41' Wf32 And A 6Bt?

[41/53dodges]

Time for another odd idea, has anybody done any playing with putting a Cummins 6BT in a truck? Just curious, the local scrapyard has one in the scrap pile and they don't seem to know what they have, and I have a big truck that I think could use some more motor...

[HanksB3B]

Close but no cigar?

 

http://mopar.pairserver.com/p15d24ph_forum/topic/31694-1952-b3b-with-cummins-4bt/

 

I think we'll need a bigger Truck?

 

Good Luck,

 

Hank 

[1952B3b23]

What year and condition 6bt? You will need a pretty heavy duty truck to handle one of those bad boys, they weigh right around 1,000 lbs.  Ive seen pics of a 6bt in a pilothouse and the last 2 cylinders where completely inside the cab. I think someone else on here was kicking around an idea of  a 6bt pilothouse but they were going to put the pilothouse sheet metal onto a later model dodge frame. I think with some slick engineering its possible. I personally love the idea, slightly obssesed with Cummins diesel power.

 

Im the one whos doing the 4bt swap in my '52.

 

-Chris

[ggdad1951]

you weren't think of TODD were you Chris?  If so no I'm using the engine the TD out of the 94'.  But I'd think you could maybe do it with one of the 1.5+ ton dog houses that are longer? 

[Merle Coggins]

I believe Josh is refering to his '41 which is a 1.5 tonner. It might be a tight squeeze, but I'm sure it can be done.

[Dave72dt]

whoever hauled it to the scrapyard certainly knew what it was and got rid of it for a reason.  if the yard pulled it and put it in the scrap pile, they knew what it was too and put it there for a reason.  If it's not in a truck and you can't hear it run, i wouldn't even begin to consider buying it.

[41/53dodges]

The thing likely came from the excavating company next door, they are VERY well known for pitching out perfectly good equipment. the yard doesn't really have a use for this kind of engine, and it is right next to a few other power units. You are probably right, but I'm not just going to walk away for that, cant hurt to take a look!

[1952B3b23]

you weren't think of TODD were you Chris?  If so no I'm using the engine the TD out of the 94'.  But I'd think you could maybe do it with one of the 1.5+ ton dog houses that are longer? 

 

Thats exactly what i was thinking of, i think my idea of your plan got a little screwed up in the old noggin of mine. '94 12 valve that was a great choice for a motor, has the highly sought after Bosch P7100 injection pump.

 

Now that i know the truck would be a 1.5 ton it seems like it could would work cause the truck i saw with a 6bt was a half ton pilothouse around 49-50 i think, cant remember exactly.

[1952B3b23]

I tend to agree with "Dave72dt" if the motor is in a scrap heap then it most likely belongs there. Especially a Cummins diesel they bring decent money depending on the condition. I wouldnt buy one if i didnt hear it running, you can purchase a good running first gen ('89-'93) 6bt for around $1500. In my opinion not really worth taking a gamble with something where you dont even know if it turns over. But just like you said doesnt mean you cant look, just cause you look doesnt mean you own it. If you do go look at it look on both sides of the block and see if theres a "53" stamped on the side. If so this is likely a block with a cracked water jacket. The 53 blocks where known to do this and if it isnt cracked then it likely would. These motors appeared in trucks between '99 and 2001.

 

-Chris

[OLD DODGE]

Here is a guy's build for a 39.

 

http://www.1939cummins.info/

[41/53dodges]

Alright, in an attempt to clarify things and get things back on subject, this is a scrapyard, not really a car junkyard. The yard man remembers running it in a loader in 85', which was scrapped. The engine stayed, the rest is history. The idea is, how feasible is this idea of putting it in the 41', it had a 25" block originally. It is evidently not a 6bt, but its much older brother from about 65'

[lugnut123]

It mite fit good in a cab over.  Check for water in the oil.Does it have a starter and fly wheel? lug

[41/53dodges]

Starter and flywheel are present, turbo still spins like new. Oil looks almost new too. Seems like it has potential to work again

[Merle Coggins]

Those older Cummins engines are getting harder to find parts for. And it's likely much larger than a 6B engine. Their smaller engines back then were V6's or V8's. Then again, a good fabricator can make just about any engine fit. {sarcasm font} Why not go for a VT1710? {sarcasm font}

[Ram Man 02]

My thoughts are since you have the truck, and you know where this engine is located. grab a tape measure and see how close to fitting it actually is. sheet metal can be cut and reformed if you want to tackle the project. but any engine can be made to fit if you want to invest the time.

[41/53dodges]

Those older Cummins engines are getting harder to find parts for. And it's likely much larger than a 6B engine. Their smaller engines back then were V6's or V8's. Then again, a good fabricator can make just about any engine fit. {sarcasm font} Why not go for a VT1710? {sarcasm font}

It is actually about the same physical size as a 6bt, just has a date tag from 65' and a different head. Its about 38" from fan blade to bellhousing, so it would definately need some cutting to fit, but not too bad id think

[41/53dodges]

So while I am looking at a driveline swap, I figured maybe it would be wise to look into axle swaps too. the 5 lug budd wheels are a royal pain up here, it is just dayton cast wheels all over the place though! I know I found a picture once of a heavy 40's dodge with cast wheels, but I can't turn it up again! would this be a wise swap? A friend of mine has a bunch of old converted trucks that have those axles, so likely better brakes, ratios, parts ability, and wheels. Any thoughts?

[41/53dodges]

So time for somewhat of a refresher, the 41' could still use a better driveline. For sake of fuel consumption I'm still thinking diesel, anybody have any other ideas for motors? no chevy 350's though, as good as they are theyre way too common

[MBF]

If you're not concerned about noise, a Detroit 4-71 is a small enough engine to fit in the compartment.  I have a friend that has one in a 56 Ford 1 ton dump.  A real screamer.  You've got to figure the cost difference between gas and diesel and the amount the engine and installation is going to cost to see if there is going to be any return on your investment and labor.  You can buy a lot of gas for what the conversion is going to cost.  I'm getting 13 in my 1 ton with the original 230, I don't know that you'd get that much or more out of a diesel.  The diesel conversion may also require a higher geared rear depending on what it is governed at.  You don't want a truck that will only run 35 mph up against a peg of 2500 rpm.   Just something to consider.   Mike

[41/53dodges]

This is true. I higher rear end is in order either way, 45mph isnt flying for a road truck! Thats what im contemplating building anyhow