Anyone thought about A cummins 4bt swap?

[RED72blazer]

So I'm thinking about going diesel. I saw a suburban with a cummins 4bt swap and it was getting 25 mpg on the highway.....sounds pretty awesome to me. On gas I get 200 miles a tank, On diesel with a stock tank that is around a 500 mile range, with a 40 gallon, 1000 could be within reason.

I think I have the swap pretty much sorted out on paper. the 4bt is 1 inch longer than the sbc and 45 pounds heavier than a BBC. I will use a NV4500 mated to the 205. I shouldn't even have to move the transfer case.

check out this youtube of a 4bt in a 90 blazer.

YouTube- Blazer

Let me know what you think.

basically I'm just wondering if you guys think I should go for it.

[Dusty71blazer]

I have read about these swaps in several vehicles. These are great engines and you will love it, it's getting kinda pricey to do- many people are looking for these engines now so they are bringing alot more money than they were a few years ago.
Be sure and post lots of pictures & info... looking forward to it!!

[Critter]

Heard mention of it but don't recall actually seeing it. As stated above, take lots of pics if you go through with it. Sounds like an awesome drivetrain.

[Big J]

I had thought about that or a cummins 5.9 but its taken' me long enough to get where I'm at, lol... and still not done

[rambler]

someone was doing it a few years ago and posted pics and a build thread.. not sure where to find it.. pretty cool thread...

[RED72blazer]

Originally Posted by rambler

someone was doing it a few years ago and posted pics and a build thread.. not sure where to find it.. pretty cool thread...

the only one i recall seeing was a 6bt into a 72 suburban.

[RED72blazer]

Originally Posted by Dusty71blazer

I have read about these swaps in several vehicles. These are great engines and you will love it, it's getting kinda pricey to do- many people are looking for these engines now so they are bringing alot more money than they were a few years ago.
Be sure and post lots of pictures & info... looking forward to it!!

Yeah, not cheap. But when it's running WVO it should pay for it's self pretty quick.

Originally Posted by Critter

Heard mention of it but don't recall actually seeing it. As stated above, take lots of pics if you go through with it. Sounds like an awesome drivetrain.

I'll have a build thread of it.

Originally Posted by Big J

I had thought about that or a cummins 5.9 but its taken' me long enough to get where I'm at, lol... and still not done

yeah I hear you. I've been stalled out trying to figure out what i should do.

the only problem I see with the 5.9 is it will be a hard fit in a blazer. It's already a tight fit in a truck or suburban and the blazer fire wall problems will complicate things further. also while more power is great. I woudn't be able to max out the towing capacity of a 6bt due to the short wheel base of the blazer.

[72freak]

In my opinion its the best way to go if you dont want to do a 5.9.
My plan was to put one in my dually project when the engine blew but I sold it before having any mechanical issues. Do yourself a favor and just buy a donor GM bread truck so you have EVERYTHING you need. Its a great idea, a bunch of people have done it and i think you will be pleased. Do some checking to see if you will need to beef up the frame....with the 5.9 it is a must!

[8mpg]

I say go for it. THere is a TON of info on 4bt swaps at...you guessed it 4btswaps.com

Im putting a 6bt in a 69 1/2 ton. Its a tight fit...not sure on the firewall differences with a blazer. The truck needed a high hump trans tunnel with the nv4500. A guy on here has one in a 70 (doesnt ever post here anymore) but he said hes getting darn near 30mpg with a NV4500, 12v Cummins 5.9 and a 3.08 gear set. I believe it. My buddy was getting 23-24 hand calculated in his 97 3/4 ton Dodge with a 3.73 rear.

My truck wont be done until late this year, maybe early next. Im praying for 27mpg

[Dieselwrencher]

Just like 72freak said, try to purchase a P-30 chevy bread truck with one in it. Then you have everything you need. Most of the time you can pick up a complete truck for what some want just for the engine. I highly doubt you will regret it, and the 4bt's can still produce a lot of power and still get great mileage just like it's big brother.