Switching from detroit to cummins

[rickety]

I have a classic 1986 vogue motorhome in which I blew the original 8.2T detroit engine. I would like to replace with a cummins 5.9 complete with 4 speed allison from a bus I have . Does anyone have any experience or comments on this.

[FleetMan]

A number of people have replaced the IH 7.3 diesel in their Ford pickups with the Cummins 5.9. I believe there may even be conversion kits available for that swap. See what you can find out about that particular swap and it may give you some good ideas to consider. First off, do you have the room for the longer engine? With enough time, MONEY and good tools, you can swap just about anything.

[RoyM]

Are you prepared to do the job or will you farm it out? Having a shop perform the swap will involve mucho dollars and your rig is 25 years old. Is it worth the cost?
The Cummins is a way better engine than the GM 8.2, I have some experience with the latter and it ain't pretty. IMHO, walk away from that old beast and plunk the coin down on something more modern.

[rickety]

Thanks for your input guys. It is difficult to give up on this one as it is a top of the line unit that has been completley restored. I do own a much more modern motorhome but it does not come close to matching the comfort and luxury of the Vogue. The only real problem is that crappy engine. It is a pusher on a Crown bus chassis so there is all kinds of room. I will probably do the switch myself with the help of skilled friends. Problems I anticipate is the connection of the air compressor and the hydraulic pump. I can probably belt it with a pulley from the current fan connection but am not sure that the serpentine belt will handle the extra load. By the way it is a side radiator with a hydralic fan that could probably be replaced with an electric. The hydraulics operate power steering, fan and leveling jacks.
Any other comments?

[Beagle RC Air]

Quote:

Originally Posted by rickety Thanks for your input guys. It is difficult to give up on this one as it is a top of the line unit that has been completley restored. I do own a much more modern motorhome but it does not come close to matching the comfort and luxury of the Vogue. The only real problem is that crappy engine. It is a pusher on a Crown bus chassis so there is all kinds of room. I will probably do the switch myself with the help of skilled friends. Problems I anticipate is the connection of the air compressor and the hydraulic pump. I can probably belt it with a pulley from the current fan connection but am not sure that the serpentine belt will handle the extra load. By the way it is a side radiator with a hydralic fan that could probably be replaced with an electric. The hydraulics operate power steering, fan and leveling jacks. Any other comments?

I would question whether you can find electric fan unit with the capability to cool your engine. That takes some serious power!
beagle

[pkmesser]

You can gain some on power transmission by going to a cog belt.

[Mekanic]

The 5.9 in my 94 Ford has a hyd pump for power steering mounted on the back of the air compressor.
and the air compressor bolts to the back of the front timing gear cover. all Gear driven no belts. I'd fine one of these setups and adapt it to you RV.

[rickety]

Thanks mekanic -- Excellent idea. I have heard that there are buses with engine mounted pumps air compressors that are specific for my purpose. (larger pump for running fan) Does anyone know which buses used this so I can improve my chance of finding one.