I was thinkin about throwing a 3.9 cummins in a chevy pickup for my next upcoming project. I was wondering from people out there if they have done or know someone that has put a 3.9 into any type of vehicle. If so what can i expect for engine life, mpg (with average gearing) and just stuff like that. I have heard of people getting 30+ with the 3.9 for fuel mileage which makes me want to do this for my next project. My initial plan was to buy a 78-86 chevy 1/2 ton or 3/4 ton with a manual and buy a frito lay delivery truck and try to some how get my hands on a gm 5sp and do some skull crushin nights to make everything work. Let me know who else is doin stuff like this and what you think.

 

My friend put a 3.9 in his 86 Chevy half ton, so it would be a similar swap. He, however, used the stock 700R4 transmission with a low stall torque converter. The suspension did not need any mods, but the oil pan and axle have made contact a few times, so maybe an add-a-leaf kit would be a good idea. Aside from that, the engine fits under the hood very well. He makes 19-23 mpg with it, 21 probably being the average. His engien is an 89 model with an air to water aftercooler, and the rotary pump. It came out of a Snap-On van.

 

Unless it's really light, you will be aerodynamically limited by the very blocky old Chevy truck design to get much above 23-25 mpg. I don't know what part of the country you live in but I know it's very hard to find on eof these anymore that is not rusted away. These engines fit into the newer Chevy's as well, and you may get better mileage with one of them.

Sounds like a neat project, good luck with it!

 

I know it's very hard to find on eof these anymore that is not rusted away.
Im a little lost what you mean by this? Isnt a gas burner tranny a whole lot different than the diesel trannys like shift points etc? A gas tranny is turning a lot more rpms when it shifts than a diesel tranny arent they? Thanks for replying guys.

 

Our '69 Dodge 3/4 gave us 24 MPG. That was a 4-speed ford Trans with a spicer 3-speed aux. It was about 6500#. We put 385K on it. We bought the engine new from Cummins in '86 and built an air-air aftercooler.

Randy

 

I am thinking about doing it on my 74 ford bronco (early bronco) If you check out any forums for early bronco, you will find one guy that did it and is very happy with it. He also put a 4500 tranny on it similar to the dodge ones. He reports 29+ MPG. Lots of low end torque. I also heard of them going into Dakotas, Early jeep cherokees, etc.
Also, international is making some super 4 cylinder diesels in brazil. Most going to Europe or for domestic consumption. They are categorized as Euro II or Euro III for emission pirposes to meet the super tight European Emission standards, so it should not be a problem bringing them to the states. The problem is, who the hell is set up to distribute them? Its not like you can write a check and they will send you one.

Anybody got any ideas????

the MADDOG

 

MJdiesel,
how long did the swap take. I have an 86 chevy 1/2 ton with a good size lift. looking to put a 6.5 turbo diesel in it or something small. would like ot go with a 5.9 ctd but dont know about clearence and weight. Has some really strong leafs for front. i think they equal out to 1 ton ( not sure ). plus i dont really want to swap transmission and front and rear axles. thanks for the input.
kyle

 

Go to www.fordcummins.com and look in the photo gallery. there's a few pics of a 3.9 in a Jeep. you might be able to get some info from them. I've seen several jeeps with them. That's gonna be the motor in my next rockcrawler.

 

It would be interesting to hear rom someone that put a 3.9 in a Dakota. I don't see how that can be done on a 4WD without a major re-design as the front diff mounts to the engine. Maybe a 2WD, but the hoods are low.

Wetspirit

 

I have a '92 RC-SB 5spd Dak with 267K miles. The 3.9 V6 was rebuilt at 240K, but ever since I joined this site the thought of the 3.9 Cummins has intrigued me. I'm guessing some V8 springs and ball joints should address the weight issues. Anyone in the Houston area want to help with a swap!?

 

I've seen these motors on Ebay I don't recall the model number. They are very expensive, around 10 grand.

 

Here is the link the the Power Stroke 3.0

 

Here is a 4B forum on Yahoo if anyone is interested...

http://autos.groups.yahoo.com/group/cummins4BT/

 

It took him quite a while to finish the project, but he was not always working on it very much. All in all, it did not take very long, but it was certainly a difficult project, and it took some wrench time. If you pickup has a lift kit and those heavy springs, you probably have nothing to worry about. The engine fit well, but it was a close fit. The air-to-water aftercooler comes close to the hood and the engine compartment is just long enough for the engine. It would be difficult to fit a 5.9 without some fabrication, but it would definitely have enough power. However, a 3.9 can be turned up and bombed in others ways to make it a powerful beast. My buddy's pickup has plenty of power as is, but your outfit will probably need a little more engine output. 'Course, those 6.5s are awesome engines, so don't leave them out of your decision!