THE PORTAL HUB - Pinzgauers, Haflingers, Volvo 303s and more!

This in a Volvo or TD Pinz might be interesting.
https://expeditionportal.com/cummins-no ... ate-motor/

Although it sounds small (2.8 liter) - the specs match up very nicely with the 5 cylinder Mercedes Diesel Sprinter engine - which gives very reasonable performance for a similar weight and frontal area vehicle.

Certainly would be a preferred engine compared to the 6 cylinder volvo/vw engine - but the Steyr engine being offered is certainly another nice option.

But this would be the only practical option you can buy new, with well supported parts/service in North America. As discussed before the Steyr motor might be ideal but you have major legal/import issues and the cost is extreme.

As much as I love the 617/606/602 Mercedes motors, and own one, they are getting old and very high in mileage and the used market is really a mixed bag these days unless you find that elusive "old lady with the barely driven diesel Mercedes in the garage" scenario.

This might go into a Volvo without much work relative to many other options. With an overdrive a C303 could turn into a pretty amazing and unique 4x4 option unlike anything else by a mile. MPG would be interesting to know.

The problem with the Cummins is that it is a low rpm engine, 3000 rpm is well below the VW's rpm range. I was thinking the Baby DuraMax (also 2.8L) might do well in a TD. A lot higher RPM range (more in line with the VWs) and both hp and torque are a bit higher than the Cummins. I bought a New Colorado last year with one and have been very happy with it, especially with the 7700 lbs tow rating. I recently had it on the freeway towing one of my Supacats (4300 lbs plus 1700 lb trailer) and never felt that it lacked for power.

I assumed other options, like that one, might be super complex as far as sensors, electronics, etc. If Cummins is making this as a crate motor it must be fairly self contained/diverse.

I mentioned the 5 cylinder MB diesel motor used in the Sprinter because it would be a similar application and similar weight / frontal area.

The Cummins 2.8 engine is a high speed motor - the peak HP rating is up at 3600 RPM in the specs and I've heard the redline is 4500 rpm - same as a MB diesel.