Time to ask some questions

[Junkers456]

I'm speaking from owning 3 Dodge Diesel trucks. My first Diesel conversion, 20 years ago was with Cummins 4BTA into a 1980 Scout.

These are my thoughts on using a Cummins B series for the Conversion.

Your Fuel milage may vary. Expect low 20's to high 20's. I've got 20 years of driving my Scout with a 4BTA, 5 speed trans and that's what I averaged. It had a 40 gal tank, 1000 mile range. You'll need to match the axle gearing, tire size to the diesel rpm range.


Power: Love the low end torque. I ran the factory Dana 44's on my Scout with out problems. The trans, especially an automatic must be Diesel specific, the low end torque will tear up a gas trans and the torque converter must be Diesel specific to accommodate the lower rpm. A manual trans needs to be a close ratio to accommodate the narrow power band of the Diesel.

Cost; Can you justify the cost, probably not unless you have all the "parts" laying around.

What would you say your swap cost when all was said and done?

[scout4bta]

What would you say your swap cost when all was said and done?

In 2001 I bought The 4BT used, was a 105hp with a VE pump, delivered $3000.
You'll need a transmission adapter, about $250
Starter motor. $85 and up.
Flywheel $150 ?
Clutch cover and clutch disk ?
5 speed manual trans, NV4500. $2000
Atlas 2 speed T case $2500

The cheapest way to go is buy a used Dodge Diesel pickup or a complete power train and you get all the above parts for a lot cheaper. And or sell the 6B and then buy a 4B, every thing will bolt up.

Note: I had specific time window to get the project running and could not wait to scrounge for used parts.