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Hi , I am a newbie here, I have a 1991 Chevy, 1 ton duallie. I have a thought. I am thinking of converting my chevy motor for a cummins 12 v, is this possible and if yes, how much am I going to spend on this conversion. Or should I just look for a dodge truck with a cummins diesel and be done with it. I dont use the truck very much, just form pulling a slide in camper and pulling my jeep, for jeeping down here in Texas. With camper on about 6 times a year, jeeping with camper about 4 times a year, any help out there would be appreciated. I don't want to spend big bucks for a new diesel, since I dont pull a lot. Thanks everyone, Zarr

 

Hi

Welcome to the group. I'm still absorbing all the Cummins info on here since I'm fairly new myself, but I have done several engine swaps and can give you some tips there. Please don't think I'm giving you a hard time or being a smart- , I'm just giving my opinions.

1. "I am thinking of converting my chevy motor for a cummins 12 v, is this possible and if yes, how much am I going to spend on this conversion."

If you have to ask, chances are you don't want to spend the money, and maybe don't have the experience to pull it off. Its scary to say, but from watching ads and ebay, a good running used Cummins is going to run you $2000-$3000+ just for the engine. Depending on where you are, you might be able to buy a whole Ram for less than what an engine goes for...thats what I did.

2. "I dont use the truck very much, just form pulling a slide in camper and pulling my jeep, for jeeping down here in Texas. With camper on about 6 times a year, jeeping with camper about 4 times a year, any help out there would be appreciated. I don't want to spend big bucks for a new diesel, since I dont pull a lot."

If thats all you use the truck, you may not even benefit from a diesel. Diesel trucks are best used for lots of driving for long distances. They cost a lot more to buy, even if you swap an engine in yourself. In fact, a swap can cost more than a complete Ram ready to go. Plan on a minimum of several thousand for parts (engine, bellhousing, conversion parts, new exhaust, drivetrain/driveshaft mods, etc.), and several thousand if you need to pay someone to do it.

If that hasn't scared you off, then you might be all set. The nice thing about most diesel swaps is that other than dealing with the larger size of the motor and drivetrain parts (and trying to fit everything where they need to be), the mechanicals are actually very simple. Attach the engine to the frame; connect it to the drivetrain; supply it with fuel and air and turn over the starter, and you have a running engine. Unlike gas engines, especially late model ones, which require certain in-tank fuel pumps to go with the fuel injection system being used; computers to control the engine, but still need to be wired in to the new vehicle; a hundred sensors, miles of wiring, etc. I'll let other, more experienced Cummins swappers give you more details. There are several conversions I've seen on here involving Chevy trucks and Suburbans.

Jim

 

www.cummins-conversion.com

Probably have all the answers you want for your model truck.

Hope it helps!

A.Y.

 

I'd be happy to go through what is involved with a conversion, but you'll have to wait a few days. We could do it here or over at cummins-conversion. I prefer there because that is where all the other conversion guys are and they have lots of experience and ideas.

 

Well i know this

12Vchevydually i think is his user name, has a dually that he converted. He can help you..

Tx

 

Is your truck 2wd or 4wd?
Which engine are you planning on using!

What Tranmission do you want to use, Mopar product Or GM?

Over all I think you would love it when you are done!!!!!!!!!!!
Sec its much Cheaper than buying a New Truck.

AND BEST THING, NOT MANY PEOPLE HAVE A CHEVY WITH A CUMMINS!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[QUOTE=NHDiesel]Hi

Welcome to the group. I'm still absorbing all the Cummins info on here since I'm fairly new myself, but I have done several engine swaps and can give you some tips there. Please don't think I'm giving you a hard time or being a smart- , I'm just giving my opinions.

1. "I am thinking of converting my chevy motor for a cummins 12 v, is this possible and if yes, how much am I going to spend on this conversion."

If you have to ask, chances are you don't want to spend the money, and maybe don't have the experience to pull it off. Its scary to say, but from watching ads and ebay, a good running used Cummins is going to run you $2000-$3000+ just for the engine. Depending on where you are, you might be able to buy a whole Ram for less than what an engine goes for...thats what I did.

2. "I dont use the truck very much, just form pulling a slide in camper and pulling my jeep, for jeeping down here in Texas. With camper on about 6 times a year, jeeping with camper about 4 times a year, any help out there would be appreciated. I don't want to spend big bucks for a new diesel, since I dont pull a lot."

If thats all you use the truck, you may not even benefit from a diesel. Diesel trucks are best used for lots of driving for long distances. They cost a lot more to buy, even if you swap an engine in yourself. In fact, a swap can cost more than a complete Ram ready to go. Plan on a minimum of several thousand for parts (engine, bellhousing, conversion parts, new exhaust, drivetrain/driveshaft mods, etc.), and several thousand if you need to pay someone to do it.

If that hasn't scared you off, then you might be all set. The nice thing about most diesel swaps is that other than dealing with the larger size of the motor and drivetrain parts (and trying to fit everything where they need to be), the mechanicals are actually very simple. Attach the engine to the frame; connect it to the drivetrain; supply it with fuel and air and turn over the starter, and you have a running engine. Unlike gas engines, especially late model ones, which require certain in-tank fuel pumps to go with the fuel injection system being used; computers to control the engine, but still need to be wired in to the new vehicle; a hundred sensors, miles of wiring, etc. I'll let other, more experienced Cummins swappers give you more details. There are several conversions I've seen on here involving Chevy trucks and Suburbans.

Jim[/QU




HI,Jim
thanks for the honest reply, It is probably to much for the type of pulling I due, and if I really wanted a diesel, I probably could get a cheaper one then all the money I would have to put into the conversion. I will probably be looking at a cheaper older dodge then, I'll stay with my gasser and save some money. Thanks for the honest opinion to everyone out there.

 

"If you have to ask, chances are you don't want to spend the money, and maybe don't have the experience to pull it off."

I had to ask and I didn't know. I hate it when people use that phrase. "If you have to ask..." If we didn't ask, how would we ever learn ?