Swapping a legendary Cummins diesel engine into a classic Ford truck remains a popular, though complex, undertaking for builders. YouTuber Robby Layton recently took a major step forward on his 1992 Ford tow truck project, “King Fred,” taking delivery of a custom-built 12-valve Cummins engine directly from the specialists at Industrial Injection.

The arrival marked a milestone for Layton, who shared his long-term enthusiasm for the engine. “Do you know how long I’ve been waiting to get an Industrial Injection 12-valve Cummins? Literally since I met you… in like 2010.” he asked Dustin Chandler from Industrial Injection, who delivered the powerplant.

“Long before YouTube, long before King Fred, I envisioned… I was going to have me an Industrial Injection 12-valve and here it is.” Said Layton. The engine itself represents Industrial Injection’s “Performance 12-valve” offering. Dustin detailed some features, including a ported head, fire rings, coated pistons, ARP hardware throughout, and a 12mm girdle plate for strength.

He also noted that the engine build “is probably good for a thousand plus horsepower.” Industrial Injection initially set the fuel pump for approximately 500-550 horsepower, aiming for reliability suitable for King Fred’s intended use.

The setup includes Industrial’s “Fat Shaft” 62mm turbo, which is selected for its good towing characteristics and low exhaust gas temperatures. The engine block even received custom paint matching King Fred’s Harley-Davidson blue.

All The 12-Valve Cummins-to-Ford Conversion Parts

Facilitating the complex swap into the Ford chassis, Diesel Conversion Specialists (DCS) provided a comprehensive kit. The kit included the necessary adapter plates, motor mounts, a triple-disc torque converter for the Ford 4R100 transmission, standalone wiring harnesses, and numerous other components critical for the conversion.

Layton readily admitted his reliance on these companies and stated, “I am not a diesel guy… I can’t build them,” emphasizing the value of the specialized engine build and swap kit.

With the engine uncrated, and the transmission now bolted up, the next steps involve fitting the powertrain into King Fred’s frame, sourcing remaining ancillary parts like AC and PTO pumps, plumbing the FAST fuel system, completing the wiring using the DCS harness, and eventually performing dyno tuning.

The 5.9-liter Cummins 12-valve holds legendary status among diesel fans for its mechanical simplicity, torque production, and durability. Seeing specialists like Industrial Injection provide built engines and companies like Diesel Conversion Specialists offer detailed swap kits certainly makes tackling such a conversion more accessible for builders.

What are your thoughts on putting the iconic 12-valve into a classic Ford? Is this popular swap still worth trying today?