Ls3 vs. 4bt Cummins - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

Jmh68C10 · 10-24-2017, 10:49 PM

I am mid build on my c10 project. Using all porterbuilt suspension and a ls engine swap. (you know the same thing everyone seems to be doing) so I got the idea of changing it up and using a 4bt Cummins for my engine. Biggest issue I see from first glance would probably be the oil pan needed modification to fit with the drop member. Just brain storming....

Dmaxmoe · 10-25-2017, 02:54 PM

I didn’t vote because I’m not driving yet, but pretty much went through this same thing minus the drop member part. I’ve read of 1 or 2 guys on here that went 4bt and didn’t like it so went duramax, who knows their setup or the health of the engine for them to not have like it though.

Im just getting ready to drop my p-pump 4bt into my 69, hopefully be driving mid nov. I chose 4bt because I don’t want any extra electronics, it’s a summer driver, noise doesn’t bother me, and it will be way different. Semi built 4bt with properly sized compounds, moderately fueled and pump dialed in should be more then enough. I’m sure you could get creative with the oil pan if you go that route.

It’s all in your expectations and wether or not you’re at all familiar with diesels, don’t expect an easy 400 hp out of the little cummins either. Check out 4bt swaps, they aren’t too heavy in the hp chasing over there, but a few have taken them pretty far.

BCOWANWHEELS · 10-25-2017, 08:56 PM

A 4bt is very noisey, very tall and super heavy not to mention very costly. I have 6 of them so i know.

cypressbog · 10-26-2017, 01:50 PM

I'm not sure how anyone could compare the two. Stick with the LS.

JustToxic · 10-26-2017, 02:23 PM

Unless your building a 4x4 or a rat rod truck, I'd keep the LS.

**Tomo** · 10-26-2017, 03:25 PM

Way out of my price range but maybe something to consider

Cummins' new 2.8 crate engine
https://cumminsengines.com/repower.aspx

*randy500* · 10-26-2017, 04:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tomo

Way out of my price range but maybe something to consider

Cummins' new 2.8 crate engine
https://cumminsengines.com/repower.aspx

That’s a cool engine...

Kw69 · 10-26-2017, 04:45 PM

I like both, but the LS will be an easier swap from what I can gather. Regardless keep us in the loop with pics when u do it!

**HO455** · 10-27-2017, 12:44 AM

The first thing I have to ask is... Is the Porterbuilt front end up the the task of living under the 4BT? Please don't feel I'm bashing the Porterbuilt equipment but it is asking a lot. Those engines are easily 750 pounds without things like radiators or A/C.

Dmaxmoe · 10-27-2017, 01:19 AM

The 4bt is heavy for sure, listed at around 750lbs wet, but the big blocks that came in these generations of trucks are listed at 650-685 dry, so according to the internet, not all that different. Obviosuly no comparison if we are talking aluminum blocks/heads.

hamjet · 10-27-2017, 05:50 AM

I say go for the cummins, if you're looking for a challenge or just want to be different and can afford it, then go for it. might be a lot of work but when done, what a looker....((( its amazing, I just went to other sites I look at and nothing but cummins advertisements on them just because I typed the word 'cummins')))

trac209 · 10-27-2017, 01:44 PM

4bt would be a cool swap and a step above the general LS style one. May cost a bit more but the longevity of the Diesel engine far outweighs the savings of an LS.

bill3rail · 10-28-2017, 09:53 PM

I voted for the Cummins as I want one myself. Different from everything else out there!

Bill

View Poll Results: Motor Options
Stick with the LS3	32	71.11%
4bt Cummins	13	28.89%
Voters: 45. You may not vote on this poll

10-24-2017, 10:49 PM	#1
Jmh68C10 Registered User Join Date: Nov 2016 Location: Richmond Va Posts: 68	Ls3 vs. 4bt Cummins I am mid build on my c10 project. Using all porterbuilt suspension and a ls engine swap. (you know the same thing everyone seems to be doing) so I got the idea of changing it up and using a 4bt Cummins for my engine. Biggest issue I see from first glance would probably be the oil pan needed modification to fit with the drop member. Just brain storming.... __________________ 68 c10- Under construction

10-25-2017, 02:54 PM	#2
Dmaxmoe Registered User Join Date: Apr 2017 Location: Calgary, Alberta Posts: 22	Re: Ls3 vs. 4bt Cummins I didn’t vote because I’m not driving yet, but pretty much went through this same thing minus the drop member part. I’ve read of 1 or 2 guys on here that went 4bt and didn’t like it so went duramax, who knows their setup or the health of the engine for them to not have like it though. Im just getting ready to drop my p-pump 4bt into my 69, hopefully be driving mid nov. I chose 4bt because I don’t want any extra electronics, it’s a summer driver, noise doesn’t bother me, and it will be way different. Semi built 4bt with properly sized compounds, moderately fueled and pump dialed in should be more then enough. I’m sure you could get creative with the oil pan if you go that route. It’s all in your expectations and wether or not you’re at all familiar with diesels, don’t expect an easy 400 hp out of the little cummins either. Check out 4bt swaps, they aren’t too heavy in the hp chasing over there, but a few have taken them pretty far.

