Getting Started

Welcome to Diesel Conversion Specialists®

Here at Diesel Conversion Specialists (DCS) we have been supporting customers with their diesel engine swap projects for years. We love to see our customers succeed in their projects. Our experiences have allowed us to develop products and support that make the building process a lot easier and de-mystify the diesel swap. Along with conversion friendly products, we support your build journey with detailed instructions and a knowledgeable staff available to answer your questions. We are not here to sell you parts and wave "goodbye". We truly believe your success is our own and want to support you through the build process.

Selecting an Engine

We currently provide conversion-friendly parts for three engine lines:

Cummins®

Volkswagen® TDI

Ford® Power Stroke® 

 

Keep reading below for more information on the specific engines we support and what to watch for when doing your own diesel conversion. You can also view our Kit Builder to see if we have a conversion kit of parts for your project.

DCS Article: Getting started with a Cummins diesel swap project

DCS Article: Getting started with a Power Stroke diesel swap project

DCS Article: Getting started with a TDI diesel swap project

Selecting a Vehicle

What vessel will house the engine of your choice?

A lot of our products are designed for ¾ and 1 ton vehicle applications. This is largely because the vehicles are already built with a drivetrain that works well for the diesel engine conversion. The suspension is typically beefier and can handle the extra engine weight. Differentials are built for the higher torque, and transmissions are more capable as well.

 

If you are going to be installing your diesel into a car or lighter capacity truck, you will likely still want to make some drivetrain and suspension upgrades. The attention you give to your drivetrain components to better match the engine's weight and power will ultimately enhance the vehicles performance and reliability. This part of the process can be fun and frustrating at the same time. Don't forget to enjoy the journey as much as the destination.

 

If you are swapping a diesel for a diesel, your fabrication skills can be more minimal but still necessary. If you are going from a gasser to a diesel, you’ve got more fabrication to do. If you’re going rogue with your vehicle selection, you will hopefully have the skillset that compliments the imagination.

Selecting a Transmission

We have several automatic and manual transmission adapters to marry the transmission and engine. Here is a spreadsheet of factory horsepower and torque ratings for some common transmissions used in conversions. We use this as a guide to better match engine and transmission applications. If you’re adding a lot of upgrades to the engine you may want to save some pain and do the same to the transmission. Doing one without the other will likely end in costly repairs and unsatisfying performance.

We've compiled Transmission Data you can refer to for more information.

Differential Consideration

Differential gearing should not be overlooked either. What it has may not be what you desired. A lot of the older factory Dodge Cummins had a 3.55 gear ratio in the differential. The older Cummins seem to love lugging and have a genuine distaste for elevated RPMs. Just below 2000 RPMs seems to be a happy place.

 

If you are cruising country roads at leisure speeds or lugging a heavy load through mountain passes with no desire for high speeds, a low gear ration may suit you just fine. If you often find yourself in the hustle and bustle of a fast-moving freeway, you may want a gear set to match. Tire selection will vary your results as well.

Minimize the surprise!

Well, there always seems to be a few surprises. Sometimes a fried PCM, bad transmission, missing grounding circuits, fuel pumps shot, mice nest in the fuse box, that junkyard engine wasn’t all it was cracked up to be. Trucks sit for some time before these projects get put into motion and things just seem to fail when that’s the case. So, expect it and don’t allow yourself the disheartening pleasure of being surprised.

Things you may need!

View a list of things you may want to consider when doing a diesel swap here

FAQs

View a list of frequently asked questions here

Additional Resources

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