Conversion... the full Monte
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 1,997
Likes: 206
From: South Eastern Michigan
Because that'd be Lame.
Anyone can do that, its called "custom cars by wallet", which as we all know, is way lame. While I don't particularly care for the Allison trans he wants to use (regardless of what CA Conversions says, I mean they make money selling Allison's, of course they're gonna talk it up), the idea of a P-pump 24 valve with a custom controlled automatic and coil spring front is way cooler than an off-the-shelf store bought rig.
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Anyone can do that, its called "custom cars by wallet", which as we all know, is way lame. While I don't particularly care for the Allison trans he wants to use (regardless of what CA Conversions says, I mean they make money selling Allison's, of course they're gonna talk it up), the idea of a P-pump 24 valve with a custom controlled automatic and coil spring front is way cooler than an off-the-shelf store bought rig.
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Anyway, if someone wants to go through the pains of building their own monster, thats fine, I was just presenting an option that is easier, may be cheaper in the long run, and would be a whole lot quicker to the fun part. Personally, if I had the scratch, I would be on the phone with Tims by days end. As for building something, I'll stick with race cars and getting paid by the rich to build life size models.
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Mar 2023
Posts: 1,601
Likes: 943
Ever hear the saying... "it takes twice as long and costs twices as much..." ?? Its very true. Ask Musk. I've been building cars and restoring cars for several years. At this point in my life I've found its way easier, and cheaper, to buy something clsoe to what you want and adapt it to your liking. I know of 3 Boss 429 cars that have about 7-8 hundred thousand spent for a 4-5 hundred K car if sold. And no, Im not talking about the Mecum garbage. One was purchased there and then restored to a division 1 gold winning level. ROI on this stuff is about 30-40%. Buy someone elses loss and fix stuff.
Anyway, if someone wants to go through the pains of building their own monster, thats fine, I was just presenting an option that is easier, may be cheaper in the long run, and would be a whole lot quicker to the fun part. Personally, if I had the scratch, I would be on the phone with Tims by days end. As for building something, I'll stick with race cars and getting paid by the rich to build life size models.
Anyway, if someone wants to go through the pains of building their own monster, thats fine, I was just presenting an option that is easier, may be cheaper in the long run, and would be a whole lot quicker to the fun part. Personally, if I had the scratch, I would be on the phone with Tims by days end. As for building something, I'll stick with race cars and getting paid by the rich to build life size models.
I've had a few relatively high end SUV's I bought new for my wife serviced at their respective dealerships over the years (Mercedes, Cadillac and Lincoln). Came home, and was disgusted by the half-azz work these "professionals" did. So costing twice the price is a bargain, because I get all the work done right, and I know it's been done right, because I did it.
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Thread Starter
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Cargo Master
Joined: Jun 2013
Posts: 2,079
Likes: 63
From: Florida and Tennessee
It's a legacy build with my son and my grandson... and the engine choice is not yet decided. I may just keep my 7.3 or do the 5.9 Cummins. My son has a good-running 24 valve Cummins, so that has to be 'considered'.
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: May 2017
Posts: 1,314
Likes: 103
From: TN
I did the homework on getting the Allison to run behind the Cummins, you'll have to come to your own conclusion which may well be the same as mine.
It's far easier and far less costly to beef up the 4R100 and use a PCS TCM and harness than to mess with the firm you noted.
It's far easier and far less costly to beef up the 4R100 and use a PCS TCM and harness than to mess with the firm you noted.
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: May 2017
Posts: 1,314
Likes: 103
From: TN
Here's a time saver. See Regan Swan for mounts for the Excursion. He makes them specifically for the Ex to retro the 2nd gen snail mounts (factory) so you're not dealing with the aftermarket stuff that breaks.
My thread should have photos of those mounts. Mike Fuchs makes the mounts to use the factory ford alternator and reposition the Cummins tensioner.
