Cummins is a well-known manufacturer of high-power diesel and natural gas engines. Cummins engines are known for their high performance and compact style. And now, Cummins offers its premium engines directly to consumers through its Cummins Repower program.
Through the program, you can buy a new Cummins engine to install in your car. On average, you can expect to pay approximately $15,000 to completely replace your engine with a Cummins turbocharged diesel engine.
The engine kit itself starts at $8,999 and labor costs for installation can range between $3,000 on the low end up to $10,000 on the high end . These prices depend on your location and your mechanic’s location.
Installing a Cummins engine is an involved process that takes a lot of work and money. So we put together this comprehensive guide on the costs of installing a Cummins Repower diesel engine.
What is Cummins Repower?
For those not in the know, “engine repower” is a fancy term for updating your existing engine.
Cummins is a manufacturer that makes diesel and natural gas-powered engines for a wide range of vehicles, including trucks, boats, and RVs.
With a Cummins Repower, you can replace your existing engine with one of Cummins’ high-performance engines.
There are several reasons why someone would update their engine. The engine could be broken and need a replacement, or they may just want to improve car performance.
Cummins Repower program allows consumers to buy engines directly from the factory.
Currently, Cummins Repower offers its R2.8 Turbo Diesel engine, in addition to the other components needed for installation. The base model is a 4-cylinder 2.8-liter diesel engine designed for use in small pickup trucks, SUVs, and any other car that needs extra power.
Cummins Repower engines are popular with Jeep, Toyota, Land Rover, and Chevy owners because they provide a flexible way to boost engine performance and improve emissions.
How Much Does a Cummins Repower Cost?
Overall, you can expect to pay about $15,000 to replace your existing engine with a Cummins Repower turbocharged diesel engine. The typical price range is between $10,000 to $20,000.
There are two main factors to consider when crunching the numbers here
- Engine costs
- Installation costs
Engine Costs
When you buy from Cummins Repower, you will get the engine, front-end accessory drive, remote fuel filter, water separator, starter, flywheel, throttle pedal, engine wiring harness, ECU computer, and dash display.
The Cummins Repower kit starts at $8,999 for the engine and all its components.
There are just starting costs though, and your actual price will differ depending on your location. For some locations, you may have to pay $10,000+ for the kit, depending on the supply.
Additionally, depending on where you live and your operation, you may qualify for local, state, or federal funding to partially cover the costs of the purchase. Cummins itself also offers some financing plans if you do not have all the money upfront.
Installation Costs
The other portion of the overall cost is installation. It is a bit tricky to estimate installation costs as they vary depending on your specific mechanic and your location.
The national average for labor costs is between $80 to $100, although prices vary from $40 per hour to over $300 per hour.
It takes about 12 hours of labor time to install a new engine. However, you need to factor in labor time for the modifications the mechanic will have to make to your car.
We estimate that installing a Cummins Repower engine will take about 25-30 hours of labor time. Assuming the national average for labor costs, you can expect to pay about $3,000 for the installation alone.
If you live in an area with high mechanic labor rates, you may pay up to $5,000+.
Factors that Affect Cummins Repower Cost
Make/model of car
Cummins engines are compatible with a wide range of vehicles. However, it is easier to install a Cummins engine in some cars compared to others.
Your mechanic will likely have to fashion new mounts and brackets that are compatible with the new engine.
Additional accessory costs
The Cummins Repower engine kit comes with several parts required for an engine, but you may need extra parts to have the kit work with your car.
For example, you may have to buy additional parts and new wiring to install the ECU control module.
Advantages & Disadvantages of Cummings Repower
Here are a few reasons for and against swapping your existing engine for a Cummins engine.
Advantages
Better Emissions
Cummins R2.8 Turbo engine is a diesel engine, which means it runs on bio-friendly diesel fuel. Diesel engines are more efficient than natural-gas engines and emit fewer greenhouse gasses, such as carbon dioxide or nitric oxide.
So a Cummins Repower can replace your old engine if its emissions are out of state-required levels.
Better Fuel Economy
Generally speaking, diesel engines burn cleaner and hotter than natural gas engines. The result is that they can squeeze more mileage out of every gallon.
Moreover, diesel fuel is more energy-dense than natural gas and contains 12%long been more energy per gallon.
With a diesel engine, you can end up paying less for fuel over the long run because the engine is more efficient.
More Power
Cummins engines are high-performance machines and are meant to provide power in a compact space. The R2.8 Turbo diesel engine puts out over 160 HP and can generate over 300 lb-ft of torque.
Cummins engines are also outfitted with Bosch electrical systems, which provide responsiveness and an excellent level of control over performance.
Compact
Cummins engines are also known for their compact profile and incredible size/performance ratio. Cummins engines are small, and lightweight, but capable of doing high-performance work like towing.
The smaller displacement distance means the engine accelerates the car quickly, while handling is top-notch. Cummins engines are known for their durability as well, despite their compact frame.
Disadvantages
Cost
The most obvious downside of a Cummins engine is the cost. Diesel engines in general are expensive.
Although Cummins is a bit less expensive than some other diesel models., buying and installing a new engine will put a noticeable dent in your wallet.
However, diesel engines tend to pay for themselves after a few years with better fuel economy and longevity.
Maintenance Requirements
Diesel engines are similar to gas engines but have unique components. As such, you will most likely have to take your car to a mechanic specializing in diesel engines to get good service.
More and more auto shops offer diesel engine maintenance, but you might have to look around for a good mechanic. Additionally, diesel maintenance costs tend to be higher due to the specialized components.
Leaks
Engine leaks are relatively common in turbocharged diesel engines because of the increased pressure.
Turbochargers make up for the lack of horsepower and pull in more air from outside to fuel the combustion reaction.
However, this produces high pressure in the cylinder chamber. If any o-rings or other seals are compromised, this high pressure can cause cracks in cylinder heads, coolant lines, and fuel lines.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Cummins Repower?
Cummins Repower is Cummins’ crate engine replacement service. Through Cummins Repower, you can replace your existing car engine with one of Cummins turbocharged diesel engines, directly from the manufacturer.
Cummins currently offers its R2.8 4-cylinder diesel turbocharged engine directly to consumers.
How much does a Cummins Repower cost?
Cummins Repower lets you buy their engines directly from the manufacturer instead of a consumer-facing vendor.
How does Cummins Repower work?
You can go to Cummin’s website and select the engine that you want. You then need to find a mechanic who can install the engine for you.
Can I install a Cummins engine on my own?
Generally speaking, no. It’s important to realize that Cummins engines are not designed for any specific car, so you will need your mechanic to fabricate the correct mounts, cooling system, and transmission connections to install it.
If you have extensive experience with automotive systems and have the tools, you could do it yourself. But we recommend getting a professional to do the job.
Is a Cummins Repower worth it?
If you want to update your truck or SUV to increase its performance and power, then a Cummins Repower is 100% worth it.
Cummins is known around the world for its high-performance engines, and many consumers have already updated their existing cars with Repower selections.
It takes a lot of work and logistics to get the engine installed, but once you do, its performance and durability justify the purchase. Additionally, diesel engines are more fuel-efficient than natural gas engines.
Final Words
Cummins engines have long been a favorite among high-performance vehicle enthusiasts. Now, you can get a Cummins engine directly from the manufacturer and install it yourself.
Installing a new engine is a difficult process that takes time and effort. But, the results easily pay for themselves once you are done. Keep in mind that you need to factor in costs for both the engine kit and installation costs.
So make sure that you get quotes from several mechanics to get the best possible price.