How Much Does a Cummins Diesel Conversion Cost

We go in depth showing the costs involved with a cummins diesel conversion. Using our 1996 K2500 Suburban as our example we show all the cost associated with the parts and labor for the cummins swap.
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[@johnsingleton1472]

Thank you for sharing this info. Although I have no interest in doing such a conversion, it's refreshing to find someone on youtube that will actually tell the backstory. Well done.

[@bobporter1411]

I traded my 92 yj wrangler for one of these suburbans 12v 6bt on 37s. All it needs is paint. I think i scored big after seeing this video :D

[@garrettsmedley7935]

Great video. Shows that starting with a clean (inside and out) yet more expensive platform could save you $ in the long run. Especially if someone else is doing labor. I'd love to diesel swap my Tacoma but it's cost prohibitive. :(

[@highoctain113]

Also consider the parts you swap out... The 350 4 bolt we ripped from the burban my wife is building up to put in her old camaro... The axles we took out we are putting under our jeep, the transfercase also went in the jeep because we put a doubler in the burb, and everything else we sold and recovered half our cost.

[@PistonShack]

Thanks for sharing. It was informative. Cheers.

[@andrewstewart9054]

These swaps are fairly straightforward I put a 12v in my 06 f350 for under 5k including all the parts the hardest part was getting the old 6.0 out

[@dylancope8546]

I have a manual transmission in my 93 chevy 2500 with 6.5 would it need a conversion kit?

[@mrb9642]

Excellent analysis and overview of associated costs. Everyone wants something for nothing, but a high quality job has costs associated with it. Very informative. My guess is costs would be very similar to do the same swap to a military surplus HUMVEE.

[@Jonesys]

Yes these costs are relatively universal for the gm automatic applications.

[@rickbean6153]

JonesysAutoClub 10K ain't bad

[@truckstractorswildlifeguns6648]

im impressed 75$ an hour labor not bad,my shop charges 150$ and 100$hr. for restoration and body work. actually a really great deal, i thought it would be more like $50 k for the suburban. just from other similar projects ive seen.

[@jimkillen1065]

Yea I noticed that also . Since these guys are experienced that also makes there time more valuable

[@nelusher4]

Good video, very informative. One thing drove me crazy throughout tho, there is a loud feedback buzz.

[@FJBAFYFVFH]

no feedback here bro. maybe your speakers

[@battlefinder]

I was about to make a post talking smack about how overpriced this was, but you're pretty spot on with conversion numbers. I've done an excursion and a super duty so far, and it's fairly universal regarding the hard costs just to get the thing running. Good video!

[@Jonesys]

Thanks

[@yamamerjohnson3115]

battlefinder i am doing the same swap rn in a f350 SD and its the same price here. Give or take $10k

[@Quasar704]

What size roof basket is that?

[@horacegandy]

Is there a way to get a copy of that spreadsheet LOL

[@thewarpuggaming1137]

i was looking at how much to cummins swap because i want to get a square body suburban but the hp and torque is low would want at least 500hp for it

[@rkc2617]

My k2500 burban is made to tow and this is the way to go. Good stuff. In the long run, desiel is cheaper than gas when comes to tune ups.

[@russellhueners8499]

I have 7 grand just in my AMC 401 FI build, 17k in parts over 2000 hours body off full ground up build on my dads 1949 Willys Wagon. Award winner, chek it out on the Kaiser Willys website, jeep blog, My Willys Ranch Rig, same family for 58 years. The build came in just under 30 grand, and is a crowd favorite. You gotta love your rig to go in this deep, the article is worth a read, thank you gentlemen.

[@christopherbaldwin001]

What's the towing capacity after all this? And I mean the actual towing capacity after weight of the vehicle

[@Jack-wp4eh]

Its a lil hard to hear the price but i do appreciate the honest breakdown. Imma need to start collectin every penny i see on the street and go back to pb samiches for a few years if i actually want this kinda thing lol

[@PistonShack]

75$ per hour is so cheap, in BC shops charges 110-125$.

