'59 Chevy 3/4 to receive Cummins...ideas needed

[BJonesUSA]

My Dad bought a '59 Chevy 3/4 ton last fall and is wanting to convert it to an early (1st gen) Cummins powertrain. He wants to keep electronics/computer control to a minimum, and since I'm not that familiar with the 1st gen engines, I'd appreciate any advice on making this swap happen.

 

[TriSum]

I can't help you with the 1st gen, but I have a complete 2001 motor, trans, fuel system, etc. It is a complete package ready to drop in, all you would need is motor/transmission mounts, power, ground and a tach signal. Let me know if you would like some more info.

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[RyanB]

My Dad bought a '59 Chevy 3/4 ton last fall and is wanting to convert it to an early (1st gen) Cummins powertrain. He wants to keep electronics/computer control to a minimum, and since I'm not that familiar with the 1st gen engines, I'd appreciate any advice on making this swap happen.

Personally I would check into a 94-98 P-pumped 12valve! It takes no wires to run (the early rotary pumps I believe have some sort of internal electrical fuel shut off... I could be wrong) where the P-pumps have an external unit than can easily be swapped for a mechanical cable style shut off!



I just put on in my 89 GMC and running the cable style shut off... its great. With your truck you could run that and run all mechanical guages and you could run a manual grid heater setup... get a set of solinoids off a truck... wire the large posts to your battery then to the grids on the intake! then wire a switch with power to the small posts to inside the cab (I have a illuminated rocker style switch)... The only other electrical on my engine is the alternator and that was a piece of cake... I ran the stock cummins ALT and had my ALT shop hook up an external regulator and a tach wire. There are no NON-STOCK brakets used then and you don't have to worry about finding a pulley or finding the right side belt!



Oh, with the P-pump... you can get crazy POWER too easily!



Sounds like a cool project!



RyanB

 

[towner]

I found my old thread and put it back on top. You will be in for a whole lot of work. I made my factory ECM work but since than have done a couple of other conversions and like using the 89-91. 5 control system which is much simplier but still uses the intake sensor. The systems will be more difficult than the engine install. I kept my stock pedal assemblies and mounted the cluth hydro and hydroboost underneath. ended up using a GM steering box outside the frame. I've been driving it for a couple of years and love the power and mileage but still lack the time to finish insulating the firewall and a whole bunch of other small items. Be prepared to immerse yourself for about 6 months