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Topic: 8.2 detroit swap (Read 2238 times) previous topic - next topic

8.2 detroit swap

We have a 1986 GV with a Detroit 8.2.  The motor runs good but has 190,000 miles and is very marginal when it comes to power.  We would like to consider an engine swap but have no idea what our options are.  Has anyone swapped out the older motor for a current Cummins.  I imagine we would need to swap the trans as well.  So can anyone point us in the right direction with respect to motor and trans combos and what the challenges were?

Re: 8.2 detroit swap

Reply #1 –
i was thinking abot the same swap but i think you would have to move the rad to the side so i think im going to a 3208 cat
Mike
1990 GV 36'

Re: 8.2 detroit swap

Reply #2 –
Anything can be done, but may be cost/structurally prohibitive. Why not just Rebuild the 8.2, after all it has run 190K.
Now if you just wanted to tinker, a 5.9 mechanical Cummins, and Allison would about as good as you could get.
Bruce, Linda, and Macy
Zoey RIP 1/20/19
1999 U295 40' build #5400
2017 silver Jeep Wrangler, 1260 watts of solar on top
Moving around the country

Re: 8.2 detroit swap

Reply #3 –
After getting up to speed on 8.2 Detroits http://www.expertdiesel.com/82_detroit.htm  I would think twice about rebuilding. A couple of choices. You could sell your '86 and move to a later model with the engine combination you want or you could repower. Bruce has an excellent thought of the 5.9 Cummins in mechanical trim. They get excellent mileage, last a long time and can produce good power. Dave can probably tell you if the engine with mate up with the trans or what kind of adapter you may need. 190,000 miles is good and it may be able to go another 190,000 but adding more power may not be the best idea. A fresh 8.2 may not give any more power than you have now. My old 300SD has 440K with nothing done and is as fast or faster than new.

Six speed would be nice with the 5.9.
Pierce and Gaylie Stewart
'93 U300/36 WTBI
Detroit 6V-92TA Jake
1140 watts on the roof
SBFD (ret)

Re: 8.2 detroit swap

Reply #4 –
The 5.9 Cummins in my 91 U225 is mated to an Allison 4 spd transmission. This combination works well. A 6 speed would be nice, but I know the 4 spd bolts right up.

As I understand it, the 8.2 is a high revving diesel, and a rear gear swap may also be needed as other diesels run at lower rpms. Not sure on that, but something to look into as part of a potential swap.

Steve
1991 U225 Grand Villa

Re: 8.2 detroit swap

Reply #5 –
Quote from: Merle Hench –
The 5.9 Cummins in my 91 U225 is mated to an Allison 4 spd transmission. This combination works well. A 6 speed would be nice, but I know the 4 spd bolts right up.

As I understand it, the 8.2 is a high revving diesel, and a rear gear swap may also be needed as other diesels run at lower rpms. Not sure on that, but something to look into as part of a potential swap.

Steve

The rear end ratio is listed in the factory books that come with each model. Should be able to compare specs in planning a possible swap. Would think the smaller 5.9 would turn at least the same revs or more than the 8.2 Detroit. Owners care to comment?
Pierce and Gaylie Stewart
'93 U300/36 WTBI
Detroit 6V-92TA Jake
1140 watts on the roof
SBFD (ret)

Re: 8.2 detroit swap

Reply #6 –
With the 8.2 DDC engine, look under the Google site for the 8.2 engine, there are many engines in different configurations, condition etc.  I would prefer the 8.2 to any of the Cummins little V6 or V8 light weight units like the 504 or 555.

Better choice would be a later model with better running gear.
FWIW

Re: 8.2 detroit swap

Reply #7 –
In doing a little research, both engines would be classified as high rpm diesel engines. The 8.2 Detroit is governed at 3000 rpm while the 5.9 Cummins is 2900 rpm for the 12 valve to 3200 rpm for the 24 valve engine so stock rear end ratio would probably be OK. The 5.9  24 valve engines will produce well over 300 hp in a stock configuration. This family of Cummins are all straight configuration with one liter per cylinder. 4 cylinder versions are found in UPS trucks, etc.

Below are articles with history, hp, weight, torque, etc. for each family of engines.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cummins_B_Series_engine
5.9 Cummins Specs | eHow.com
8.2 Detroit Diesel Engine Specifications | eHow.com
Pierce and Gaylie Stewart
'93 U300/36 WTBI
Detroit 6V-92TA Jake
1140 watts on the roof
SBFD (ret)

Re: 8.2 detroit swap

Reply #8 –
Pierce, Good info, however looking at the links you provided sure gave me a good chuckle, they claim the 5.9L comes as either a V-12 or a V-24, so I lost all interest in their dumb info, assuming they were trying to say 12 valve or 24 valve..  Also listed length as 40 inch long, that has to be the 3.9 4 cylinder.
Anyway I hope you enjoyed that as much as I did.
By the way the 8.2 length is listed as 54 ", never did find the length for the 5.9 six cylinder.  Feel the 5.9L might be a problem with length, but not sure.
Ya gotta laugh sometimes. ;D

Re: 8.2 detroit swap

Reply #9 –
Dave,the 8.2 cooling system is listed as an air cleaner,governor and fan. :)) :)) :))
The selected media item is not currently available.Bill&Doris 97 U270 36'
University of Parris Island Class of 66
Semper Fi  Build# 5174 MC#17094
 

Re: 8.2 detroit swap

Reply #10 –
Dave, Yeah, had to decipher their terminology a bit. Don't know the length of the engine compartment in the 8.2 Foretravel but my U300 looks like a 8V92 would fit easily. 8.2 might have a rear radiator to get in the way. Also, have to find a place for the intercooler. Weight looks about the same for the two.

The UPS/FedEx trucks with the computer Cummins 4 cylinder are really quiet, about like the Isuzu NPRs. You could hear the early Dodge diesels start a block away in the morning. They were responsible for all the "shut off diesel engines" in all the drive through fast food places. I was impressed after the UPS driver said his was getting 14 mpg making deliveries in our up and down mountain environment.

Kent took the easiest and perhaps the best way by selling one, buying another. No changeover problems down the road. Easy to get attached to your rig though.
Pierce and Gaylie Stewart
'93 U300/36 WTBI
Detroit 6V-92TA Jake
1140 watts on the roof
SBFD (ret)