Hi guys, I'm new to this site. I have a few questions for you all, and I'd really appreciate your insight. I have a 95 Chevy K1500 that I'm wanting to convert to diesel. I've got a friend that will sell me a 4bt Cummins with a p-pump for $2500. He is unsure of the engine's origin and mileage. If I go this route, I will be completely rebuilding the engine prior to installing it into the truck. Here is the thing...the truck has a 350hp small block in it now. I don't want to lose much, if any power, in doing this swap.

My plans:

-complete rebuild including marine pistons
-O-ringed block and head...just in case
-ARP 12mm head studs
-mild port work on the head
-Hamilton 110lb valve springs
-Air Dog 165 lift pump
-pump mods: remove fuel plate, tune AFC, Mack rack plug, 4k GSK, 191DV's, 20 degrees timing
-370 marine injectors
-modified 6bt exhaust manifold
-HX40 turbo...I'm very open to suggestions on the turbo.
-4" downpipe and exhaust to single 5" stack


My goal is 325+hp and 500+lb/ft. What do y'all think? Is it possible? I've tinkered with a couple 12v Cummins trucks for my buddies, but I'm new to the 4bt thing. I'd greatly appreciate your advice/oppinions.

 

Welcome aboard! I've always wanted to tinker with a 4BT but never had the opportunity. As you may well know, the 4BT is basically just like a 12-valve 5.9L 6BT (with 2 cylinders missing obviously) and they respond to the same mods when making power. That P-pump version you're eyeballing is coveted by the 4BT crowd. If it has a Chevy trans bolt pattern, you'd better snag it.

From what I've read, 300-400 horsepower is pretty easy to find in the 4BT and remember, unlike the small-block in that truck now, a 300hp Cummins will be making around DOUBLE that figure in torque... not to mention 3 times the fuel mileage.

Not to take anything away from this site but may I recommend another? Cummins 4BT & Diesel Conversions Forums These guys eat, sleep and breathe the 4BT, and diesel swaps in general. They can guide you to your goals and then some.

Good luck and let us know how you fare!

 

Thanks a lot. I'll definitely check them out. Antbody else wanna chime in?

 

If there's a way to discern, make sure you're getting a road/vehicle engine, and not a stationary unit that was used for a generator, or a water-pump. If you get a vehicle engine, the injection pump will handle a variety of rpm ranges and throttle settings. A stationary unit will be set up for one-speed operation, and you'll have to get a whole different inj. pump to make it work.

 

Thanks for the advice. I wasn't aware of that. I'm betting that it came out of an old bread van because it has a Chevrolet bellhousing bolt pattern on it. I think I'm going to pick it up, and see what happens. I certainly hope this thing runs like I expect it to when it's all back together. Time will tell