M715 with 4bt cummins

[jaylsworth]

Im glad more people are doing this conversion. We finished ours about 8 years ago and have put about 15,000 miles on it and are extremely happy with the result. We did all the work and engineering ourselves, including the 4 wheel disc brake conversion because helitool didn't have anything available yet. Gotta love the sound of the little Cummins!

 

[ctrlaltdl]

M-715 with a 4Bt is like my all time favorite build. I'm definitely subscribing to this thread!

 

[ctrlaltdl]

I've seen many 4bt swaps, but never seen anyone reverse mount the turbo. That sir is ingenious!

 

[bcowanwheels]

HAD TO MOUNT TURBO that way to get exhaust pipe clearence. normal way it would hit the firewall.

 

[ctrlaltdl]

I like it! Everyone else I've seen have that problem just cut into the firewall.

I have the Ford style which has the turbo on top, which was easier to clearance.

 

[CHRIS UNGER]

When I installed my 6bt my exhaust was too tight. All you have to do is die grind the weld off the sleeve on the exhaust cut about an inch out of it and reweld. Problem solved and is really easy.

 

[nhdiesel]

I put the 4bt in my Dodge Durango and have loved it for 2 1/2 years. We were getting 30 mpg until the ULSD got here, then it dropped to 27-28. Lots of fab work, especially for this swap...had to make a custom oil pan and brackets for the front diff, which is bolted to the engine on these vehicles.

For those considering a swap, everything from a Dodge Cummins 5.9 will bolt up- flywheel, flywheel housing, bellhousing, even front engine accessories. I have a Dodge P/S box, vacuum pump for my brakes, but I kept the GM alternator for simplicity. I could have bolted a Dodge one on.

You can also find adapters for GM or Ford transmissions, but they are harder to find and much more expensive.

Jim

 

[bcowanwheels]

ITS THE MOST EXPENSIVE swap you can do. its all custom fabrication , definatly not for beginners IMO hard to beat a good stock small block chevy. no it doesnt get 25mpg but its a weekend swap and just about anybody can do it.

 

[mastermechanic197]

Good job Bob!!!!

 

[kevin-m1008]

Bob,
I have a 68 M715 and have a 4bta that's going into it, once I sell the 454 that is currently in it.

I was going to cut the firewall for exhaust clearance. were you able to just flip the exhaust manifold or did you have to modify it?

also i wanted to make sure I understand that your truck is getting 25mpg? if so that's very nice!

Thanks,
Kevin
PS I remember you over at the m715 site too bad things did not work out for you there.