Thread: Conversion Cummins ISF 3.8 (or 2.8)

Originally Posted by Vern

What about a Merc motor? Can get kits for these and they make lots of power!

Hi Damien,

I was hoping to keeping the post to info on the Cummins ISF rather than deviate into a comparison of conversion options. For what its worth the OM606 would be a worthwhile option for those years it meets emissions.

Johntins - I assume you mean the ZF4HP22 or HP24. No idea if they would be strong enough, doubt the HP22 would be. Personally i think you would be better off with a 6 speed auto. Closer ratios for seamless transition, and you would prefer an auto with a tall overdrive to match the low engine RPM range and max torque from 1200 rpm.

For a manual box the isuzu MXA 6R seems perfect. low first and tall sixth. From rock crawling to the highway without compromise. Being a truck gearbox it will hold up to the torque pulses of the 4 pot and likely be an easy fit to the Cummins and the LT230 at the other end.

Any Cummins experienced people out there? Its just the younger brother of the 4bt ready for the modern age. Whatever comments on drive line compatibility to the 4bt will be equally applicable to the ISF range.

Originally Posted by MLD

Hi Damien,



Johntins - I assume you mean the ZF4HP22 or HP24. No idea if they would be strong enough, doubt the HP22 would be. Personally i think you would be better off with a 6 speed auto. Closer ratios for seamless transition, and you would prefer an auto with a tall overdrive to match the low engine RPM range and max torque from 1200 rpm.

I was thinking more of the 6HP26, if it could be adapted to fit the LT230, which is covered in another thread.

Pretty sure the info you are after will be on the 4btswaps forum.
As for an auto, i would look at the 6L80E as there are already adapters for this to the lt230. Just run it with compushift or the likes.

Be very interesting to see a 3.8 ISF running in front of a 6L80E! If you can get the 2 ECU's as standalone then this can be put into anything within reason!!!

Foton are bringing the Tunland out with a ZF6 speed soon!

Ive been looking into gearboxes, I think maybe the 6l90e (Rated 700nm behind a diesel truck) might be the choice of transmission behind the 3.8 with the 125kw/600nm tune. Also Les Richmond have already adapted the 6l90e to a LT230

The unknown issue with an auto conversion is the clearance of the front prop shaft to the gearbox. From personal experience i can say the 6R80 and front prop shaft on a LT230 occupy the same space. Any auto box that is fat on the drivers side will likely experience a similar fate. One of those unknowns until you do the mock up.

weren't you getting a ford motor put in MLD?

Originally Posted by discoRRc

weren't you getting a ford motor put in MLD?

Post #2 and #8 answers your question