The standard 5.9L 6BT engine has a reputation for reliability, power, and aftermarket modifications. This engine is well-suited to a wide range of applications, from hard-working utility trucks to performance-oriented street pickups. While many owners focus their modding attention on adding extra power, a few aftermarket parts can also make this reliable engine even more dependable.
If you plan on upgrading your 6BT to generate more power, increasing reliability can be even more important. By addressing a few potential weak points, you can ensure that your power modifications don't result in increased engine wear or even more serious problems. These three straightforward upgrades will allow you to take your already reliable 6BT and make it bulletproof.
1. Upgraded Intercooler
Like many other diesel engines, the 6BT relies on its turbocharger for increased performance and efficiency. Turbochargers are particularly effective for diesel, which often provide gobs of torque at the expense of higher-end horsepower. Forced induction is a large part of what makes a diesel-equipped pickup truck drivable for everyday purposes.
The intercooler plays a crucial role in any forced induction system by cooling the compressed air before it enters the engine. Cooling the air increases its density and reduces the likelihood of damage caused by warmer air entering the engine. Upgrading your intercooler is an easy way to increase its efficiency, ultimately making your engine more reliable and potentially increasing power output.
2. Variable Geometry Turbo
Like most older turbo diesel engines, the 6BT uses a fixed vane turbocharger. Fixed vane turbochargers have a reputation for reliability and durability, so it's common to find them in aftermarket applications. While the stock turbocharger on these engines is no slouch, you may want to consider an upgrade to a performance-oriented variable geometry turbo (VGT).
While the primary purpose of a VGT is to offer better drivability compared to traditional fixed vane turbochargers, modern options can also offer improved reliability. By selecting a performance-oriented VGT for your truck, you can improve overall throttle response while ensuring that your truck's turbocharger can withstand the additional power from your other mods.
3. Bolt-In Dowel Pin Kit
The 6BT is known well enough that most owners know the weakness of the engine's "killer dowel pin." Most late-model trucks with a 6BT and performance-upgraded engines will include a fix to resolve this issue, assuming the pin hasn't already dislodged itself at some point in the past. However, if your engine doesn't include this fix, now is the time to consider installing it.
While numerous options exist for resolving the dowel pin problem, a bolt-in kit is often the easiest and most affordable option. Accessing the pin requires a significant amount of labor. Still, it's an investment that will pay off by fixing one of the most significant and potentially devastating flaws present in most 5.9L engines.
To learn more about 6BT engines like the Cummins 5.9 performance engine, contact an auto service in your area.
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