[@harley30074]

I want Cj7 with a Cummins crate motor 2.8 6 speed manual usable off roader....off frame restro

[@ipsofacto321]

thanks for sharing

[@Jonesys]

Thanks for watching!

[@suavehouse5150]

I’m interested in the r2.8 Cummins swap very interested doing a swap on my 97’ k1500 Z71 single cab long bed. Definitely would like to know the mpg and even worth spending $10k

[@Ellfyn]

Suave House Cummins said 30 mpg

[@workingcountry1776]

I want to do a 4bt / manual transmission swap on a 1996 or older F150 for my work truck for MPG and consistent torque. If it cost 10k to do swap myself I think it's still worth it. 14-17 mpg in a 5.0L and 25-30mpg with a 4bt. Diesel costs 40-50 cents more than gasoline but with a 10+ mpg gain over 35-50,000 miles a year and ability to run wmo mix sounds great.

[@scottfunkhouser4153]

Man you got off easy! I spent an additional 5 grand building a 6 speed Allison for my conversion, another 5 grand on a solid front axle swap, another 5 grand on things like rear disc brake conversion, stuff to make it more functional. The grand total ended up $28k and I'm still working on aesthetic stuff.

[@suavehouse5150]

Scott Funkhouser $28k you could just buy a used 3/4 ton diesel

[@babyhominid7779]

Whose Allison controller do you like? Thanks

[@MechanicalMafioso]

Suave House and you’d have just another used truck!

[@MechanicalMafioso]

Suave House I’ve got more than that wrapped up in my 2006 MegaCab I think somewhere around 33k atm for my 12v swap. Totally built suspension and drivetrain nv5600. You cannot buy a MegaCab that can reliably run B100 and WVO aka Grease. Probably have another 20K+ to go before I’m happy with it.

[@bdogforshizle6457]

I have a 1990dodge van 150 that i want to convert from gas/manual to diesel to automatic. how much would the smallest cummins engine and additional hanesses computer ect cost.thanks.

[@jimkillen1065]

Well I don't mind spending a little money for what I want I just want to get value and a build sheet . Its refreshing to know what I paying for a get quality work not some bs that I seen in the past . That Suburban would last a long time and get decent mileage . None of the crap that the newer truck will eventually see like expensive exhaust replacement and other parts . Thanks for the video

[@appallokelley3207]

How about swapping an 89 7.3 idi for a Cummins 12v

[@workingcountry1776]

That would be a great swap!

[@Turbo-wj9qc]

Wow, I just swapped a 12 valve into my 1978 Ford c-700 cabover and all in I'm at $3200.

[@FJBAFYFVFH]

did you install yourself? I'm looking at a swap in an older OSB

[@Freakingstang]

@@FJBAFYFVFH just did a 94 IDI 12v swap myself

[@Turbo-wj9qc]

Yes, paying someone to do it would get expensive. Took me about 75 hours.

[@KA-om9oz]

@@Turbo-wj9qc 75 hrs? Fuck Ray Charles would be faster

[@showcasecharlie11]

based on his numbers, a diesel swap really isn't worth it. I'd say you're better off just buying a newer vehicle for same money or even slightly more is a better idea. I personally thought about doing a diesel swap in my k3500 with a Cat 3176, 13 speed, and a cut down to fit semi rearend and run super singles. The logistics of it are really intensive.. I mean if we're going to make a tow machine. ..let's make a tow monster that would handle anything you can throw at it

[@stephenputney5567]

Do it, document it, post it, we will all watch it, you will enjoy it.

[@martinez1701a]

Ide love to convert my 95 yukon 4x4 to diesel im sure mileage would be alot better.

[@rickbean6153]

Man this guy is giving a real good deal. As a small business owner I can tell you that most of the time there is a 20%-30% mark up just on materials. I would probably charge an even $100 p/h labor just because it's a specialist/niche field. Then there is the aggravation fee(only kidding). Just saying most people would charge out the ass for something like this.

