What engines are found in UPS trucks?

[deevergote]

I know this is probably better suited to the "other automotive" section... but I'm posting it here. Sue me.


Anyway, my friend said he's looking for a diesel engine for a project, and he claims UPS trucks had a 4 cylinder turbo diesel at some point.
All my research returns a mix of fairly uninformed forum posts, and not much else. I'm seeing reports of GM 6.0L, GM 6 cylinder, Ford diesel, Cummins, Mercedes Benz, and Renault... and possibly some others that I'm not even familiar with.

So, does anyone know for sure if there was a decent turbo diesel I4 in a UPS truck?

[Accrdwgnguy]

I assume he is looking for a Cummins 4BT? Those could be found in late 80's to early 90's Grumman vans typically, or maybe even GM P30 step vans. These stepvans usually came with GM 350's or 6.2 diesels from the factory, the 4BT was a popular re-power for these vans.

[Accrdwgnguy]

I did a little reading, and apparently UPS does not re-sell its retired fleet vehicles. They basically run them into the ground, strip them of re-usable parts, and crush them under employee supervision to confirm the destruction of the vehicle. So unless your friend works for UPS, I doubt he's going to get ahold of a good engine from one of their trucks.

[deevergote]

Interesting.
I have to ask him what his plan is. Apparently a friend of his turned him on to the idea... so chances are he's done no research himself. I told him to get a Benz or VW I4 diesel... common, well supported, and pretty damn reliable (and for me to recommend ANYTHING VW is rare!)

I didn't realize Cummins made anything but an I6! (there was a time where I thought Cummins-powered trucks were V8s... so I'm a bit of a diesel moron... )

[MikeW]

When I worked for chevy, we serviced a number of FedEx and UPS trucks so I can confirm that bit. Not sure what motor they were but very rarely were they handled by our diesel guys.

[deevergote]

From what I've read, the newer ones got some form of the LS (apparently the throttle body was a 4 bolt variety similar to my own LS2)

My friend definitely thinks it's a diesel in at least one of the models...
I think Eric might be right about the 4BT. 3.9L turbo diesel 4 cylinder... that thing must produce some pretty impressive torque!

My friend's intention is to drop it into an old Tbucket.

[mtnbikaah]

Those 4BT Cummins are the shit! With a little tuning of the injector pump those things can put out some really impressive power. Watch some videos on youtube

[deevergote]

If that's what it is, I'm sure 4BTs can be found in other trucks... as you seem to be right. UPS runs those things until the wheels fall off... then they put on new wheels and keep em going!

[mtnbikaah]

yeah, Frito Lays trucks and bread van can have them.

[Accrdwgnguy]

From what I've read, the newer ones got some form of the LS (apparently the throttle body was a 4 bolt variety similar to my own LS2)

That is likely true, some of the newer ones probably use Workhorse chassis, GM sold their P-chassis to an outside vendor who now produces them as Workhorse using GM drivetrains.

If we wants it for a t-bucket I would use an older Mercedes diesel from the 80's cars, since he'll be able to pull an entire RWD drivetrain from a single car, instead of piecing a setup together from multiple sources.

Also diesel parts aren't cheap, and the power doesn't come cheap either! I'd say he would be better off using an LS-based drivetrain. 5.3L can be had complete for $300!

[Accrdwgnguy]

yeah, Frito Lays trucks and bread van can have them.

Those Grumman aluminum vans, still plenty of them around, they don't rust!

The 4BT re-power kits were designed to directly replace a 350 V8, so you can plenty much bolt them in anything that has a Chevy V8 (which is everything lol). Part of the reason they are so popular

[deevergote]

He's talking about doing a veggie oil conversion... so he'll have an eco-rod. Actually kinda cool...

Benz is my first thought as well. Old Benz diesels are dirt cheap, and I see a TON of them still on the road. I bet the transmission, rear diff, etc... is shared with the gas versions as well, which means even more available junkyard parts.

[Accrdwgnguy]

Buy a rotted one for 500 or so, pull the engine and trans and scrap whats left. Put on a couple of ebay turbos and it might be fast.

[deevergote]

Making a diesel fast is weird... TOTALLY opposite of a gas engine! I was briefly researching a diesel Jetta, and I learned that the first thing to do is replace the injectors. With a diesel, more fuel DOES equal more power, apparently!

[Accrdwgnguy]

Making a diesel fast is weird... TOTALLY opposite of a gas engine! I was briefly researching a diesel Jetta, and I learned that the first thing to do is replace the injectors. With a diesel, more fuel DOES equal more power, apparently!

Which is why turbos work soooo well with diesels. The more air you can stuff in, the more fuel you can dump. More turbo=more fuel=more power!!!