Competition pulling tractor engine choice

[MReed]

Hey everyone, myself and a buddy are going to be putting togther a couple s. s pulling tractors. Gonna run the 5 -7500 pound classes. We are gonna run a 6bt of course. Just not sure weather to run a 12v,24v or common rail. It will need to make in the neighboor hood of 550-600 hp with a single turbo and no rpm limit. Due to the small tractor it would never need to go to 700 hp. Around 600ish would be the top limit I think. I have a 12v in a street truck w twins and 370 injectors etc and it runs really good. Iam just not sure if it would be easier to to make the power with a 24v or common rail. What do you guys think ???

 

[Gonzo 1066]

What are you going to use for a tractor? Seems as though 5000# would be a very light transmission and differential.

Before building check with the group you plan on pulling with. Check the rules and build accordingly. . The 12V would be a logical choice, there are lots of aftermarket parts available the common rail needs lots of computing, The 24v needs to be changed to the P or 7100 pump, this can be done but is not cheap.



Just as a pulling side note A SS tractor is a Super Stock. By NTPA rules this is a twin or Limited to 4 chargers in 3 stages. Depending on weight of the tractor... A single charger on a diesel tractor is a ProStock, Super farm or farm stock tractor.

 

[MReed]

I know I can get a 560 down to 5k with a 6bt. A friend has a 560 w a dt466 that weighs in just under 5500. With a cummins being around 4- 500 pnds lighter 5000 shouldnt be too hard. Might do a 460 w a 6bt and run the 4500 lb class out here. The pulls in my area dont go by ntpa rules or anything. Its just farm stock and super stock out here. If its not basically stock you run super stock. Its far from npta super stock lol. Of course there are weight classes 4500 on up. I have talked to a few guys around and they arer running the little 460s but with custom bull gears and constant mesh. But they also are only pulling 45-6500 pound class. I think I would be better of doing a 560 then I could go up to 7500 if I wanted. Iam just not sure on engine choice. Engine rules are basiclly just single turbo with no rpm limit. Iam leaning to common rail swap. Iam a diesel mechanic by trade so Iam working with all the new computerized diesel everyday. It seems real easy to make power with them. I dont think its worth doing a 24 valve. I guess its between a 12v or commonrail.

 

[Nyoest]

You have already cut your teeth with the 12 valve why wouldn't you use it? Less bs and reliable as a hammer. Only downfall of the twelve is less air flow in the head but plenty of folks port these now and make intakes.



A duel cp3 CR will eventually make more horse but that is a lot of setup and knowhow just to make it run then the tuning begins. You already have a reasonable HP ceiling set rock the 12 valve!

 

[Nyoest]

Damn MReed beat me to it by one minute!

 

[MReed]

Iam not worried about setting up the cr. Tuning will def take some time. I know theres alot of thread on here but what does it realistically take to get 600 hp out of a 12 valve ?? I would think stock short block, cam w springs, head studs, turbo,injectors. Question is how much would you have to do to the p pump ?? They can get EXPENSIVE real quick lol. Think you could get away w just a gov spring,del valves and plate ??

 

[Gonzo 1066]

You need to consider a thick Copper head gasket when you O-ring and stud the head. Decompress quite a bit and things run way better.

I agree that a 460 or 560 should work well for you, Lehman Tractror has IH-Cummins adapter plates on the shelf for your conversion.



Leaman Tractor & Parts - Home

 

[MReed]

I have been talking with Ed quite abit about this swap. Real nice straight forward guy. Iam just not sure how the 460 rear will hold up to the power. I havent been able to find anyone running one with any power to ask. I hear storys about guys running them with some decent power but Iam not sure what they are doing to the rear. You have any idea on the reliablity of the 460 rearend ?? Iam leaning to the little 460 mainly cause I could run 3 classes with it.



Iam thinking you are right and just running a p pump 12 valve. 600 should be fairly easy and reliable. And not cost me a fortune to build.

 

[Gonzo 1066]

IF you dont load the tractor down things go much better. Keep it under 6500# at least. Also wheel speed is critical, Anytime you double the speed of a shaft you also double the torque carrying capability. The combo you are talking about should NEVER pull heavy under about 10MPH in my opinion. Also cut the tires if your club allows cut tires this really helps to take some strain off of the rear end.

 

[MReed]

Thanks for the info. I know I can get more power out of a 466 but I think I can make more power than the little tractor can handle with a 5. 9. . would you agree ??

 

[Gonzo 1066]

The Cummins swap is very interesting to me. Maybe not the raw power potential of the DT466. And the 466 has MANY more aftermarket power parts available.



BUT less weight and a smaller package of the Cummins is a huge plus. The type of pulling you are interested in should be very nicely handled by a single charger 5. 9. My little 666 with the IH 312 is easy in the 400hp range pulling 7000# class and I have had no drivetrain problems. As long as you are turning the tires hard you should be fine.

 

[MReed]

I will let you know how we make out. I have a buddy has several 1066 pullers and he wants to run some of the lighter classes so we are going to build two of them. Should be able to have them done for mid summer next year in time for all the fairs. Maybe I should do a build thread in the conversion section on here...



Thanks for your tips and opinions, it all helps. For some reason it seems most tractor guys are pretty tight lipped lol. Not to many pulling guys want to share their experiences.

 

[Bill Stockard]

My little 666 with the IH 312 is easy in the 400hp range pulling 7000# class and I have had no drivetrain problems. As long as you are turning the tires hard you should be fine.

Do you still have your 666? I don't see it listed in your signature any more.



Bill

 

[Gonzo 1066]

Yes

Do you still have your 666? I don't see it listed in your signature any more.



Bill

Yes I still have both the 1066 and the little 666. I have been trying to sell the 1066 but no one really likes it as much as I do.