Question on different Cummins?

[BApple]

My company is looking into some box trucks, Freightliner or Peterbuilt. These trucks come with a Cummins diesel. My question is this, what are the differences in those engines and the Cummins that we get in the Dodge Ram? Excuse me if this is a dumb question, but I figured there are some differences. Thanks for any explanations.



Brad

 

[BApple]

Nobody knows the differences?

 

[KCJackson]

Cummins engine blocks are identified by a letter code. Generally speaking, blocks B (what our Rams use) and C are used in medium-duty vehicles. Blocks L, M, N, X, and the discontinued Signature 600 (not to be confused with the Ram's 2004. 5 Cummins 600) are used in heavy duty trucks and buses.



For the record, the Ram's Cummins 600 refers to torque output, while the same number in the old Signature 600 referred to horsepower.



The ISX is a double-overhead cam, coooled EGR 15-liter engine, and is the current "top of the line". All Cummins engines are inline-sixes except for the B3. 9 which is essentially 2/3ds of the engine we have in Rams. Cummins has not offered an on-highway V-8 in decades (the old VT/VTB 903). .

 

[Ol'TrailDog]

Apparently Cummins also is making a V6 or at least beta versions. See TDR home page.



See how knowledgeable I have become since joining TDR. Why a couple of months ago I couldn't even spell Cummings.

 

[Crunch]

Inline 8?

Originally posted by KCJackson Cummins has not offered an on-highway V-8 in decades (the old VT/VTB 903). .

But an inline 8 cyl, 700HP diesel with an extended hood that stretched from here to Oklahoma sure sounds nice...

 

[jimnance]

Originally posted by BApple

My company is looking into some box trucks, Freightliner or Peterbuilt. These trucks come with a Cummins diesel. My question is this, what are the differences in those engines and the Cummins that we get in the Dodge Ram? Excuse me if this is a dumb question, but I figured there are some differences. Thanks for any explanations.



Brad

Generally speaking, bigger displacement, much higher Torque and Horsepower. Because weight is somewhat less important than durability in the big engines they tend to be heavier. Also, most are sleeved engines which means the cylinder liners can be replaced during an in-frame overhaul rather than having to bore the block. Many, many other differences that all add up to an engine that can be expected to run 750,000 to 1,000,000 miles before an in-frame overhaul.

 

[Bill Stockard]

Brad,



I'm assuming by what you call a "box" truck, you are referring to a medium duty truck with an enclosed van body with a roll up rear door and maybe a lift gate. If so, the Cummins B Series engine will be different than what is in the Dodge trucks. The gear train will be on the rear of the engine instead of the front as in our trucks. The engine will have Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR), and a Variable Geometry Turbocharger (VGT), but no catalytic converter. The horsepower and torque ratings are different than the engines in the Dodge trucks.



Bill

 

[doldenburg]

meduim duty use C- cummins a lot- 8. 3

 

[SOLER]

As Bill Stockard stated, some medium duty vehicles use the 5. 9L. Same block as ours. Just comfigured differently. And the code letters will note the different confuguration. Not all med-duty trucks use the 8. 3L. Some are, but I’ve seen the 5. 9L in a truck similar to one that had the 8. 3L. The 5. 9 in these trucks use different pumps, injectors, etc. Sort of like the HO and the SO in our trucks. A couple of different parts and the numbers change.



If you are looking for one to swap into your Dodge, I think it will bolt in, but different electronics and things might make it a challenge to get it hooked up and running. Not necessarily difficult, but you'll have to do some homework to get it done right.



Now, the 8. 3L is used quite a bit in the larger trucks. The configuration is very similar to the 5. 9, but just bigger. And about 500-600 lbs heavier. The power numbers are usually like 300 hp and 700-850 lbs tq. And they're bomb-able. I'd like to get my hands on one and put in an older Chebby Dually.

If your company is looking to buy, I’d suggest looking for one that has the 8. 3. A bit more stock torque, and the BFCU (basic fuel consumption unit) is better. It takes less fuel to make 1 horsepower than the 5. 9, and it won’t have to work as hard.



SOLER

 

[doldenburg]

i never said they use ONLY the C 8. 3. I know they use the 5. 9 also.