6BT Cummins Swap

[Patience]

Hello everyone --

Pretty new to the site. I've got a 59 Apache 38 Dually that I'm planning on putting a 5.9L 12v in... I've seen a couple on here... most with a monster hole in the firewall and some without any hole in the firewall.

I'd like to keep my firewall cutting to a minimum... What causes some to have to cut the big hole and others to make it all fit?

Thanks for the help! Have really enjoyed looking at a bunch of builds!

[Sim6]

[6BT 56]

So have you got this truck underway yet?. I have the same power in mine . It's fits but it's tight for sure . Take a peek some time . Any questions ask away . That's why we're all here !

[Patience]

No, this truck is not underway yet... I've got it half under my Uncle's barn - awaiting the funds, and space to tear into it. My uncle did say something about paving one of the horse stalls in the unfinished part for a "wash rack" one day, which translates into "paved work area" for me

I wonder if I should have put this thread under diesel conversions???

This fall when it cools down I hope to start tinkering with it, but mostly just in the research phase... 6BT I will definitely look thru your build!! Thanks for the heads up on that.
I'll take some more pics next time I go out there. The above pic was taken in 2009 when I found it in California. Its gotten a bit more surface rust in the humid Texas heat since then...

[II_Slow]

It all depends on what you pur between the radiator and the grill. Stay with a small-ish radiator and leave off or relocate the intercooler and obviously it will squeeze in there as others have done it. Put a big radiator and intercooler on it and everything has to move back. Just search the forums and you'll get a few options. Mostly depends on your intended usage and engine mods.

[SparkyRnD]

We also make radiators here in the USA using domestically sourced materials by hand to fit your truck (and we can put the inlet / outlet wherever you need at no additional charge). They are all tig welded, no epoxy or glue either. Plus, we are a site sponsor. Let me know if you are interested.

[Patience]

Update:

Update: I have changed courses... new plan is to rebuild/machine the stock block and get the truck back on the road. Cummins build option is shelved for now... considering a 454 big block as well.

[joedoh]

welcome! how about a picture of that 41-46 behind your truck?

by the by georgia is my favorite font too. if I have anything that requires a letter that is the font I choose.

[Patience]

The big green monster is an old Dodge 2 ton (I think??) Unfortunately I don't own that one.... YET! Haha. I'm still hoping to get that guy as well.

[Patience]

Here is the link to my new thread for this truck.

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...71#post7834271

[Patience]

Joe - Here are the only pics of got of the green monster.

[joedoh]

what great pictures, thanks for posting them!

[Purcell69]

Originally Posted by Patience

Update:

Update: I have changed courses... new plan is to rebuild/machine the stock block and get the truck back on the road. Cummins build option is shelved for now... considering a 454 big block as well.

A 454 will fit with no issues, but like the Cummins, you won't be using the stock front engine mount. When I first started working on my truck 20ish years ago, I had a 454 block positioned in place, with enough room at the firewall to remove the distributor, if needed, and room for the fan up front with the stock radiator in place.

Keep in mind that Mark IV BBCs tend to run hot, but the newer generations have improved water passages to help. A good radiator and a good water pump are all you need for the earlier engines to stay cool though.

With the ridiculous popularity of the LS series GM engines, big block Chevys are getting easier to find and aren't costing as much.

-Joe

[II_Slow]

Endless possibilities with that green truck. Make an awesome project for someone besides me!

[Patience]

Purcell - I've heard that about the Mark IV... I have a Mark VI which from my reading shouldn't give me any issues on cooling.

II Slow - Yes. A great project indeed. I'm not sure if it'll ever be in the cards for me either!