6BT FAQ

This page is dedicated to giving you all the info you need to make an informed decision about purchasing a 6BT Cummins engine. 

What is the 6BT? 

The 6BT is a 5.9 liter 6 Cylinder engine produced by Cummins starting around 1984.   They are used in everything from Generators, Excavators, Loaders, Boats, Water Pumps, and Automotive use.  

Most notable was when Dodge introduced the 12 valve cummins into its line of trucks from 1989.  Today Dodge still uses Cummins in their 5th generation Rams albiet a much more modern common rail design but centering around the fundamental inline 6 cylinder gear driven cam design. 

Dodge Ram 6BTs

These engines where produced from 1989 to about 1998 in the 12 valve design and mid year 98 they switched to a 24valve

1989 to 1991 

These used a bosch Rotary VE pump non intercooled engine. Many people desire these because they are known to have a larger injection pump that responds well to larger super chargers and fueling. 

1992 to 1993

They produced an intercooled version which produced more power and typically had a holeset h1c turbo. also retaining the Bosch Rotary Pump. 

1994 to 1998

In 94 Dodge release the inline p7100 injection pump which is the most sought after in the performance crowd. This pump was optioned from 160 175 180 190 and 215hp options in the Dodge ram. 215 being the most sought after with bigger delivery valves, a more aggressive cam profile its not uncommon to see these in 1000+hp setups. 

Today there are 13,14,15, and even 16mm versions of this pump used mostly in Truck pulling and competition use. 

For the average person getting 300hp out of any of these pumps is pretty achievable with basic AFC mods, and a set of Governor springs. 

 

What is a 6BA? 

This Is essentially the same engine as a 6BT with the main difference being natural aspiration (NA).  This gives it different pistons with a higher compression ratio.  19:1 vs 17:1 on the turbo version.  

In the ESN's we have cross referenced we have found that the Camshafts are the same part number as well as the rotating assembly.  

What are the Weifu and BYC Pumps? 

Today there are 2 brands remaking the Bosch P7100 pump. Weifu and BYC.   BYC is a supplier for bosch making many parts used in some of the more common injection systems as well as the Bosch P7100. 

Its not uncommon to find Bosch Parts in a BYC P7100. Some of the more common finds are Delivery Valves, which often share the same parts as the Dodge Ram automotive counterparts. 

Both of these pumps are very common across asia with tens of millions of them in circulation today. 

The weifu is a lower cost version of the P7100 sharing all the same build and design as the BYC, but using a slightly different delivery valve. These can still be upgraded to the high performance aftermarket ones with new springs and retainers. 

The Weifu Pumps tend to already come with Extended Rack Plugs, Larger Delivery Valve Holders, so theres fewer things to replace to get more fuel out of them. 

Question: Are the Weifu Pumps any good? 

Answer:  We have many motors with these pumps and had very few issues with them. Usually problems stem from high mileage, or dirty fuel. These and BYC are sold on new Cummins from the Dong Feng Cummins Engine Company (DCEC).  We have done lots of testing both on test equipment, and in the field and feel these are great value for money pumps that can accomodate most peoples builds out of the box. 

Question: What is BYC? 

Answer:  BYC is an OEM parts supplier for Bosch. You will often times find Bosch parts inside BYC Injection Pumps.  Things like Delivery Valves, Springs, and Keepers (valuable when upgrading the pumps for more HP!)

Question: What are your OEM long blocks?

A: These are from an engine supplier who use Genuine DCEC Raw Cast Blocks. They are machined and assembled with new parts of the highest quality. 

Each Long Block has a no load cold run test performed on them before they leave the factory. 

It is performed as follows:

Oil system is pressurised to 70PSI, then run on a dyno at 320RPMs for 10 minutes, and then 640RPMs for 10 minutes. This really helps in the break in process of your motor. 

Question:Do you warranty your OEM long blocks? 

Answer:  We offer a 12 month warranty on OEM long blocks. 

Question: What do the used DCEC engines come out of? 

Answer: These are generally fleet or truck engines.  They are never turned up, don't have aftermarket parts to make them faster.  typically have around 100-200ks on them.  Out of hundreds of engines sold we have found 95% of them have compression around 300-400PSI (New typically is around 450PSI)

We run, and compression test, and valve adjust every engine that goes out the door. so baring changing gaskets you have a ready to go engine. 

Question: How do I wire my Fuel Shutoff Solenoid (FSS)?

Answer: This page has the best diagram and explanation of what the FSS is and how it works.  FSS wiring example

Question: What Transmission Options do we recommend for a Patrol with a 6BT? 

Answer: For touring cars we recommend the factory Nissan Gearbox with a set of Par Gearsets. These are very proven design that alot of people have used and abused. 

for Autos Yarra Valley Autos does a heavy duty RE4 with a triple disk lockup converter. He Upgrades the Clutch Drum and offers Billet Shafts.  

Question: What about 4L80E's for the 6BT?

Answer: While these may be ok for touring and closer to stock applications. These tend to not like the heat generated when locked up in 4th gear.  Opinion varies here based on who you talk to.  Good option for the stock to mildly modified touring 4bie.