Common rail swap into older truck

[CanadianCarGuy]

I bought what I thought was an 02 24valve VP44 cummins for $1000

Turns out it is an 03 Common Rail. So now what exactly would I need to put this into an older vehicle so it would run. Do I need the computer and all the wiring to go along with it? Or would just the ecm and a junction box providing power to every sensor be enough? If it is too much work, I will say screw it and find another 2nd gen 24valve to build for my truck.

 

[BTighe]

pm BHaner. him and another dude did a cr swap into a ford.

 

[Vaughn MacKenzie]

Here's an article about such a swap



1990 Dodge Ram 250 Twin Turbo 2003 Cummins - The Uncommon Rail - Diesel Power Magazine



Also there's someone in Oregon who specifically does CR swaps into 1st Gens, will have to try and dig up that info.

 

[CanadianCarGuy]

I wonder if it is Rip at Source Automotive. He is good at what he does.

 

[Vaughn MacKenzie]

Nah it wasn't Rip, there was an article in the TDR mag a few issues ago.

 

[Bean]

You will need the ecu and harness and APPS sensor and it only takes about 3 wires to make it run.

 

[JTroiano]

After what I've read, I'd rather have the common rail motor.



Jon T

 

[GOT-Torque]

As long as you got the engine with the ECM and engine wiring harness (all engine mounted sensors too), you shouldn't have much trouble getting it to work. If you don't want to attempt I would gladly trade you a 24V 2nd gen engine for your 3rd gen common rail...

 

[Alphacowboy]

As long as you got the engine with the ECM and engine wiring harness (all engine mounted sensors too), you shouldn't have much trouble getting it to work. If you don't want to attempt I would gladly trade you a 24V 2nd gen engine for your 3rd gen common rail...

amen... I would do that too... . :-laf

 

[CanadianCarGuy]

Ok, I got the engine home today and it is complete; except for the ECM, alternator, serpentine belt and Intake. It will need a new plastic top cover, clutch fan, and a couple coolant lines. The engine wiring harness is complete, except where all the wires join and go to the computer; that is where it is cut. It looks like I got a pretty good deal, almost everything is there. I think that this is perfect for the mini Kenworth pickup I've been eyeing up!

 

[GOT-Torque]

Why in the world would anyone cut the wires right at the ECM???? With an allen wrench you can disconnect the two big connectors and not have to cut anything. Now the hard part is getting the two connectors you need in order to connect to the ECM. You may end up buying a complete engine harness.



Regardless you still got an excellent deal.

 

[CanadianCarGuy]

Would anyone happen to know where to get an ECM for an 03 common rail? I found a couple other wires cut as well! Looks like I will need a new wiring harness and ECM. Thanks for compliment, I was beginning to think I got ripped off.

 

[GOT-Torque]

You may be able to find someone parting out a complete engine from a wrecked truck to get both?



I see painless wiring is going to be releasing a complete engine wiring harness for a common rail cummins soon, however I heard they are going to want $1000 for it!

 

[GOT-Torque]

You may try this place, I just found the link...



Rebuilt Dodge ECUs - ECMs

 

[CanadianCarGuy]

Thanks, the harness might be repairable if I can find the right connector plugs, so that will save a few bucks. Thanks for the link, I will contact them.

 

[gonzo2]

[I think that this is perfect for the mini Kenworth pickup I've been eyeing up!/QUOTE]



If that's the red one from Parksville, then I had the idea first!:-laf

 

[CanadianCarGuy]

No way! How did you know that! I tried to buy that truck just before I bought my Dodge, but the guy kept wanting more money everytime I talked to him. So I made my dodge look kinda like a rig instead.

 

[gonzo2]

but the guy kept wanting more money everytime I talked to him.

The same thing happened when I tried to buy a trailer off him!:-laf