Why no 8.3 in a Ram?

[Todd G]

From what I read on the Cummins website, the 8. 3 is only about 4" longer and about 400lbs heavier than the 5. 9. This doesn't seem like too bad an obstacle. Couldn't you just take off the fan and gain the clearance? Of course you would have to put some electric fans on the front of the radiator or put the radiator in the bed like some of the 5. 9 Dakota conversions do. Is there much of a width problem? I don't see why.



I'd like to see a 8. 3 with a 7 speed behind it and a transfer case out of a medium-duty. Put some 6" stacks on and it would be some combination for towing and pulling.

 

[HoleshotHolset]

Todd... . we think alike!



The C-series width is supposedly very similar to the B-series... . the length/weight/cost are a few factors holding some folks back... including OEM's.



The 6BT is rated for upwards of 59,000 pound GVW trucks, yet we have them in ~8800 pound and up GVW trucks... . the C-series would be even more overkill.



If only there were a REAL engine brake available for the B-series and the C-series... . nevermind those crummy exhaust brakes...



Matt

 

[MJawsman]

I remember reading back in 89 that when Dodge considered putting a Cummins in their trucks, they were looking at the 4BT. Remember back then the best that could be had was a 6. 9 Ford .



Someone suggested the 6BT, and Dodge had to do some serious shoehorning to get it to fit. Cooling was an issue as was driveline strength. Obviously all of those have been overcome, and I'd love to see a "C" series option-even if it was only available in 4500/5500 series trucks.



But if you look at how cheap Daimler is (Dana axles going away, lighter valve cover, no hood insulation, etc. ), I doubt we'll ever see such a beast. Maybe an aftermarket conversion if anyone's listening??

 

[98rammer]

a guy with a 95 ford put an 8. 3 in his truck with a manual transmission of a forgotten speed (can't find the link). he obviously had to make MAJOR modificatons including a custom interior (which looked like the interior of a baha racing truck, not pretty).

 

[nickleinonen]

Originally posted by HoleshotHolset





If only there were a REAL engine brake available for the B-series and the C-series... . nevermind those crummy exhaust brakes...



Matt

when we all kiss the camshafts good-bye compression brakes will most likely be standard. with the future hydraulic actuated valves, just a computer program will be needed to make a compression brake. next truck will be a common rail high pressure diesel one... one after that, hmm... maybe hydraulic controlled valves



until that day. . i'll keep tinkering with the idea to make my own exhaust backpressure brake. .

 

[rubberneck]

Another thing to think about, the drivetrain wont hold up to the power some of us are making with the 5. 9. I think by the time you beefed everything up to make it withstand the torque of the 8. 3, you would have essentially a class 5 truck. I just dont see it ever being realistic to put in a pickup. they sure look bigger than 4 inches longer, and do you realize that 400 extra pounds is almost 40 % Just imagine the front end you would need to support that. Heck dodge cant keep a good front end under em now. (Wander brake steer etc. )

 

[Sled Puller]

You need to just find a running gear with that engine, and stick a Dodge body on it.

 

[Snow man]

It would be cool to have a C 8. 3,but it really is to much engine,even if you beefed up the running gear,the frame would never hold if you actually worked it hard enough to use the 8. 3. For what it would cost,id rather heavily bomb a 12V 5. 9,and put twin turbo's on it,it would be cheaper,and have more power than a mild 8. 3,and be much easier to work on. The 8. 3 would be a good option if DC ever builds a 550 series truck.

 

[snake]

Band clamp

nickleinonen,







Where do you get your band clamps at and pricing?



http://community.webshots.com/photo/33525808/39053685kemJAn

 

[HoleshotHolset]

AirFlow Systems, Inc. has good prices on exhaust parts and stuff like that... . www.airflo.com



As for the 8. 3L... . all weight/cost/size issues aside..... The C8. 3 is available with up to 450hp outta' da' box. Just imagine what it would be capable of with a few BOMBs... .



The extra 400# is kinda like bolting on a beefy Reunel front replacement bumper. I have yet to hear of any problems from the increased weight other than a sagging front end..... this is nothing that a set of custom coil springs can't solve.



Matt

 

[Todd G]

I read on the Cummins site that the ISC is about 4" taller also. That would make for some interesting motor mounts and a mandatory lift. But if I had that much torque, it really wouldn't matter how tall the tires were.

 

[Steve Roseman]

I just sit and imagine all the bombs I could afford for half the price of an 8. 3.

 

[Todd G]

I saw a rolled medium duty at a salvage yard the other day for $4500 that had complete drivetrain and everything else to go with it. It had a mechanical 8. 3. Pull out the 5. 9, sell it for $4500 and go to work.

 

[HoleshotHolset]

Now that's a good deal!

I have a class-8 truck salvage yard close to home... and they were getting a minimum of $2k for just a mechanical C8. 3... .



Matt

 

[Steve Roseman]

Originally posted by Todd G

I saw a rolled medium duty at a salvage yard the other day for $4500 that had complete drivetrain and everything else to go with it. It had a mechanical 8. 3. Pull out the 5. 9, sell it for $4500 and go to work.

Better yet, buy a 1500, put the body on the medium duty chassis and then you'd have a truck!

 

[HoleshotHolset]

1500's can be had REALLY cheap around here... .



Matt

 

[nickleinonen]

Re: Band clamp

Originally posted by ~Snake~

nickleinonen,







Where do you get your band clamps at and pricing?



http://community.webshots.com/photo/33525808/39053685kemJAn

i picked mine up at the local truck center [ woodbine truck center @ woodbine/hwy407 in markham, ontario, canada] they were like $10. 00 - $15. 00 each [canadian $$$ ]or so. i can't remember exactly and i can't find the invoice.



any truck center should have them on hand in the bigger sizes, and should be able to order the smaller ones in a few days

 

[Steve Roseman]

Originally posted by HoleshotHolset

1500's can be had REALLY cheap around here... .



Matt

Same here. The state has used standard cabs for a few years so they go cheap at auction. Take the whole setup to Bayer auto and get a 4 door medium duty.