The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network - View Single Post - cummins engine swap in my 72 1ton crewcab

Baradium · 05-08-2002, 09:09 PM

Don't forget that with the 5.9 cummins you have to take into account it's extraordinary weight (more than twice that of a 350 IIRC, two or three hundred pounds more than a big block I believe). You also need to remember that it has a ton of torque and you *will* need to reinforce the frame. It twists the frames and bends mounts in the trucks it comes in. The 6BT-5.9 is a very nice motor, but it is heavy and you have to build VERY strong. It's also a low rpm motor, you can't drive it like a car, nice easy accelerations and a constant rpm is what the motor likes. Look into the 4BT.

05-08-2002, 09:09 PM	#5
Baradium Binder Rep Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: Salcha, AK Posts: 1,506	Don't forget that with the 5.9 cummins you have to take into account it's extraordinary weight (more than twice that of a 350 IIRC, two or three hundred pounds more than a big block I believe). You also need to remember that it has a ton of torque and you will need to reinforce the frame. It twists the frames and bends mounts in the trucks it comes in. The 6BT-5.9 is a very nice motor, but it is heavy and you have to build VERY strong. It's also a low rpm motor, you can't drive it like a car, nice easy accelerations and a constant rpm is what the motor likes. Look into the 4BT.