6bt crate engine

Product Details

Data sheet

Core Deposit

Call

Alternate Names

6BT

Compatible Models

Dodge Ram , , Durango, and Dakota

Original Manufacturer

Cummins

Production Years Covered

, , , , , , , ,

Build Type

Performance Grade remanufactured, not rebuilt

Testing

ADAPT (Advanced Dyno And Performance Testing) Our highest level of testing

BT-CU-SH

New product

The new “Cummins Repower” program kicks off with a liter four-cylinder TD

Cummins, a big name in the turbodiesel world and supplier of the venerable and highly praised inline six-cylinder turbodiesels used in Ram’s heavy-duty pickups, is now launching a crate engine program called Cummins Repower. The program allows the general public to purchase brand new turbodiesels directly from Cummins. Before, salvage yards were the only way to acquire a Cummins not attached to a brand new pickup or piece of machinery. The Repower program’s first crate engine is the R, a liter four-cylinder turbodiesel with horsepower and pound-feet of torque.

Cummins is marketing the R as a cleaner and more fuel-efficient alternative to restoring an older gasoline or diesel engine in classic trucks and SUVs. The turbodiesel uses modern electronics and fly-by-wire connections and meets the EPA’s Tier 1 emissions standards. The R is derived from Cummins’ global platform engine, which is used in small pickups, chassis cabs, vans, and SUVs worldwide. But Cummins didn’t leave it alone. Updates and emissions modifications were made for the R with an eye on the North American enthusiast market. Impressively, the heavy-duty turbodiesel weighs only pounds, which is roughly 75 pounds lighter than the classic, all-iron cubic-inch small block Chevy V While the R’s power output isn’t as robust as a modified V-8, the Cummins offers better fuel economy, and its direct-injection fuel system is more reliable than a carburetor could ever hope to be. Of course, there are plenty of downsides, but we’ll cover that below.

Continue reading for more on the Cummins R turbodiesel.

The Cummins for Anybody

Cummins is charging $8, for the kit

Cummins has been in business since the turn of the 20th century, but marks the first time the Indiana-based company has offered a crate engine program to the public. While some might say Cummins is late to the game, it seems diesel engines are just now coming into their own. Despite the negative cloud of Volkswagen’s DieselGate hanging over the engine type, diesel-powered heavy-duty trucks are becoming increasingly popular. The diesel turner scene has blown up over the last ten years and the time is seemingly right for a diesel manufacturer to offer a crate engine program. Hopefully, this will spur other diesel manufacturers to compete in the aftermarket, too, igniting an entirely new segment.

The good news for folks wanting an R is its price. Cummins is charging $8, for the kit, which includes the engine itself, the front-end accessory drive, a remote fuel filter and water separator, remote oil filter, starter, flywheel, throttle pedal, engine wiring harness, ECU computer, a dash display, and a universal vehicle wiring harness.

Cooling systems and engine mounts are easily ordered online that fit both a specific engine and vehicle combination

But, swapping a Cummins R into your project vehicle won’t be an afternoon project. The turbodiesel isn’t made specifically for any one type of vehicle, so engine mounts and a cooling system will need to be fabricated, a transmission will need to be adapted and mounted, and the fuel system will need to be plumbed. Between those items, installing the wiring harnesses, and ordering a custom-length driveshaft, a R swap presents some interesting challenges that have already been solved for typical engine swaps by aftermarket companies.

For instance, a vast majority of classic cars and trucks already have aftermarket support for engines like a small block Chevy or Mopar V Cooling systems and engine mounts are easily ordered online that fit both a specific engine and vehicle combination. With the R, you’ll likely need a fabrication shop or tuning house to custom-build these things – at least for the next few years. Given time, the aftermarket will have ready-to-ship solutions.

Watch the R in Action

Dirt Every Day host Fred Williams partnered with Cummins in testing a pre-production version of the R in a Jeep Wrangler TJ. Not only does the video show how the Cummins was fitted into the Jeep, but it also has Williams driving the turbodiesel Jeep completely submerged under water. It’s a good time, so take a look.

Diesel Jeep Drives 12 Feet Underwater

Diesel Jeeps vs. Gas Jeeps

References

Read more diesel news.

View the full press releaseHide press release

Product Details

Data sheet

Core Deposit

Call

Production Years Covered

1998, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006

Build Type

Performance Grade remanufactured, not rebuilt

Testing

ADAPT (Advanced Dyno And Performance Testing) Our highest level of testing

Alternate Names

6BT

Compatible Models

Dodge Ram 1500, 2500. 3500, Durango, and Dakota

Original Manufacturer

Cummins

59-6BT-CU-SH

New product