Hello Gents,
Pardon me for sticking my head in here, but this seems to be the place for an answer or two.

Here goes and please try not to laugh. I have an idea about using a turbo diesel engine in a car. I am a hot-rodder and I love putting engines that no one expects in different cars. I need some information in my research on my idea.

How much does a 3rd gen Dodge Cummins Turbo Diesel engine weigh?

How tall is it from pan bottom to motor mounts and then from motor mounts to the top of the valve covers? How wide is it from side mount to mount?

How much power can be extracted from these engines before stock crank failure becomes a concern?


If the answers that I have yeild favorable information, I intend on putting one in a Chrysler Imperial. They are VERY heavy for cars;
5200 pounds. I saw a Diesel at a dragstrip in Georgia that was pushing a Ram3500 Dually through the 1/4 at 12.5 seconds which gave me this cockeyed idea.

Any info or helpful hints?

Thanks!

P.s;
YES, I am serious about this!

 

I don't think anyone knows what the stock crank can handle, haven't ever heard of one going down.

I don't have the specs. Lengthwise I think you can do it, heighthwise might be an issue.

 

Not sure about the transplant - but I do know one thing - you dont want a third gen Cummins....you should be looking at a 12V Cummins....1994-1998. The best being the 215 HP engines in 97 and 98 model years. there are many guys pushing over 500 Hp and 1000 ft lb of torque on these 12V's. Thrust me, a 24V will be a headache.

good Luck....you have a fair bit of research and fabrication to do.

 

Best of luck, get after it, keep us informed of your progress if you decide to try it, Wouldn't you be ahead if you just get a truck and fix it to race it instead?? The car you describe has a larger motor area than a dodge dakota, and that has been done, so it should fit, If you are really serious I can scan or mail you a complete diagram with all the dimensions of the 12v, let me know, Goodluck, Rick

 

Why is the 24v a booger and the 12v gold? What is is about them?
Please forgive my lack of knowledge on Diesel engines. Until recently, I had only considered them to be loud, smelly, slowpokes.
Now I think that there is a HUGE future for Diesels in hotrodding and racing!

As for fabrication, I once put a Buick Grand National Turbo 6 3.8l in a Cooper Mini! THAT was a PITA as far as as fabbing goes!!

Why an Imperial and not a truck? Just to be be wacky-different and do something that no one else has.

YES!! Please send me those dimensions so that I can make a wood mockup of the motor and see if I can make things happen.

Here is 2 emails to choose from:

ScottP1@Hiwaay.net
clrpshp@bellsouth.net

Dont worry about the size of it.. I hvae DSl on

 

I know of somebody contemplating dropping a Cummins into a Volvo 240 diesel. I didn't think a 5.9 would fit but the smaller 4 cylinder 3.9 might.

 

I thought of that but I am a cubes Junkie from WAY back...

 

Hey, onslaught, I scanned two different ones and emailed them to you , let me know if you get them? And hope they help! Keep us informed of how it goes, Goodluck, Rick

 

The 24 valve is electronically controlled, and the pump limits you to around 800 hp no matter how big your injectors are. The 12 valve is much simpler to deal with, it's all mechanical, and the pump can put out ridiculous amounts of fuel.

Was that an original Mini or a BMW knock-off?

I think you will have to put the motor in on an angle, as it's pretty tall for a car. This will require a little custom work on the oil pan and pickup, but I don't see any reason it can't be done. It will be loud and smoky, but not slow!

 

RICK!
Thank you!!! That is beyond perfect ! now I can get with the real measure measurements!! The only thing left is the weight! I gotta say that this is one of the nicest boards I have ever seen!!
All of you are real gents!!

 

Cummins says 962 lbs for the current ISB, I'd figure the 12 valve to be about 50 lbs lighter. Figure on 900 lbs and you won't be far off. Be sure to post pictures of your progress.

 

A 1968 Mini! We had to lengthen the front body by about 4 ", 2 inches on either side of the wheel openings. Tube frame underneath and throughout. The hood was tossed. Had to set back the firewall 3.5" and redo the entire floorpan. Had to move the front seats back. Let me say this. It was a terrifying little bugger to ride in!! VERY fast!!

That brings up another question, why do Diesels make so much noise? I really dont mind the sound at all, just curious.

 

900 pounds!! WOW!! Is that a complete engine with turbo and tranny or just the block-heads-bottom end?
I know that the Imperials were based on the Dodge truck frames up until 1968-69, so it can take the weight, I know now I have a lot of work to do on the suspension parts!
or... hmmmmm

 

A pretty good discussion of diesel noise.

Putting a turbo 6 in an old Mini is pretty amazing, I think this project is well within your capabilities.

Weight is with turbo, without trans.

 

Add about another 200 lbs for the intercooler and radiator.

Larry B @ Foster Truck converted his motorhome to a 12 Valve Cummins. He can most likely answer most of your questions.

http://www.fostertruck.com/cummins/index.html