Greetings all.
My 97 open top––"Big Joe"–– is now ready for the conversion.
Since I have a wagon––"Spartacus"–– with Duramax already Im thinking either 12v or 24v Cummins.
What are your opinions about these engines from a fuel mileage and reliability standpoint? Especially with the Allison 6-speed and the 2 wheel / 4 wheel drive transfer case from Predator.
Since I live in Virginia I was thinking of asking KASCAR in SC to do the work since thats much closer to my farm. (They do the military stuff)
Also thinking of going with E-Eatons for lockers.
Thanks much y'all...

 

I'm a huge fan of Cummins motors. Personally I would go for a motor that still has an IP. Not a big fan of electronics. My dad has a dialog with a Cummins and a 6 speed manny tranny. That set up is awesome. Nothing beats an Inline 6. If V8s were better, then why do all the tractor company's use I6's? The I6 is a torque monster even at respectable MPGs. In a few years I plan o. Doing a cummins conversion on mine

 

For the money the 12v Cummins is the way to go.. I plan on doing one when I can.. if I could afford a full duramax and allison trans I would... but for a toy I drive twice a month I cant justify going that route. Let us know what you go with!

 

The 4bt is the Cummins usually used in conversions for H1s. It fits with the least amount of work. I am not sure if it mates up to the Allison tranny.

 

I just found out that Rubberduck 4x4 will do the conversions with NEW crate motors. Others have been using junkyard salvage ones. They said the Cummins is 1100 lbs. vs the Duramax which is 800 plus.
Wow! Never knew that....

 

I'm a big fan of rubber duck.. but I think he was talking about starting conversion s at 20k. I plan on doing a budget poor boy build swaping my n/a 6.5 for a 12v 6bt. I'll be taking many pics and maybe some video. My goal... less than 8k for the swap!

 

Well done!