Cummins R2.8 Build

[gogop66]

Newbie here so I'm sorry if this is being covered elsewhere, I looked but couldn't find it.

I'm about to order the Cummins R2.8 Crate motor for my CJ7 . I'm compiling a list of parts I'm going to need and really need help. I am having a local vendor do the job but I have a few questions as I think most of us do. I am not a mechanic so some questions may seem stupid please bear with me!

Adapter plate from bell housing to Transmission : I don't see these readily available but they run around $1500 from Axis industries - I have a T-5 Transmission which some say is not strong enough for the 2.8. Would love an easy and cheap fix.

Intercooler: I see that Axis has one for $900 but I don't think it's really required, just "a good idea". (and $900 bucks!)

Motormounts: Local garage has this handled

Other thoughts? If I can do this within my budget ($15K) and it doesn't get crazy I plan to start in about a month. (I want the 15% discount currently offered) I will post pictures and the build..

If you know someone doing the build on a CJ would love more info!

 

[smbundy13]

I dont have any input but i am interested in following this build!!!

 

[mtnwhlr]

Since you are in CA is it going to pass emissions when you are done?

 

[gogop66]

I dont have any input but i am interested in following this build!!!

I literally just ordered the engine minutes ago, should have it in about a week.

 

[gogop66]

Since you are in CA is it going to pass emissions when you are done?

It will have to be signed off by the referee, it theory it will work. If not I'll figure something out.

 

[Tinman22]

I wish i had some good thoughts for you but i dont. Different power choice though. Not very heavy, better hp. Than stock, and good torque. And it looks like 20 mpg is the consensus.

Not really a big fan of the T-5 but many have had good luck with them. Most of the failures ive seen are either lube related or beaten on. Driven properly i think it should hold up pretty well. Were only talking 267 ft/lbs

 

[gogop66]

Not really a big fan of the T-5

I was concerned about that, the one I have is in good shape and it's been very easy miles on it. I am more concerned now about my gears, I'm running 4.10's but this engine would probably do better with higher gears.

 

[Tinman22]

What size tire are you runnng.

 

[gogop66]

What size tire are you runnng.

I'm currently running 33's

 

[Tinman22]

Cummins is claiming 1700-3000 rpm range id be looking at a 2200-2500 cruise.

I’ve been looking around on the internet and there are several very nice builds. Most of the 4:10 gears were with 35” tires. One toyota was running 35” tires with a w55 Transmission .5th gear being .85 the T-5 is .86 i think. So the rest of the r2.8 swappin planet would go numerically lower than 4:10 with 33” tires. But why squander the opportunity to move up to 35” tires ?

 

[jfmcj7]

I have been thinking about this swap for a few months now since nobody can figure out what is wrong with my engine. My biggest concern is getting if through smog in CA and what Transmission to run.

Good luck with your built. Can't wait to here how you like it. This will stay on my do do list.

 

[gogop66]

But why squander the opportunity to move up to 35” tires ?

It's already pretty tall with the lift, a RE 4.5 that is closer to 5.5" I think. Changing to 35's would drop the RPMs at 70mph from 2514 to 2370.

I think I'm going to give it a shot for a while after the build and see how I like the gearing. General drivability will matter more than RPMs at 70mph.

 

[Tinman22]

Cummins is advertising this engine as a conversion engine and selling it direct to the consumer and advertising it as 50 state legal. Much of the beta testing was done in ca. I would think it to be a cakewalk. Cummins apparently worked with california and gained c.a.r.b. Certification for 1999 and earlier light duty trucks (this is from their website) i know a cj isnt a truck but for the $8999.00 buyin i would Hope so.

 

[hole]

Newbie here so I'm sorry if this is being covered elsewhere, I looked but couldn't find it.

I'm about to order the Cummins R2.8 Crate motor for my CJ7 . I'm compiling a list of parts I'm going to need and really need help. I am having a local vendor do the job but I have a few questions as I think most of us do. I am not a mechanic so some questions may seem stupid please bear with me!

Adapter plate from bell housing to Transmission : I don't see these readily available but they run around $1500 from Axis industries - I have a T-5 Transmission which some say is not strong enough for the 2.8. Would love an easy and cheap fix.

Intercooler: I see that Axis has one for $900 but I don't think it's really required, just "a good idea". (and $900 bucks!)

Motormounts: Local garage has this handled

Other thoughts? If I can do this within my budget ($15K) and it doesn't get crazy I plan to start in about a month. (I want the 15% discount currently offered) I will post pictures and the build..

If you know someone doing the build on a CJ would love more info!

I would think an intercooler on a turbo'd engine is more than a "good idea" .
What are you planned uses for the thing?

 

[Lumpy Grits]

I really don't think you will find this Ca. C.A.R.B. compliant for your year vehicle.
The T-5 won't last at all.

LG

 

[gogop66]

I would think an intercooler on a turbo'd engine is more than a "good idea" .
What are you planned uses for the thing?

I have had it now for about 5 years, the PO kept it completely stock and she had it since new and took impeccable care of it other than a bad quality paint job. Engine, Transmission and even clutch she says has not been touched. When I got it, it had about 211K miles on it and now it's about 240K. It's a third vehicle, I was driving it to work for a year or two but now it comes out on the weekend for running around or going to the beach. I have taken it off-road a few times but because of altitude I really hated doing that as it just didn't run well. So to answer the question, just running around town and maybe a daily driver if it's more fun to drive. The T-5 has been fine until now but it's old and not a great Transmission I have heard, the guy doing the build in town told me they are rock solid I guess everyone has an opinion. My budget is not unlimited so things like an intercooler, new Transmission and other "great ideas" are off the table for now.
I thought about the intercooler but came away with this. Cummins doesn't ship one and in the installation guide doesn't even mention it. When you start adding up all the goodies needed for the swap, you have to draw the line somewhere and my budget isn't unlimited.

 

[Lumpy Grits]

The T-5 was borderline at best-What really hurt the T-5 was the stupid R&P AMC was put'n in.
What kills the T-5 is torque load.
BTW: I've run a T-5 since I bought my '7' new in '85.
LG

 

[gogop66]

I would think an intercooler on a turbo'd engine is more than a "good idea" .

You were right, I was wrong. Right from the install guide... pg 70.

"To enhance the engine performance and reduce emissions the hot compressed ambient air must be cooled before entering the engine. It is the purpose of the charge air cooler (CAC) to reduce the temperature of the compressed ambient air before entering the engine intake manifold."

So they call it a CAC instead of an intercooler. That will be another $900!

https://cumminsengines.com/uploads/docs/5504137-cummins-repower-r28-installation-guide-jan-2018.pdf

 

[mtnwhlr]

I really don't think you will find this Ca. C.A.R.B. compliant for your year vehicle

LG

I just hope you don't spend a boat load of money doing this and end up with a Jeep you can't register and drive.

 

[gert]

I watched the episode of Dirt Everyday episode that they installed the 2.8 in tube sock, I am very interested to see how your build goes, man that Transmission adapter and intercooler is expensive good luck we would love to see pictures