10-25-2017, 08:56 PM	#3
BCOWANWHEELS Registered User Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: KINGSPORT,TN. Posts: 3,035	Re: Ls3 vs. 4bt Cummins A 4bt is very noisey, very tall and super heavy not to mention very costly. I have 6 of them so i know. __________________ I BELIEVE IN JOHN 3:16

10-26-2017, 01:50 PM	#4
cypressbog Go Pack Go! Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Green Bay Posts: 2,669	Re: Ls3 vs. 4bt Cummins I'm not sure how anyone could compare the two. Stick with the LS.

10-26-2017, 02:23 PM	#5
JustToxic Registered User Join Date: Jul 2016 Location: Elkhart, Indiana Posts: 292	Re: Ls3 vs. 4bt Cummins Unless your building a 4x4 or a rat rod truck, I'd keep the LS. __________________ 1967 Chevy C20 to K20 Conversion "Simply Toxic" http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=749409 1971 Chevy C20 Custom Camper LS Swap http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=763775

10-26-2017, 03:25 PM	#6
Tomo Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2016 Location: Indiana Posts: 211	Re: Ls3 vs. 4bt Cummins Way out of my price range but maybe something to consider Cummins' new 2.8 crate engine https://cumminsengines.com/repower.aspx

10-26-2017, 04:45 PM	#8
Kw69 Registered User Join Date: Sep 2015 Location: Florida Posts: 111	Re: Ls3 vs. 4bt Cummins I like both, but the LS will be an easier swap from what I can gather. Regardless keep us in the loop with pics when u do it! __________________ 2009 GMC 2500HD 6.0, 6 speed auto, stealth grey, 4x4 Z71, Bilsteins, Black Bear Tuned. Pulls the 10k fifth wheel all so easy. 1969 CST 350 black long bed, 3 on the floor, PS, AC, drum brakes, old school and love it.

10-27-2017, 12:44 AM	#9
HO455 Post Whore Join Date: Feb 2016 Location: Portland Oregon Posts: 10,975	Re: Ls3 vs. 4bt Cummins The first thing I have to ask is... Is the Porterbuilt front end up the the task of living under the 4BT? Please don't feel I'm bashing the Porterbuilt equipment but it is asking a lot. Those engines are easily 750 pounds without things like radiators or A/C. __________________ Thanks to Bob and Jeanie and everyone else at Superior Performance for all their great help. RIP Bob Parks. 1967 Burban (the WMB),1988 S10 Blazer (the Stink10 II),1969 GTO (the Goat), 1970 Javelin, 1952 F2 Ford OHC six 4X4, 29 Model A, 72 Firebird (the DBP Bird). 85 Alfa Romeo If it breaks I didn't want it in the first place The WMB repair thread http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=698377

10-27-2017, 01:19 AM	#10
Dmaxmoe Registered User Join Date: Apr 2017 Location: Calgary, Alberta Posts: 22	Re: Ls3 vs. 4bt Cummins The 4bt is heavy for sure, listed at around 750lbs wet, but the big blocks that came in these generations of trucks are listed at 650-685 dry, so according to the internet, not all that different. Obviosuly no comparison if we are talking aluminum blocks/heads.

10-27-2017, 05:50 AM	#11
hamjet Registered User Join Date: Apr 2013 Location: South Westerlo, New York Posts: 1,325	Re: Ls3 vs. 4bt Cummins I say go for the cummins, if you're looking for a challenge or just want to be different and can afford it, then go for it. might be a lot of work but when done, what a looker....((( its amazing, I just went to other sites I look at and nothing but cummins advertisements on them just because I typed the word 'cummins'))) __________________ Thanks, Joe.. 1969 C/10, 348 C.I., 3X2 bbl. V8, 2004r , LWB. Last edited by hamjet; 10-27-2017 at 06:06 AM.

10-27-2017, 01:44 PM	#12
trac209 Registered User Join Date: Dec 2011 Location: winnipeg Posts: 1,107	Re: Ls3 vs. 4bt Cummins 4bt would be a cool swap and a step above the general LS style one. May cost a bit more but the longevity of the Diesel engine far outweighs the savings of an LS.

10-28-2017, 09:53 PM	#13
bill3rail Registered User Join Date: Jul 2013 Location: LI, NY 11801 Posts: 1,140	Re: Ls3 vs. 4bt Cummins I voted for the Cummins as I want one myself. Different from everything else out there! Bill __________________ 1970 C10 8' Fleetside, L6 250, 3 on the Tree. The most basic of pickup trucks!



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