[@Chuck_Norris10]

Serious question... how much do you want for this truck! I’ll buy it right now

[@Jonesys]

Contact me at [e-mail]

[@mainambiter]

What are the MPG, other numbers after the swap? thank you

[@lutonscania4702]

18mpg at best.

[@highoctain113]

18 at best huh? Ive gotten 28 with my 24 valve... And that's without messing with gearing without compounds and without a tuner... I've seen 12 valves with afc live get deep into the 20s... Keep your foot out of it and build for efficiency ( not power ) and I'm sure you can start tapping on 30s.

[@patrickwayne3701]

@@highoctain113 we have nailed 30 mpg with the 1st gen 6BTA and a getrag in a 2wd mule here at Cummins Research and Engineering in Columbus Indiana. That truck is still in our shop operations at our noise pad test site. Mileage efficiency is all about keeping the engine in its 'sweet spot' for maximum brake specific fuel consumption. For the 6BTA, thats 1600 to 1800 rpm. Our mule is a 1988 2wd Dodge D250. With a full tank of fuel and tools, it scales at 9300lbs. On test trips, keeping it to 65mph it pulls 29.838 miles per gallon. That is in a squarebody truck. No aerodynamic qualities to those, whatsoever. The 6B is a stunningly great engine platform. From its very beginning.

[@emiliobooker7209]

$1500 bucks to rebuild a 12v? Whats your number!!! hahaa

[@slickdawg4634]

Yeah but get the shaft with 6k$ just to swap

[@largesfc]

Do you have a website for parts? I am looking to swap a 12v into a 1999 Suburban.

[@Jonesys]

www.adventurevehiclesNW.com and www.jonesys.com Send me an email at [e-mail] for items not listed on the websites

[@masonfoto]

Will you be taking photos and logging your build? I also have a 99 suburban and would love to follow your progress.

[@that1welder680]

Nice

[@douglasdonegan9372]

How much is a cummins swap now days for a 1996 k3500 4x4 srw with a 5.7 vortec

[@Jonesys]

$75/hour plus parts for the right customer/project. : )

[@douglasdonegan9372]

@@Jonesys I'm gonna be ready very soon for a cummins swap.

[@GICK117]

I have a hummer h3. I actually love the vehicle. It goes anywhere I ask. It has 93000 miles on it. Is there a possibility to put a diesel in it? Some kind of kit? I've been looking into a MB strait 5. Seriously, I would like to know if its even possible? Thanks

[@jeromeburrasca6710]

Cool video. If you’re not towing over 10k lbs why bother with a diesel conversion that adds weight and makes the Suburban less off-road capable, especially when there are some powerful LS V8 options that are plug and play in the lighter 1500 series 4x4s? The Ford Raptor is built on a F150 platform with IFS.

[@lifted9821]

Mine will cost me 300 bucks lol that's how much the whole truck costed me if anything I will make money once I part the rest out just gotta wait for the right deal.

[@pyrogaminghound9579]

Would a a mustang V6 automatic transmission be able to handle most diesel engines?

[@codyyellott117]

No

[@iliketobuildstuff7013]

you only charge 75$/hr?? there isn't a mechanic shop within 60 miles of me that charges under 130-140/hr

[@jimrosesadventureinmanilap715]

I know before I retired I... 2012.. The vehicle had to pass emissions... And this was according to whatever was on the outside... We will say for example a suburban 2012 That had gasoline.. Would have to pass .. And admission test for gasoline.. Yes I do live in the USA I don't know if a law change since I retired in 2012.. I know custom cars that were mixed... One I can think of.. A very good friend of mine actually made A rolling chassis.... With everything that work... From a Ford Bronco.... And fit a Falcon body on top.. I went to the local State Registry... To get it inspected..... He was one the last vehicles.. To do thismix and match and have a clean title... And only have to meet a... Omissions for Ford Bronco.. He also put in a custom suspension... Yes this car is in the Boston Massachusetts area..USA.. Oh by the way this done was done in about the early eighties... For Bronco was A 1978 I believe. It sounds like you may be in Canada

[@TRYtoHELPyou]

I spent that much on a used Spark EV and now can go 80 miles for less than 2 bucks all day every day! ha... cant off road tho.. or tow. Better commuter than my old 1500 5.7.

