Posted by garrett on Tuesday, August 14, 2007 at 11:29:06 :
In Reply to: Re: I-6 Cummins into a 46-68 Power Wagon posted by jack cain on Wednesday, August 08, 2007 at 14:53:06 :
Ed, I agree with most of the advice that has been given already.
I have a 46 that I am working on putting a 2003 CTD in. There are several major things to consider. You will want to change spring hangers, go to modern springs, Dana 60/70 axels, Power steering space issues, and major firewall modifications, and Intercooler location issues, ps pump location. I will email you a photo of what this mess looks like. I think a major drawback is how much cab space is consumed, and the coop construction. I think in the end with some major effort it I will shoehorn this thing into being a good truck, but I will not be doing it again ever. I don't know what kind of time you have, but this will be a 4 yr project for me. When I started this I wanted a true pw frame, and that was important to me. If you decide to put sheetmetal on a modern dodge truck you will have some serious other issues to deal with. The frame is wider, and I think it will look goofy. You are still going to need custom rad and intercooler to get it inside the grill, and a coop inside the cab. None the less it is still something to consider. At the very least if you take on that project buy a complete modern truck, you will need all the parts. Also, stick to an mechanical 12valve. I can send you some photos of the my project if you send me your email.
The most effective in cost and time it the 4bt conversion, you will also be able to leave your firewall intact.
I am puting a 4bt in a carryall as well. This is a sweet conversion compared to the 6bt. Reference pauls conversion for some photos. If power is a concern you can really put some to the ground if you use a modern tranny and axels. 4btswaps.com has sugestions on engine mods. Angel of death injectors, turbo changes. They say 250hp and ~ 600 fp is doable.
In conclusion, the 6bt will cost a fortune and in my estimation is not something you want to take on. There are a handfull of guys that have done it and I am sure they would advise against it. The 4bt cost will depend on your ability to aquire good parts at a reasonable cost. I was able to buy a bread truck for 1000 and am using the 4 spd spicer that came in it, divorced. One of the biggest pains it restoring the carryall, an entirely seperate project to installing the motor. This will be a 2 year project, and cost 1/3 of the 6bt conversion. I can not tell you how excited I am about the 4bt fit and finnish of the motor in the compartment. Either way you have better have some serious time, tools and skill, otherwise I would consider paying, picking out a paint color, and picking up one complete from the guy that does the conversions to the m-37s and pw's. maybe even let him do the Hercules motor.
I did see a WC unfinnished on ebay several times that had a 24 v 6bt mashed into it- a cost effective way to get started. Also there was a nice hollywood wc tan conversion with a 12v and a chopped roof that was ready to roll.