Crate engine cost compared to inframe for ISX Cummins

I do not know the costs, and this will be of no help, but most here has been installing CATs, when the ISX goes down. I do know what it costs one OO to install a brand new cat, not rebuilt, including everything from starter up to the fan, labor done by the KW dealer, and it was 44,000 and change.

 

Why not consider a series 60 Detroit pre 2003 no EGR, for the best fuel mileage, and 500HP don't hurt.
That's a combo for a million mile engine that will be happy.
Very cheap engine to run and maintain.

 

@Tug Toy

 

I replaced mine with a Cummins ReCon engine. I did the work myself.

It’s hard to find someone I trust to do a rebuild job.

If you got to pay to have a crate engine put in you may be better off jusy having it in framed.

There is no right or wrong answer.

It’s been 2 years and 180k miles and I have had 0 issues with the engine or engine related components. None!

 

Say 4000 for the inframe kit 1500-2500 in labor your probley come out better this way becsuse if u swapp the motor u have to buy the motor hope that nothing is wrong with it the u need wireing harness,I swapped frome a 14 liter to a 12.7 detroit it cost me 7500 in lorbor I already have the motor

 

Can you even dream of getting an inframe kit for an isx for 4 grand, up here just the head cost that and they generally get replaced way before an inframe is needed.

 

I don't think it'd be worth swapping to a DD15. It'd probably fit in just fine if it was a standard option for your truck. Probably have to buy a #### ton of other parts like brakets, intake pipes, rad hoses etc to make it work. Not to mention possibly having to change the aftertreatment system. Not sure if Cummins and Detroit use the same?

Now going the route of dropping in a factory reman I'd say is a better route than an inframe if you have the coin. Nothing against inframes but have you seen the state of cleanliness of most truck shops? Imagine a guy inframing your truck in the middle of summer. Shop doors wide open, dust blowing around everywhere. At least factory reman engines are done in specialized rebuild areas. The contamination controls are much tighter than what you'd see with an inframe. Plus everything is new. You aren't just rolling in new bearings and dropping 6 new jugs in the block before clamping down a new head gasket with your old head.

 

Best basic in frame I could find with factory parts and a reman head was $18500.00.

Plus I needed a cam and all the updated rocker arms. So add another $4000.00.

That’s no injectors or wiring harness or fuel solonoids at 4x$400. No turbo or air compressor.

Or

I bought the complete reman for $22500.00


Included literally everything.

Granted I had to put it in myself but still felt like I was money ahead after all said and done.

 

Here is my 2 cents. Complete drop in vs rebuild is two very different things and you are comparing apples to oranges. Crate jobs will always be more money because you getting more. You can have the most thorough rebuild and there are still lots of parts, gaskets and seals that never get touched such as front cover, bell housings, front/rear mains and so on that are completely new with a crate engine. The list of parts that never get touched also go on and on such as oil cooler, engine sensors, engine harness, cam/crank, gear train during an inframe. With a drop in, all that is remaned. If you want all your bases covered, you do reman drop in. Replace the clutch and motor mounts too. Again, this will never compare money wise to an inframe because it is a different operation.