In researching motors and cost towards doing a 12v cummins swap I've seen some motors referred to as 5.9 "Big Blocks". Not long blocks but Big Blocks. Looks more on the commercial trucks and not the Dodge pickup apps. Does anyone know if and what the differences might be between the pickup apps and "Big Blocks". I've read the Cummins swap threads here and checked out other forums and can't find any info on what the big block designation means. I can't imagine there'd be block differences without displacement differences. Any help would be really appreciated!!!

 

I've never heard of the "big block" designation referring to the 5.9. My cummings was bought direct from cummins. The manual that came with it has references to industrial and automotive applications.

Mine is a 93 rebuilt by Cummins/Diesel Recon. The turbo, exhaust manifold are different from Dodge. Turbo also sits in a higher more rearward location. Fuel pump is the same, injection pump is the same, factory rpm's set at 2500. Turbo is larger on both exhaust and intake so there is a bit of lag spooling up but it fairly loud when it is spooled up. A quick drop off the throttle under hard acceleration and the turbo really screams.

Internally I have no idea if there are any differences. Starter is different from Dodge. I'm sure the stock injectors are different. Only have 30,000 miles on the engine so have not really done anything to it other than tweaking the injection pump a small bit.