max power with the 1.Gen distribution Pump

[TTork]

I plan to install 2 cummins in my offshore powerboat and was offered 2 bus engines which are 12 v 6BT´s with the old style injection pump and Hx 35´s on them without intercoolers.

They have been regularly serviced and are rated at 160 hp. any ideas of the power potential without changing the pumps (and pumps gears , front cover and so forth)

Who offeres parts to beef´em up a little. the boat would be doing ok with 250 hp.



any experiences?? Thanx in advance Thomas Tork

By the way the engines come with a huge Allison 5 speed fully hydraulic transmission. Did anyone make that fit in a Ram without major welding and cutting??is it worthwhile if the engine output is around 450 HP and the 47rh keeps braking down. How much power do they absorb and is ther any aftermarket converter available???

 

[swankmetal]

well, so far max power outta one of these is 627 hp. that'll take a bit of work though. prolly not good for sustained temps either. 300 should be pretty easy with a different turbo though.

 

[TTork]

Hi swankmetal, thanks for the optimistic answer. 627 HP with a distribution pump? that´s amazing and way more than I need for the boat.

300 with a different turbo?

Could you be more specific please. I thought the turbo is the last thing I have to change because the HX 35/16 on my 95 Ram is capable of over 400 hp.

I asked mark Chapple at TST, but they aren´t offering any high performance stuff for that pump. Any hints on dealers for hipo parts?

regards T. T.



95 2wd stc HX 35/16, free flow 4", K&N +scoop, 191´s, 370´s, 3kGsk, bully dog propane, Gear Vendor OD, 3. 54, 22´s with 305´s, lowered 4/3", snow performance stage II, full gauges incl. exhaust backpresssure,

68 Scout with 406 bowtie, 510 hp on the dyno

 

[swankmetal]

well, the 35 is capable of over 400 but just not for very long at all. as in the pyro would prolly be pegged by then. so you really wouldn't be able to use that kind of power in a boat application. i think an hx40 do you better since that is what is used in that app.



most of the power stuff with these pumps is diy stuff. are you comfortable opening up the pump? the only real performance "part" is a custom distributor head and they're not too cheap. but if you put some injectors in, do some grinding and screw turning, you'll be pretty happy. do a search for "ve power" and you'll get a lot of reading material.



btw, how do you like the gear vendor? i got a core from a buddy and am not sure if i want to spend the dough on a rebuilt or not.



dave

 

[TTork]

Hi Dave, it seems that the pump isn´t too bad, besides the one with the 406 bowtie i have a 1963 scout with a BMW in line 6 turbodiesel implanted and that has the typical type of distribution pump which I opened up and modified pretty much and I´m using the car for more than 5 trouble free years so thanx for the hint - I´ll try to collect some information and for now, stick with the pumps.

You asked for the Gear Vendor: I like it a lot and I bought it new and installed it in oder to get some more top end and I must admit it´s a lot of fun to chase the V10 Tuaregs on the autobahn. The other week I had to go to Berlin urgently and since I took the Dodge to the airport where I missed the flight, I had no other choice than to take the truck for the 750 miles trip (back and forth) and most of the time I was going with more than 115 miles per hour (gps) with around 2600 to 2700 rpm.

I adjust my right foot according to the numbers on the pyrometer and so far the HX 35 works trouble free, even after more than 200k miles. I never go above 1300 for more than a couple of seconds and so far so good...

I would love twins some day but here in Germany are not many Cummins drivers to exchange experinces and to help out in finding parts, so it might take some time until I find an affortable kit in the TDR.

that will be the time when I probably have to install the Allison, because for any american transmission it´s even harder to find a specialist over here and I installed the trans go shift kit but I´m not experienced enough to do an overhaul and reinforcement of the transmission.

regards T. T.

 

[swankmetal]

sounds like you've got a handle on things. once you get familiar with things you will be able to get specific answers to specific questions. what's your email? i've got a theory manual for the ve that you might be interested in. as far as twins, there's no need to buy a kit. take a look at my gallery. i'm happy to answer questions.

 

[TTork]

checked out your gallery - very nice job!! I definitely stick with the pumps for the boat engines for now and maybe next winter focuss on some more ponies for my 95 Ram.

My email is -- email address removed -- and the manual would be very helpfull indeed.

 

[JLEONARD]

I have some limited Cummins marine experience. Just remember that that early Cummins marine engines (mid 80's/early 90s) underwent lots of changes to make them more durable in the marine environment and duty cycle.

Most of the early engines were considerably "undercooled" when used up near their then rated max of 300 shaft hp.

The modern engines have larger raw water pumps, improved heads with rotators for the valves, fuel coolers, and raw water aftercoolers.

If I were converting an older B for marine use I'd keep it in the 250/300 hp range to maintain reliability based on what I have researched.

And use a pyrometer to monitor post turbo EGT. (can't do pre because a marine manifold is antifrezze cooled)

For an example, my Cummins 270 hp boat engine runs right at 900* F (post trubo of course) at rated rpm and that's considered the max by the experts.

Good luck with the project.

Jay