Using truck 5.9 cummins in a boat
#1
Thread Starter
Registered

Joined: Mar 2017
Posts: 66
Likes: 3
Hi all - im getting nailed left and right across platforms for asking what the differences between truck and marine 12v cummins are- so i you wanna dig into me more go right ahead.
I am on a super tight budget and want to put two 12v 5.9s (i already have one) in my 33 sport fisher. Im gong all mech VE pump style- I will tune them between 250-330 hp each and see how it all goes. I want to know if a truck flywheel will be ok or if I can put a marine/industrial flywheel (i think they are much heavier) on the truck engine.
Thanks
Some opinions here: what would be involved in marinizing a cummins 5.9 out of the dodge trucks? say they are the same.
I know there are some differences in piston design for marine, heavier ring lands, possibly different pistons to match the spray patterns etc but honestly im not gonna nit pick too much- just gonna send the truck engines. I want to know about flywheel compatibility etc-
I am on a super tight budget and want to put two 12v 5.9s (i already have one) in my 33 sport fisher. Im gong all mech VE pump style- I will tune them between 250-330 hp each and see how it all goes. I want to know if a truck flywheel will be ok or if I can put a marine/industrial flywheel (i think they are much heavier) on the truck engine.
Thanks
Some opinions here: what would be involved in marinizing a cummins 5.9 out of the dodge trucks? say they are the same.
I know there are some differences in piston design for marine, heavier ring lands, possibly different pistons to match the spray patterns etc but honestly im not gonna nit pick too much- just gonna send the truck engines. I want to know about flywheel compatibility etc-
#3
Registered


Joined: Aug 2019
Posts: 1,237
Likes: 418
From: BC
Even if you do all your own work, there will be multpiple issues that come up. Many small costs add up fast.
Closed cooling and cooled exhaust manifold systems are the big ones.
The 6B Cummins has issues with poor airflow with the ridiculous cast in head intake system. You're not running big power, but better ducting to reduce airflow restrictions will help out EGTs.
What RPMs were you planning? Peak/Cruise.
There may be some better continous duty turbos that would be better suited for your application.
As long as you can mate up the flywheel/coupler with the bellhousing, you'll be gtg.
What drives were you plannjng to run?
Closed cooling and cooled exhaust manifold systems are the big ones.
The 6B Cummins has issues with poor airflow with the ridiculous cast in head intake system. You're not running big power, but better ducting to reduce airflow restrictions will help out EGTs.
What RPMs were you planning? Peak/Cruise.
There may be some better continous duty turbos that would be better suited for your application.
As long as you can mate up the flywheel/coupler with the bellhousing, you'll be gtg.
What drives were you plannjng to run?
#4
Registered

Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 4,788
Likes: 1,377
From: naples,florida
Hi all - im getting nailed left and right across platforms for asking what the differences between truck and marine 12v cummins are- so i you wanna dig into me more go right ahead.
I am on a super tight budget and want to put two 12v 5.9s (i already have one) in my 33 sport fisher. Im gong all mech VE pump style- I will tune them between 250-330 hp each and see how it all goes. I want to know if a truck flywheel will be ok or if I can put a marine/industrial flywheel (i think they are much heavier) on the truck engine.
Thanks
Some opinions here: what would be involved in marinizing a cummins 5.9 out of the dodge trucks? say they are the same.
I know there are some differences in piston design for marine, heavier ring lands, possibly different pistons to match the spray patterns etc but honestly im not gonna nit pick too much- just gonna send the truck engines. I want to know about flywheel compatibility etc-
I am on a super tight budget and want to put two 12v 5.9s (i already have one) in my 33 sport fisher. Im gong all mech VE pump style- I will tune them between 250-330 hp each and see how it all goes. I want to know if a truck flywheel will be ok or if I can put a marine/industrial flywheel (i think they are much heavier) on the truck engine.
Thanks
Some opinions here: what would be involved in marinizing a cummins 5.9 out of the dodge trucks? say they are the same.
I know there are some differences in piston design for marine, heavier ring lands, possibly different pistons to match the spray patterns etc but honestly im not gonna nit pick too much- just gonna send the truck engines. I want to know about flywheel compatibility etc-
some links.
https://www.offshoreonly.com/forums/do-yourself-boating-budget/335665-diy-duramax-marinisation.html
48 Fountain Project twin 600hp Cummins
https://www.offshoreonly.com/forums/general-boating-discussion/287864-cummins-6bta-5-9-performance-build.html
https://www.offshoreonly.com/forums/general-boating-discussion/301252-what-would-involved-marinizing-cummins-5-9-out-dodge-trucks.html
Last edited by tommymonza; 03-12-2025 at 06:13 PM.
#5
Registered

Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 4,788
Likes: 1,377
From: naples,florida
some links.
DIY - Duramax Marinisation
48 Fountain Project twin 600hp Cummins
Cummins 6BTA 5.9 Performance Build
https://www.offshoreonly.com/forums/general-boating-discussion/301252-what-would-involved-marinizing-cummins-5-9-out-dodge-trucks.html
DIY - Duramax Marinisation
48 Fountain Project twin 600hp Cummins
Cummins 6BTA 5.9 Performance Build
https://www.offshoreonly.com/forums/general-boating-discussion/301252-what-would-involved-marinizing-cummins-5-9-out-dodge-trucks.html
#6
Registered

Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 4,788
Likes: 1,377
From: naples,florida
Hi all - im getting nailed left and right across platforms for asking what the differences between truck and marine 12v cummins are- so i you wanna dig into me more go right ahead.
I am on a super tight budget and want to put two 12v 5.9s (i already have one) in my 33 sport fisher. Im gong all mech VE pump style- I will tune them between 250-330 hp each and see how it all goes. I want to know if a truck flywheel will be ok or if I can put a marine/industrial flywheel (i think they are much heavier) on the truck engine.
Thanks
Some opinions here: what would be involved in marinizing a cummins 5.9 out of the dodge trucks? say they are the same.
I know there are some differences in piston design for marine, heavier ring lands, possibly different pistons to match the spray patterns etc but honestly im not gonna nit pick too much- just gonna send the truck engines. I want to know about flywheel compatibility etc-
I am on a super tight budget and want to put two 12v 5.9s (i already have one) in my 33 sport fisher. Im gong all mech VE pump style- I will tune them between 250-330 hp each and see how it all goes. I want to know if a truck flywheel will be ok or if I can put a marine/industrial flywheel (i think they are much heavier) on the truck engine.
Thanks
Some opinions here: what would be involved in marinizing a cummins 5.9 out of the dodge trucks? say they are the same.
I know there are some differences in piston design for marine, heavier ring lands, possibly different pistons to match the spray patterns etc but honestly im not gonna nit pick too much- just gonna send the truck engines. I want to know about flywheel compatibility etc-
DIY - Duramax Marinisation
#7
Registered

Joined: Jan 2021
Posts: 913
Likes: 418
From: Gothenburg, Sweden
CamaroMan,
This will cost money, and you have to look forward to spending that money for the glory of making it work.
If you are on a tight budget - and while there are different definitions of tight budget just like there are Iron Duke Camaro men and ZL1 Camaro men - it will be more economical to sell any leftover truck engines and use that money towards complete marine driveline packages.
There is a very liquid market for leftover truck engines, that will allow you to get your money's worth, while patience will allow you to make bargains on boat stuff, as that is a less liquid market.
This will cost money, and you have to look forward to spending that money for the glory of making it work.
If you are on a tight budget - and while there are different definitions of tight budget just like there are Iron Duke Camaro men and ZL1 Camaro men - it will be more economical to sell any leftover truck engines and use that money towards complete marine driveline packages.
There is a very liquid market for leftover truck engines, that will allow you to get your money's worth, while patience will allow you to make bargains on boat stuff, as that is a less liquid market.
#8
Registered
Joined: Jan 2023
Posts: 867
Likes: 1,393
From: Sarasota FL Priest River ID
I have a pair of Duramax LML’s with only test hours if your interested.
They run great, but I repowered with new 370 yanmars. I don’t like the way I set up the intercoolers and heat exchangers remotely. Got them back on stands to try to integrate everything as one unit to simplify plumbing.


They run great, but I repowered with new 370 yanmars. I don’t like the way I set up the intercoolers and heat exchangers remotely. Got them back on stands to try to integrate everything as one unit to simplify plumbing.





