by Mark Nixon » Thu Mar 29, 2012 1:12 pm
Okay, as you can see by the poll, I have 3 engine choices listed that I can attach a 1999 NV4500 5 speed to, and install it in the 1981 Crew Cab I recently acquired.
I have the logistics to install each engine mostly figured out (due to previous installs), so my transmission choice can be put behind any one of them with hardly any differentiation of the actual mounts.
All 3 power plants mentioned run equally well, each one is worthy of installing, though the Commonrail does entail a bit more wiring, sensor and exhaust work.
Keep in mind, regardless of the engine, 1STGEN Cummins engine mounts/isolators, and the stock crossmember moved rearward are the STANDARD, so setting it down into the truck is equal in difficulty for each engine!
Personally, I think the Commonrail would show some creativity to get installed and working properly, but I know most folks prefer the mechanical injection engines, with the P-pumper being very easy to get nice horsepower numbers from, but since this is 1stgen.org, I expect that the VE engine will get favorite spot, due to familiarity and simplicity.
Think of this not as what I should do, but what you would do personally, given the options at hand.
Mark.