87 Crew Cab 454/TH400 to Cummins/NV4500

[jltait]

With the rear seal taken car of I moved around to the front of the engine. I wanted to ensure the Case dowel pin aka KDP (acronym for Killer Dowel Pin) was taken care of. The KDP can wiggle its way loose, drop into the timing gears and cause lots of damage. I also wanted to pull the gear case bolts, thread lock and re-torque since they have a reputation for loosening up as well. The KDP looked like it had not moved much, but to be on the safe side I peened some burrs into the gear case KDP bore with a hammer and center punch to prevent it from moving. I then pulled each case bolt, added thread lock and re-torqued. Glad I did, 1 bolt was finger tight and a couple others were not much more than that. First pic is the gear case cover removed showing the gears. Second is a close up of the KDP prior to peening dimple into its bore.

[jltait]

With the front engine preparation complete I then reinstalled the rear engine adapter plate and the flywheel with new flywheel bolts. I suggest eating your Wheaties if you are going to toss one of these flywheels around! Also note this is a 1st gen '89-'93 Getrag G360 flywheel, They did not come on nv4500 but with a few mods work just fine. I went this route because it allowed me to a).Keep the starter I already had b).keep the engine adapter plate I already had. c). It allows the use of the 1st gen engine adapter plate which is 1" narrower than the 2nd gen plates that were factory equipped with nv4500's. I thought that 1" difference may give me some valuable additional firewall clearance during the conversion. And finally d.) because they allow the use of the better 1st gen 13" clutch and pressure plate. 2nd gen's had a weaker 12.25" clutch according to the dodge guys. 2nd gen clutches can be readily upgraded but it gets pricey real quick.
..Jason

[jltait]

I then test fit the Advanced Adapters bellhousing, this unit is for the 1st gen dodge cummins. It is used to convert them from original Getrag G360's to NV4500. It is part number 712584. The casting is not as clean and defined as typical OEM right cast technology castings of today, but it does look pretty good. Kind of like the castings of the 60's versus the latest stuff, so far I am quite happy with it. The clutch fork is stock 1st gen cummins, bought from local dealership.
....Jason

[jltait]

Here is a picture of the motor mounts I am using, I procured these on ebay. I am using two of the same side mounts on both sides of my engine. I am not sure if I am using both RH's or LH's, but I know they are both the same side. I think they are 2nd gen mounts, I know they are not 1st gen mounts. I am not real knowledgeable about Dodge cummins mounts...

Jason

[SCOTI]

Subscribing to this one.

anyone found good info on a Cummins/4l80e type of swap for those considering this type of swap for similar reasons but not wanting the standard tranny?

[STOCKISH]

Any progress to report?