4bt in 1500 4x4

[Chace TX]

I have found several good deals on 1/2ton 4x4 Dodges. Using engine mounts, transmission, and transfer case from a 3/4ton Cummins Dodge and a used 4bt could you build an efficient 1/2 ton 4x4? I may be dreaming here but, if you could get 20-25mpg out of a 1/2 ton 4x4 without investing a ton of money it would be a consideration. Also, could you use the stock transmission (auto) drivetrain etc? Could you use the throttle positon sensor system from a factory cummins dodge and run the (beefed up) auto that came in the 1500, is there a way to bolt the 4bt to the gasser auto? Just a thought, please give any feedback you can, positive or negative.

 

[HoleshotHolset]

You can get 20-25mpg out of a heavy 3/4 ton.....

The 4BT is a good engine, but it just isn't big enough to make much power... . yeah, there is a 250hp marine version... . but it will never pull like a 6BT.



Put a 6CT 450hp (8. 3L) in a 1/2 ton... now that's an engine swap!



Matt

 

[Mark_Kendrick]

a 200hp 4bt in a Short wide RC 4x4 would be a blast on the trails. . no 1/4miler like the 5. 9s but tons of fun and cheap to run. . forever!!



Go for it!



Later,

Mark

 

[Chace TX]

Don't need to race.

I don't need the power of a 5. 9 in the half ton. I am going to keep my 3/4 ton for towing. There is a 96 4x4 1/2 ton on ebay right now with a bad engine. It could be had pretty cheap. I just don't know if I can get enough power and economy to run 70-75 and still get over 20mpg with the 4bt in a half ton. A friend of mine runs FedEx ground trucks, he has three with b5. 9's, and one with the 4bt. The 6's get 9-12mpg, and the 4bt gets 15+, that's what got me to thinking about this swap.

 

[philb4]

4BT in 1 ton chevy

The truck empty is 6000lbs and the 4BT 130hp pulls it ok. I have towed 10,000 several times. Milage empty is about 26-28mpg and loaded 14mpg. Lots of torque and can still run at 75mph towing all day long. But they are right it's not a truck to go to the dragstrip. When I sell whats left of the truck with 300,000 on the engine I will pull the engine and use it in a 1/2 ton lighter truck. If you use GM transmissions there is a factory bellhousing adapter to GM std trans bellhousing and TH400 auto trans. Both can be setup to 4x4. Go for it. I tried a thread to post engine prices and locations and I think a 4bt and TH400 was $1700.

 

[Chace TX]

Turbo 400

Two of the FedEx Ground trucks that Andy runs have turbo 400's the others have ford zf 5speeds. The two 5speed trucks came with 444 international engines (powerstroke), but they would not hold up. The crank broke on one and I don't know what happened to the other, but they would not stay together in the heavy flat nose trucks. He put B5. 9's in both of them, now his mileage is better and he has a lot less engine trouble. Says a lot for Cummins.

 

[HoleshotHolset]

OH okay... . I didn't know you wanted something to just buzz around in..... I thought this was going to become a daily driver/tow rig.....



Look into the Detroit Diesel 4-53 series too..... very nice little engines and very capable of a LOT of power... . you might be able to have the power and the economy..... I dunno what the 4-53's use for fuel..... can't be too bad... .



Matt

1100 posts! Oo.

 

[#2DSL]

If you use a Detriot 4-53 you better use ear plugs because it converts diesel fuel to noise alot of noise. Also need pan to catch all the dripping oil from the air box drains when you park it or idle it in one spot for a while.

 

[HoleshotHolset]

I never said the 4-53 was quiet, smooth, or without it's many quirks.....

The dripping oil thing is easy to solve... .

The fact remains is that they produce a crapload of power when properly massaged.



Matt

 

[#2DSL]

Whatever dude.









Kevin

 

[WestTN]

4BT instesd of 6BT?

Well, a 4BT is just 2/3 of a 6BT so you should be able to get 2/3 the HP of the equivalent 6BT. The injection pump is the main controller of power. That 2/3 ought to be plenty of power for a half ton.