Help wanted Chevy Cummins Conversion

[DragsterRob]

I recently bought this 1996 Chevrolet 3500 Crew Cab 2wd, 6. 5 Turbo diesel w an auto. When I originally bought it I had it in my mind to do a conversion. I have lots of thoughts as well as questions before I jump feet first into this project. There are several ways to do this I see, What motor?



12 Valve, P7100 pump I think this is the better option, reliability, simplicity.



24 Valve w/ VP44 pump. I have had enough with injection pump issues and lift pump failures to make me not want to own another. Unless it can be converted to a mechanical injection pump.



24 Valve HPCR Electronics But lots of power stock, and Quiet I think this would be a sweet combo, but I feel it takes away from the simple side of things.



transmission options

Dodge 47RE or current Chevy automatic, not an option.



NV5600 Like this, had one in my 02, sure miss it.



Allison Automatic. would this work with an exhaust brake.



I am looking for power in the range of the new HPCR motor. This truck will be used to tow my racecar trailer. I plan to do the work myself.

I would like to hear some opinions, experiences, and knowledge on this subject.

Thanks

 

[autoworld]

feel free to give us a call - experience galore... . 12V/NV5600 good choice - nice looking truck!!! exactly what we are looking for to put all our components in, have worn out the old one... . (fellow dragracers... . LOTS of highway miles!) lol

dawna

 

[wicked6]

THAT is a good looking truck!!! (I may be biased, though!)



Autoworld MT is definitely your *best* resource. . If you want them to do it, or plan to do it yourself, they are a tremendous help. I am in the middle of repowering my '89 with a 12v / 47RH. . Ken fabbed up a custom bracket to allow the use of my GM AC compressor, and I bought some of their standard GM engine mounts / isolators. I've had Ken (and Dawna) on the phone / email / etc. NUMEROUS times for assistance & guidance - both on the GM side of the equation (fuel system, electrical, misc. "surgical" requirements) and the Cummins side. . Money well spent, IMHO. . ! You can't find better folks. .

 

[DragsterRob]

Dawna,

I will be it touch, I am with you, the 12V/NV5600, the more I think about it the more set on it I am. Do you guys run an exhaust brake?

I looked for a few months, and stumbled across this one down south. The interior is perfect, and being from the south there is no rust, looks like a new truck to me. Have yet to hook it to the race trailer, but can not wait. Or maybe I can not wait to get the racecar back out

Rob

 

[DragsterRob]

THAT is a good looking truck!!!

Thank you!!!



Keep me posted on that conversion you are doing.



Rob

 

[wicked6]

Should have some pics to share in the days to come. Between the flu, work, and the holidays, my repower hasn't been progressing. I am (don't laugh, Dawna) still at the "fitting" stage - trying to gauge how much the trans tunnel needs to be massaged before I actually drop the 6BT/47RH into place. Then - transmission crossmember, fuel system mods, drive shaft, shift linkage, exhaust, intercooler/radiator/condensor install, fitting the radiator x support, etc. It's a LOT of work! Pulling everything apart was easy. . ! I love this truck, and love the Cummins, so this is a perfect marriage. . Since I just sold my 24v 98. 5, I have a renewed "interest" in getting it done. . The 89 is dropped in the front w/Belltech spindles & springs, and has a reversed set up in the back with helper AirRide bags...



Here's a pic. .

 

[autoworld]

OMG- that looks just like ours... . lol