I'm watching my 350 die a slow death. I'm running straight 50 weight oil and it runs down the road at 22 psi oil pressure and at a light reads zero. It still runs and pulls strong but its only a matter of time before rods start knockin. Anyway I've been considering a 4bt cummins diesel swap. I have a turbo 400 installed with my 350 and was wondering if the 4 bt was complete as far as fuel system. Mechanical injectors and everything onboard. Also can they be run at 3300 rpm. Thats 75 for me and plenty but I do run down the highway alot in the old beast. Anyway thoughts and input would be much appreciated.

I'd pop over the either DTR (http://www.dieseltruckresource.com) or TDR (http://www.turbodieselregister.com) and read/ask question there.

A 4Bt won't last long at 3300 RPM, they like to be in the 2000-2500 range. They are complete fuel system wise. With 37's and no overdrive like you have i would drop axle gears to 3.55's or 3.73's. I plan to run a NV4500 5-speed, 4.10's and 37's with my CPL 858 4BT. If you need a SBC to 4Bt adapter, flex plate, spacer and starter mine will be for sale soon since i'am going with all dodge truck stuff on mine.

Out of ALL the Cummins boards I have joined...this is the best that I have found...even has some stuff on the 6BT....join it and enjoy it! http://autos.groups.yahoo.com/group/cummins4BT/

i have a line on a complete 89 dodge cummins truck i could get pretty cheap.
damn it's tempting.

Don't do it...Don't do it...Aww what tha Heck I did ..GO FOR IT!!:D
Just review my postings!
Gentry's Garage

if you got a chev engine already y not a gm 6.5 turbo, probibly find one for the same $$$ or less and you save a bit on weght

Chief thats a hell of an Idea. I just didn't want alot of computer issues to deal with. Its really not a diesel thing for me just exploring my options as the repower with a crate 350 will cost about 2000. My only limiting factor is that at 65 I'm turning 3000 rpm. I don't drive alot faster than that maybye hit 75 at times but I'm usually towing a trailer so I keep it at 65. So I guess 3500 max rpm in case I'm late to a gig but mostly always turning 3 grand.

Chief thats a hell of an Idea. I just didn't want alot of computer issues to deal with. Its really not a diesel thing for me just exploring my options as the repower with a crate 350 will cost about 2000. My only limiting factor is that at 65 I'm turning 3000 rpm. I don't drive alot faster than that maybye hit 75 at times but I'm usually towing a trailer so I keep it at 65. So I guess 3500 max rpm in case I'm late to a gig but mostly always turning 3 grand.


You'll find a HUGE difference in mileage (and engine longevity) if you run your diesel (if you swap) in the 2000-2500RPM range rather than 3K+. When my Gear Vendor's overdrive died I went from 18+ MPG (in an 86 F250HD 4X4 with a turbocharged 6.9IDI, C6,4.10s and 32" tires) to 12MPG on the freeway. Exhaust gas temps went up and oil life went down. Because of this I was forced to cruize at 60MPH rather than 70MPH. That rig's now off D/D duty. With a diesel your right foot is directly connected to how much fuel the engine gets (and therefore mileage and heat). It takes a lot more foot to go from 2000RPM to 3000RPM in top gear.

If you do go diesel you will need to regear. Otherwise you won't be at all happy with the results. I think swapping in another gasser is the way to go for you unless this does become 'a diesel thing' for you as it has many of us!
:flipoff2:

Chief thats a hell of an Idea. I just didn't want alot of computer issues to deal with. Its really not a diesel thing for me just exploring my options as the repower with a crate 350 will cost about 2000. My only limiting factor is that at 65 I'm turning 3000 rpm. I don't drive alot faster than that maybye hit 75 at times but I'm usually towing a trailer so I keep it at 65. So I guess 3500 max rpm in case I'm late to a gig but mostly always turning 3 grand.

With those RPM numbers you'll probably want to stick with a gasser, unless you can change your gearing to bring the rev's down, or puts around at 55.

Chief thats a hell of an Idea. I just didn't want alot of computer issues to deal with. Its really not a diesel thing for me just exploring my options as the repower with a crate 350 will cost about 2000. My only limiting factor is that at 65 I'm turning 3000 rpm. I don't drive alot faster than that maybye hit 75 at times but I'm usually towing a trailer so I keep it at 65. So I guess 3500 max rpm in case I'm late to a gig but mostly always turning 3 grand.



find a 6.5 engine and put on a 6.2 injection pump, no computers needed

or the firt year of the 6.5 wan non computer, plus the nice things about the 6.2/6.5 is that the rev up more like a gas engine then a big old diesel

I'm sure I'm going gas now that I've done my homework. 4BT/ 5spd and a doubler is my dream but I don't want to be off the road again for two years. I'll see if I can pick up the parts and build the drivetrain on the gound and slip it in complete. Right now with the top off its too much fun. I found a shortblock for 799 built for 385hp. It comes with the cam. I'd want to find a set of different heads and swap on the TBI on installation. I'm hoping to have the money by the end of June and have it in my mid July. Meanwhile I'll continue the flog the SB thats inside.

I'm sure I'm going gas now that I've done my homework. 4BT/ 5spd and a doubler is my dream but I don't want to be off the road again for two years. I'll see if I can pick up the parts and build the drivetrain on the gound and slip it in complete. Right now with the top off its too much fun. I found a shortblock for 799 built for 385hp. It comes with the cam. I'd want to find a set of different heads and swap on the TBI on installation. I'm hoping to have the money by the end of June and have it in my mid July. Meanwhile I'll continue the flog the SB thats inside.



make sure its not to rad of an engine built for hi pro street,

ther nothing more anoying then a guy with a street ebgine on the trail thats alwys bitching about how it rattels, overheats and no low end grunt

I'm sure I'm going gas now that I've done my homework. 4BT/ 5spd and a doubler is my dream but I don't want to be off the road again for two years. I'll see if I can pick up the parts and build the drivetrain on the gound and slip it in complete. Right now with the top off its too much fun. I found a shortblock for 799 built for 385hp. It comes with the cam. I'd want to find a set of different heads and swap on the TBI on installation. I'm hoping to have the money by the end of June and have it in my mid July. Meanwhile I'll continue the flog the SB thats inside.
Oil pump, rings and bearings, and call it done until you get the diesel ready to drop in.