springs I have are a bit soft for my liking. I may put my OME heavy springs back on just to do a quick test drive to see how the front feels.
 
What are your intended uses for this vehicle? There are very few landcruiser questions for which 6bt is the answer.
 
A rotary pump 6BT will be fine. Everything is basically the same except the pump is a little different. I have the V Pump on my 4bt and dont worry about it for one second. Im not trying to build a ton of power so its not a big deal. Probably not quite as relaible as the p pump though. You will love the Cummins by the way.
 
The VE Pump 4BT's are now proven at an honest 300hp. Two more cylinders should be able to deliver a completely honest 450hp.
VE pumps are also quieter, take less power to drive and give better fuel economy due to the internal timing advance.

But I still think a 6BT in an 80 series is a really really silly idea.
 
S
The VE Pump 4BT's are now proven at an honest 300hp. Two more cylinders should be able to deliver a completely honest 450hp.
VE pumps are also quieter, take less power to drive and give better fuel economy due to the internal timing advance.

But I still think a 6BT in an 80 series is a really really silly idea.
Silly but awesome
 
S

Silly but awesome

I'm not convinced it'll be awesome. Do you even have enough space for the appropriate sized radiator, intercooler and air-filters?
 
I'm not convinced it'll be awesome. Do you even have enough space for the appropriate sized radiator, intercooler and air-filters?

Yes, it has been done successfully more than a few times now.
 

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