doing your own inframe

What I would suggest doing is buying a spare motor that is similar to yours, rebuilding it, then dropping it in while doing the clutch/tranny. Doing an inframe could end up taking weeks. You generally need a lot of specialized tools, the manual, and a little bit of knowledge. Right now I'm doing the bull gear on my detroit and it's taking quite a while (illness doesn't help). Also remember manuals aren't always the best. As far as overhaul costs on a detroit, here's some prices I found for mine:

Overhaul kit (basic) $2,622
Low end brng $321
Head $1549
Injectors $1540
Bull gear $650 (www.bullgears.com)
Damper $380 (Pittsburg power)


Already up over $7k in parts, and haven't included things like exhaust manifold, turbo, oil cooler, air compressor, accessory drive, water pump, camshaft, rockers, hoses, etc..

 

The more you know the sooner, the better. Get all the info you can to figure out what way you want to go when your engine does need to be rebuilt.

 

in the old days , for a mechanical cummins I have inframe kit for 600 , 3 rebuilt heads for 450, and started on Friday and picked up a load with it on Monday. me and my bro-in-law, under a pecan tree , no less

 

Gonna have to get me a pecan tree for my next one!!!

Those prices make me feel sick.......

Bill

 

I have done my own inframe . I didn't need a head turbo or injectors . If I had any doubt about my skills I would not have even tried to do it on my own . All you need is the manufactures manuels a big torque wrench and maybe a friend to help with the big stuff . Setting valves and injectors is no different than doing it on a car feeler gauges are feeler gauges . The torques are bigger and so are most of the parts but if you can rebuild a small block you can rebuild a big truck engine ! We all know a warranty is only good if the one giving it to you is willing to back it ! Trust me the guy at the shop is not a rocket scientist so you don't need to be either !!!

 

Yes, lets not forget cyl liner protrusion. If liners are at wrong height fire rings will not seal, liners will move in the block and further damage. And let's not forget you need special tools for measuring, calipers,dial indicators, micrometers, depth guages, and other special tools depending on engine make model.