[@Apoc_Bone_Daddy]

What about the typical 4BT into an '89 Bronco? Lol

[@baja5000]

yeah... im doing one myself and im not even close to that number.

[@highoctain113]

I'm with Baja, most expense is cost of the vehicle... I spent 3k on a really good shoe box rust free and straight, runs and drives... Then spent 2500 on a donor with the right motor and trans, most of the parts are already taken care of, ill probably drop another 2k on bits and pieces but the rest of it is all fabrication.

[@Alan62651]

Jonesy, how does the Cummins swap compare to an AmGen 6.5L swap? These Hummer engines have a great reputation. I am not a mechanic, but I understand they are meant to be a reasonably direct swap for the GM 6.5 diesel.

[@Jonesys]

I prefer the cummins swap because of the longevity, power potential, simplicity and the aftermarket support. It is an extremely versatile engine with growing popularity. It is the "small block chevy" of the diesel world.

[@Alan62651]

Cool. The AmGen is in 500,000 military humvees, so it is pervasive, as well. It is obviously rugged too.

[@4x4le]

most of those are non turbo 6.2l diesels

[@jackthibeault8698]

Alan Land i have a 1994 chevy 2500 6.5 turbo in my truck and its ok but nothing to write home about only good thing about it is i get around 20mpgs as fare as fast lol what is that haha as far as pulling a trailer its ok only if its a little one and flat ground and 6.5s are prone to brake down junk PMDs and the ops is a problem because it shuts of the lift pump and only runs on the injection pump wich will kill it and u never will kno unless u check it regularly and they like to over heat and there is a lot more problems then that and like i said i own one and drive it daily

[@jackthibeault8698]

Brandon and non turbo 6.5s as well

[@johnjohnson-ep9rt]

I don't know who you getting your windshield from 775 dollars way to much the last I got was 192 dollars for the same windshield and that is installed

[@richardmartin3243]

What about a 77 Chevrolet 1 ton dually I had a big block in a 454 just couldn't get it running right very expensive woman a Big Blocks Pig pain in the ass stuck in a Chevrolet 350 couldn't get it running right at all and my trucks rusting away just a thought

[@doublea556]

I find it odd when you throw wholesale prices in there and then inflate the price with brakes or interior costs

[@Jonesys]

None of the prices are inflated. If anything I was low on the overall estimate.

[@doublea556]

JonesysAutoClub Yes. Low with wholesale parts prices.

[@rickbean6153]

Well if your gonna be a fucking penny pincher shit like this ain't for you pal. I know that's what the owner wants to tell you so I'll say it for him

[@paullemke5915]

Everything from exterior body is bullshit add one to start.

[@Tdaddy9510]

So I can call you to do a conversion ??

[@Jonesys]

Send us and email at [e-mail] and visit www.adventurevehiclesnw.com for the conversion parts we sell. Thanks for the interest!

[@jeromeburrasca6710]

Check out the Duraburb channel. ;)

[@countrygentleman4084]

I have my c30 Cummins dually crew cab for sale for$28k people laugh at me I tell them I have $30k in it

[@malva9092]

Did you really got a 3/4 TON 4X4 SUBURBAN FOR $400? What the fuck

[@jonajoneellatte6926]

Look like the feds truk

[@WARD5KUSTOMZ]

Im just wondering why everybody wants a darn cummins.

[@Jonesys]

What other engine will last 500,000+ miles, tow anything you can hook to it, get 20mpg and has no electronics?

[@WARD5KUSTOMZ]

JonesysAutoClub can always swap a 2 cycle Detroit. If i swap a Cummins it will be a P pumped 6.7.

[@jacksmith3189]

Only 2 million dollars

[@incognito8448]

kinda lowball and probably not obtainable by the novice