There are thousands of 3.9 out there seeking employment.

Anyone ever slip one in a small p/u like a 4 X 4 Toyota, Mazda, etc.

I can get 500 hp out of a 5.9 with out trying hard so 300 should be no sweat at all for a 3.9. Matter of fact, 300 might be a little much for such a light truck, maybe 200 would do good. Might be able to even do without a turbo.

Had a diesel Datsun in the early 80's with a 2.2L and less than 60 hp. 60 was a lot less than what I'd have liked but it got great mileage, 45 at times.

A body lift to give a little more height under the hood. Transmission might be a little challenge, brakes and weight on the suspension as the 3.9 is probably a lot heavier than that little aluminum block in there now. Would have ample power for A/C, power steering.

Thoughts? Ideas? Comments?

 

I too have pondered the same idea. I think it would be a great little hauler. The 3.9's shorter length would be ideal in the smaller engine compartment but you're right about the height, that will be the tough part. That's what a
4" cowl hood is for. I would think the turbo will have to stay because the engine was designed to be turbocharged. The compression is too low to run N/A. Besides, why would you want to?

 

Why not just stick a 3.9 in a 1/2 ton? I like mine in a 3/4 ton but I am also actively looking for an extended cab 1/2 ton 2WD to try for 30 MPG and above......

 

I seriously considered putting a ISB3.9 in a S10 ZR2. we have one at work, it's a pretty bad a** engine. (170 hp 420 lbs)

I think i'd be pretty easy to swap a cummins in a chevy, based on the history of frito lays trucks. the trans adapter plate, starter, flex plate, power steering, hydro-boost brakes, engine mounts can all be aquired from a bread truck.

U get yourself a stand alone computer for the trans (4l60 or 4l80). some electric fans and a few other things, and your running.

As far as weight, the 3.9 weighs about 750-770 lbs, the stock chevy 4.3 v6 weighs about 600 ish with accessories. that weight difference is minimal in my opinion. that's the same as adding an off-road bumper and winch.

the biggest concern would be hood/front suspension clearance. the 3.9 is pretty tall, (oil pan to valve cover).

i love the idea of a 3.9 in a mid size, and i still might do it someday.

 

My mail carrier has 8 mail jeeps with 4B 3.9s and TH350 autos. The 3.9 makes his jeep rattle like there's an earthquake but he gets 25mpg on his mail routes. Craig

 

heres a vid of a ranger with one that runs low 13s

http://nhrda.com/DragRacingVideos/DR...JP2-Finals.wmv

 

There was a Ranger with a 3.9 in it at MDTDC's Fall Brawl. Keith

 

And a bronco II. He actually dyno'd, 4BTA with the TH400 right out of the bread van. Copied right out of the Fall Brawl thread. The Ranger wasn't quite finished yet. His downpipe was a little short and I will say it was a tight fit to get the exhaust hooked up and I don't know how he was going to hook up the air filter.

 

I have a long term project going on a 57 GMC 4x4 pickup that will have a 4bt in it. Hard to think of a better brand engine to put in any truck.

 

tons more info for you're viewing pleasure ... enjoy

http://4btswaps.com/forum/index.php

 

I say go for it...

I will be putting one in a jeep someday... Great torque for offroading and good highway mileage 30+

 

I want to pick up a nice 80's 1/2 ton, short bed 4x4 Dodge and throw one in it with a 5 speed. I figure a conservative 225hp would do wonders with that size truck. If my 3/4 ton 'battleship' can get 21 mpg with me driving, I'd think that the little one could easily get 25+ in a lighter, smaller vehicle.

 

When I worked at Cummins we had a delivery van with a 3.9 in it. That thing shook like a dog pooping peach pits. At an idle at a light, it shook so hard you couldn't recognize anything behind you in the mirrors. Ran pretty good and made good power. The rest of it was so old and trashed, no AC, no one wanted to drive it.

 

Gunny, perhaps it was the mounts on your delivery van.

I have the P30 mounts in my 3/4 ton chebby 4X4 and it is not bad at all.