Cummins 6BT still going strong 40 years later

Not as long as early GM's but still being fitted to state of the art machinery to this day.

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Is the little 4BT still built for offroad use ?
They seem like they have a huge following over on 4BTswaps forum
 

Got me beat why anybody would put a 4BT in a vehicle except maybe a series Land Rover.. Almost certainly, even with the intercooled turbo, without hot rodding it, less power than most factory original motors. If it can be fitted in the space the 6BT has hugely greater potential.

The 4BT is a terrific engine for a boat, pump, generator or suitably matched machinery like Bobcats and tractors.


This is one of the best and clearest amateur car videos I have seen. He would make a great instructor. He is like a good parent who accepts his kids are not geniuses or Olympic champions but loves them for what they are.

 

Here is the current Australian price for 4BT turbo Cummins. Why would anybody spend probably $20,000+ on putting  a rattley 140 horsepower in their ute when say an original Landcruiser engine produces 50% more horsepower or even a 2015 Hilux produces 30hp more.
 
 

I believe the 4BT is a popular swap into Nissan Patrols with the reputedly self-destructing ZD30. (I think that's what they're called)

Jarrod.

If you call the Case 580 backhoe offroad ,then lots of them

Yes a good industrial/machinery engine just not a step forward for a ute repower. Sort of like repowering a190 petrol International with a Gardiner.way back in the day.

Jarrod I don't know if the 4BT is a "popular" replacement for the ZD30 but those that did it got talked about. There is no doubt a Ford Barra is certainly an excellent and truly popular replacement in not only Nissans but many 4x4 utes.

I suppose the manufacturers of these vehicles have to make very hard decisions to come up with an engine that is going to suit the vast majority of their potential customers. Like all compromises you can not please everyone. Today it is almost crippled by the pollution regulations. Just think how much more power-efficient and reliable an engine would be with modern advances if there was absolutely no regard for eco rules. The F! cars, still suffering from numerous restrictions, manage to squeeze about a thousand hp out of a tiny 1.6 litre V6 engine that can be flogged at 13,000-15,000rpm for hours at a time. They are so reliable that DNF due to engine failure is becoming quite unusual. Even F1 are being forced into electric hybrid under the latest rules.

Only my opinion but all just to say I think there are so many cheaper, smoother more powerful options for an engine change than a 4BT in a ute if you want more than a rattley noise and a Cummins badge on the side.

On the other hand If you can manage to stuff a 6BT in with a few standard upgrades you will be king of the kids! Too big and heavy for many conversions.

Nobody should be talking 140hp 4BT conversion when for much the same price you can get this full turnkey 210hp 6BT conversion kit with everything required to stick in your Nissan or whatever.
enginesonly.com.au/products/all-in-one-c...5_bkw8Q-J9Xh8L5cjyc3

 

IMHO ,these engines are not any where near a Perkins Phaser ...or even a 354/4...........I particularly dislike the replace all headbolts crap .......over $300 in bolts alone.............at one time there was a lot of problems with fan belts ...the spring tensioner will only take up about 1" in belt length ,and no one seemed to know what length belt was right for any given application.

That bloke in the F150 video also complained about how expensive parts are.

I just talked to the people in Gatton who do Barra conversions. For the same price that you can buy a Cummins 140hp 4BT sitting on the floor, these people will supply - and fit- a 260hp Barra, under stressed normally aspirated with auto, walk in walk out into a Patrol. Nearly double the horsepower, more torque, quiet and smooth as silk.

I operated a Case 580 backhoe for a lot of years for different companies as I worked like a prostitute, for the money. Last one I was on for 6 years n lost only 4 hours in total due to blown hoses. 

Cobba

I am sure they are a great stationary, marine and machinery engine. I am not so enthusiastic about their light road vehicle suitability. Horses for courses.