'90 Cummins engine?

[SRath]

I ran across a farmer parting a '90 Dodge cummins dually. The engine has over 200k on it, actual mileage unknown, but is purported to run well; I have not heard it, though, and probably won't get to.



The guy wants to keep the Getrag 5-speed (fine by me), and I'm interested in the Dana 60 front axle and the NP205 t-case and adapter.



Maybe the cummins, too, since I have a terrific Chevy crew cab K30 4x4 (old body style) and will have a choice between an NV4500 or NV5600. That truck needs only a 12v Cummins, along with the NV4500/5600 and NP205, to make it the "perfect" truck for me.



But the guy has no real idea what he wants for the parts, individually or as a package, and I have no idea what to offer him (but it had better be very low). I'm sure I could have the cab and frame, too, if I wanted them, but they aren't in the greatest shape.



My '96 has the P7100 12v cummins and I like it. But I know nothing about early, non intercooled cummins engines with the VP44 pump.



What do you guys have to say about the early, non-intercooled, 1990 Cummins and what do you think the parts, individually or as a package, would realistically be worth?

 

[DVolk]

The 90s are a good engine some would crack the head , and lots have 300k plus with no issues . Id buy it the newer heads will fit on it so no worries .



Id look at CarPart.com - Quality Automotive Parts at Wholesale Prices for prices id say though if you could get it for 6oo to 800 you do well on it

 

[JLEONARD]

But I know nothing about early, non intercooled cummins engines with the VP44 pump.

Um, that would be a VE pump



Offer $500 Make sure you get the voltage regulator that is mounted on the firewall and the grid relays from the fenderwell.

 

[HHhuntitall]

But I know nothing about early, non intercooled cummins engines with the VP44 pump.

Um, that would be a VE pump



Offer $500 Make sure you get the voltage regulator that is mounted on the firewall and the grid relays from the fenderwell.

Ditto on the $500, if he won't go for it, offer him to take the transmission out for him... ... I certainly wouldn't go over $1k. There are quite a few of those old trucks out there. I wouldn't be scared of the old non-intercooled engines, either. I put over 500k on two I had, and were still going after I sold them. I know one is still going..... Neither one would even turn the oil black until it had over 10k on the oil change.

 

[SRath]

But I know nothing about early, non intercooled cummins engines with the VP44 pump.

Um, that would be a VE pump



Offer $500 Make sure you get the voltage regulator that is mounted on the firewall and the grid relays from the fenderwell.

SEE? I warned you I knew nothing about them, though I didn't intend to prove just how ignorant I was...



It sounds like this might be a good way to get the Cummins power in that old Chevy that it deserves. I am guessing it can be upgraded with an intercooler? Is it worthwhile or even possible to upgrade to a P7100 pump?



The K30 has always been my ace-in-the-hole in case the dodge ever falls off my '96 cummins 5-speed, but the dodge is hanging in there and I hate seeing the chevy just sit in the meantime. Time to do something with it and the venerable but thirsty 454 isn't too practical these days for my needs. Those old chevy's and the 1st gen dodges were so similar it is hard to tell them apart from certain angles. The cummins should be an easy fit for it. It has sat for so long that I forgot just how satisfying and solid they are to drive until I got my son a regular cab '81 K20 recently. All truck; no crap; steers great! It's amazing the little things that I miss, too: vent windows, drip rails over the doors, an A-pillar I can see around, doors that click shut, ... not to mention the crew cab of course. Add a cummins and NV transmission and my quest is over.

 

[HHhuntitall]

OH, yeah, it'll fit great. And for an intercooler, I'd look for a newer style radiator and intercooler out of a '94+, as they are wider and shorter. You'll have to cut more of the rad support to get it in there, but the intercooler will fit under the hood latch more easily... . Just my opinion... . It give you a little more room on the Fords when you do it that way. On the Furds, it's pretty tight if you use the stock radiator..... I've never done any of the chevy's, but I've seen it done. As for the P pump, it can be done, but don't underestimate the VE... they can do wonders for you, if you learn how to work on them or get someone that does. I've recently learned a lot about the internals, and they are a work of art, in themselves. While they normally can't generate the PSI the P-pump is capable of, if you're not going to go up over 400hp or so, the VE can do all you need, and is easily repaired. For mileage and longetivity, if it's on there, I can't see how you could justify having to pull the cam, replace the accessory drive cover, and find a new pump and lines... . again, just my opinion... .

 

[SRath]

OK. So I now have a checklist of what parts to make sure to get and some sources for pricing. And if a VE pump is that good, I see no reason to be suspicious of it or spend a ton of money replacing it. Nothing negative so far.

 

[JLEONARD]

 And if a VE pump is that good

That's what they came with. One good thing is that these pumps are easily tweaked.