My thread should have photos of those mounts. Mike Fuchs makes the mounts to use the factory ford alternator and reposition the Cummins tensioner.
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: May 2017
Posts: 1,314
Likes: 103
From: TN
Not all of us are Manual transmission addicts. You're right though Keith, we can help him spend his money! 
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Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Mar 2023
Posts: 1,601
Likes: 943
Thread Starter
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Cargo Master
Joined: Jun 2013
Posts: 2,079
Likes: 63
From: Florida and Tennessee
I did the homework on getting the Allison to run behind the Cummins, you'll have to come to your own conclusion which may well be the same as mine.
It's far easier and far less costly to beef up the 4R100 and use a PCS TCM and harness than to mess with the firm you noted.
It's far easier and far less costly to beef up the 4R100 and use a PCS TCM and harness than to mess with the firm you noted.
Mountain Pass
Joined: May 2016
Posts: 245
Likes: 57
I have read great reviews about CA conversions. It sounds like you have a good plan, good luck!
I swapped in an 05-07 front axle and love the ride. I also have a ZF6-750 with a manual transfer case and a 2003 CR Cummins in the garage that will also go in eventually. Waiting on time and money to get it all finished. I was between a P-pump and common rail and decided to go with the common rail. There are pros and cons to all choices.
I swapped in an 05-07 front axle and love the ride. I also have a ZF6-750 with a manual transfer case and a 2003 CR Cummins in the garage that will also go in eventually. Waiting on time and money to get it all finished. I was between a P-pump and common rail and decided to go with the common rail. There are pros and cons to all choices.
Thread Starter
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Cargo Master
Joined: Jun 2013
Posts: 2,079
Likes: 63
From: Florida and Tennessee
I have read great reviews about CA conversions. It sounds like you have a good plan, good luck!
I swapped in an 05-07 front axle and love the ride. I also have a ZF6-750 with a manual transfer case and a 2003 CR Cummins in the garage that will also go in eventually. Waiting on time and money to get it all finished. I was between a P-pump and common rail and decided to go with the common rail. There are pros and cons to all choices.
I swapped in an 05-07 front axle and love the ride. I also have a ZF6-750 with a manual transfer case and a 2003 CR Cummins in the garage that will also go in eventually. Waiting on time and money to get it all finished. I was between a P-pump and common rail and decided to go with the common rail. There are pros and cons to all choices.
Anyone have an actual experiences with CA Conversions?
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: May 2017
Posts: 1,314
Likes: 103
From: TN
Only from conversations which ended up in finality at PRICE. It's really not something I can justify, and my budget isn't limited. "Only an Allison will stand up behind a Cummins (turned up)" is not an answer btw.
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Mar 2023
Posts: 1,601
Likes: 943
I've read up a bunch on Cummins conversion stuff and completed two Cummins conversions myself (one 2010 F250 and one 2005 Excursion). Who are these "Cummins guys" that are "real happy" with the Allisons, because that's not the vibe I get from reading through the all the conversion stuff. Maybe I'm missing something.
And plenty of people run a 4r100 or a 5r110 behind a hot Cummins engine without issue.
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Thread Starter
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Cargo Master
Joined: Jun 2013
Posts: 2,079
Likes: 63
From: Florida and Tennessee
Where are you getting the information that " The Cummins's guys are real happy with the Allison"?
I've read up a bunch on Cummins conversion stuff and completed two Cummins conversions myself (one 2010 F250 and one 2005 Excursion). Who are these "Cummins guys" that are "real happy" with the Allisons, because that's not the vibe I get from reading through the all the conversion stuff. Maybe I'm missing something.
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I've read up a bunch on Cummins conversion stuff and completed two Cummins conversions myself (one 2010 F250 and one 2005 Excursion). Who are these "Cummins guys" that are "real happy" with the Allisons, because that's not the vibe I get from reading through the all the conversion stuff. Maybe I'm missing something.
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Listen... I'm getting this negative vibe from you. Stop or move on.