Cummins swap into '96 z71

[highmilageklr]

Has anyone swapped a Cummins into a Chevy truck? Any info or links would be fantastic.

[phoebeisis]

Wow,
Wish I could offer some knowledge, but.

I have heard that the earlier ones-maybe even the 12 valve ones-got better mpg than the current ones.

I guy who tows claims he gets 21 mpg unloaded- but with trailer- in his 1997 MT 3/4 ton Dodge 2wd.Pretty good mpg.

I think the 2004's and earlier- 4 valve- are supposed to get better mpg than the more recent ones also.

Luck,
Charlie

[jchambers849]

recent cummins are powerful but not nearly as bulletproof or economical to run as the older cummins. With the horsepower race and new emissions laws came a loss in MPG and reliabiliy in the diesel truck world. I'm pretty sure of all the medium duty diesel trucks, the cummins gets the worst mpg.

But who am I kidding, I would LOVE a cummins in my Z71.

[tlperry68]

I haven't seen it but that Cummins is a good motor.

[highmilageklr]

This got 20.8 mpg from Omaha NE to Sioux City to Clear Lake Iowa to Des Moines Iowa to Shenandoah Iowa, last week end. Today from Malvern Iowa to Shenandoah Iowa, I got 27.8 mpg( all flat south bound). But it's still no Chevy....yet. I prefer my '96 z-71, but it only gets 14 mpg and 4 mpg with 10k trailer hooked! This gets 14-17 with the trailer, and will pull 80 mph uphill.http://i475.photobucket.com/albums/rr117/highmilageklr/100_0892.jpg

[High Voltage]

I had 2 Cummins trucks. My 24 valve actually did better than the 12v the way it was set up (best of 24 mpg hand calculated across Ohio).

The engine is VERY heavy too, something to consider.

I have seen 2 Chevy 1/2 tons and Jeep with 4BT Cummins engines, something to consider over a 6BT or 24 valve engine.

I'd go '98 12 valve and older in the 6BT or do the 4BT for simplicity. Would help to stay away from the computer controlled 24valve engines.

Jason

[2COR517]

You would have to do some serious beefing of the frontend to carry the Cummins. Either a full swap from a K3500, or a Dana 60 SAS. I don't know about economy, but the Duramax has plenty of power, with more on tap.

[silveradotrailblazer]

Check out Destroked.com. or phone them at 303-945-7570. They have Cummins conversions kit for Gms, Fords and Dodges.

[ChevyFarmKid]

I have seen a cummins swap into a mid 80's truck, but it was basic;y started from scratch. It turned out very well

[hmaster77]

i would definitly go with a 12 valve bc they last forever i have helped swap out a 12 from dodge to another dodge and it wasnt to hard but it will b different to a z71

[Pete95Sierra]

there isnt much out there for cummins to chevy swaps from what i understand. There is a lot more cummins to Ford stuff out there, sadly. However, this isnt to say it cant be done, anything can be done. Hell, Petersons 4wheel and offroad put an 07 5.9 cummins into a new Jeep Wrangler Unlimited and it worked great

[nickgiacalone]

ur gonna have to really beef up your trans too in order to handle all the extra torque

[yukonlover89]

i'd say a 12v is a easier swap... the 24v has too many electronic stuff to switch over the 12 is mostly all mechanically driven