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Category Archives: Diesel Engine Buying Tips

The Beginner’s Guide To Twin Turbos

By Featured Writer Mike McGlothlin How many of us still call a tissue a Kleenex or have that one relative who refers to every type of soda as a “coke?” We’ve all generalized words in our lives, and in most instances it’s harmless. But within the automotive world—and especially in the diesel realm, where turbochargers…

By Featured Writer Mike McGlothlin When a dump truck, bus, tractor, or motor home is underpowered or in need of an engine rebuild, one popular medium-duty diesel power plant gets a lot of looks. That engine is the 6CT Cummins, also known as the 6CTA (for aftercooled) or 6CTAA (for air-to-air intercooled). The widely-used, mechanically-injected…

In-Frame Kit Vs. Overhaul Kit: What’s The Difference?

By Featured Writer: Mike McGlothlin Even in the world of heavy-duty, industrial-strength diesel engines, the occasional repair and complete rebuild are inevitable. No matter what kind of precise maintenance regimen the end-user adheres to, the wear items within an engine have a life expectancy—and eventually they run their course. But when the time comes to…

4BT Vs. 6BT Cummins: Which Is The Better Swap Candidate?

By Featured Writer: Mike McGlothlin There’s no question that diesel swaps have become commonplace in cars, trucks, and off-road culture in recent years, and the Cummins name is at the top of the most desirable candidates you’ll find. But of the six-cylinder or four-cylinder B-series variety, which mechanical-injection power plant is a better choice? For…

Are Gas or Diesel Engines Better for Off-Roading?

Gas or Diesel Engines for Off Roading? First, We all know the Cummins 4BT is considered King of Hill when it comes to off-roading diesel engines. The low end torque output mixed with the reliability of a Cummins Industrial Engine can't be beat. That being said we are opened minded here at Big Bear... we…

Skid Steer History and Future Market Share

Skid Steer History Back in 1957, brothers, Cyril and Louis Keller were approached by a local turkey farmer who had a problem. Could they think of a way of a way to get all of the turkey crap out of his barns in a more efficient way than the cumbersome front loader machine that they…

An In-depth Comparison Between the Dana 44 and Dana 60 Axle You’re into serious and sometimes extreme off roading so what axle you have beneath your truck is pretty important. Dana have been making heavy duty axles since the late 1940s and is still today a market leader and number one choice for owners of…

There are crate engines and then there are crate engines that rock. Weighing in at a little over 500LBS the Cummins® R2.8 is the lightest and smallest out of the ISF family. Its four-cylinder burner will get you 161 HP at 3,600 RPM and the best part of 270 LBS-FT of torque at 1,500 –…

In the long and storied history of Cummins engine lineage, it doesn’t get much more legendary than the 8.3L platform. What began as the 6CT 8.3L and then transformed into the electronically controlled, CAPS-fueled ISC 8.3L, followed by the high-pressure common-rail (HPCR) ISC 8.3L yielded three decades of one of the most durable medium-duty diesel…

Is the Cummins 12 Valve 5.9L the Best Diesel Ever Built?

Early 5.9L Engine History Weighing in at 1,100 pounds this heavyweight was brought to market under the hood of the Dodge Ram in 1989. It was originally designed to power agricultural vehicles 8 years earlier and in fact was the brainchild of a Case/Cummins joint venture. The engine marketed as the 6B, 6BT, and 6BTAA…

13 Popular Modifications to Increase Horsepower in a Diesel Engine

The number one question with any engine, whether it be gas or diesel, is how do I get more horsepower? Raw power is the name of the game. We want to go fast and we want it now! The good news is that there are plenty of ways to add more power to a diesel…

How to Properly Research and Buy a Cummins 4BT Crate Engine

When seeking out an industrial 4BT diesel engine it can be overwhelming with the vast amount of information available about what is the best engine selection for your budget and timeframe. The good news is there are options for every customer including Component Build 4BTs, Remanufactured 4BT Engines and Used 4BT Engines. This article will…