Cummins Quandary
I was just reading “Chevy S-4BTA,” (Mar. ’12), and I also read another article “Against the Grain” in your sister publication, Jp magazine, about the top 10 dumbest Jeep engine swaps (June ’10). Jp tells a different story of how loud, smoky, and underpowered these engines are. What made this a good idea now opposed to then?
Mike Sutton
Houston, TX
Engine swaps are like women. Some run smooth as silk and others will rattle your noggin if you even look at ’em cross-eyed. Not everyone likes the same kind of women just like not everyone likes the characteristics of a diesel. So, in the end it’s a matter of opinion. The Cummins 4BT is a loud, heavy, low-revving, rough-running motor with a very limited powerband. All of that is fact. Some people don’t mind overlooking these characteristics and relish in the improved fuel economy and low-end torque. Personally, my kind of wheeling includes more than just low-torque rock crawling and slow going. I like dunes, racing across the desert, mud bogs, and more. My 4x4s have to be extremely versatile so the Cummins 4BT isn’t for me. Senior Editor Brubaker, on the other hand, might just give up a kidney for a Cummins-powered 4x4, especially if it’s a Chevy S-10.
Black Is for Tires
Judging by the popularity of black wheels today, I’m sure you will get many complaints about your comments in Firing Order (Apr. ’12).
I agree with your opinion 100 percent! I really smiled as I read thru your editorial. Simple aluminum wheels are where it’s at.
I’ve been a long time reader. I have attached a photo of my ’71 CJ-5.
David Browne
Wichita, KS
Made in the USA
I’m in the market for new tires and found “4x4 Tire Guide” (Apr. ’12) informative and useful. However, I believe a very crucial bit of information has been omitted. Where, specifically, is each tire manufactured? Performance and price are major factors, but with many readers, where it was made is equally important. I believe a follow up next month is appropriate, and will be appreciated. It may also be very eye-opening to learn where these tires come from.
Patrick Fitzgerald
Milwaukee, WI
Great, timely question! However it’s not so simple to answer. There are some tire companies that build all products here in the states and others that build all products overseas. But there is a grey area too. For example, there are some tire models made overseas, however a few specific sizes of that same model may be made here in the states or in a different country. So it can be kind of tricky covering each brand and tire model with a blanket statement like that.
Where To Write
Address your correspondence to Four Wheeler, 831 S. Douglas St., El Segundo, CA 90245 or send an email to john.cappa@fourwheeler.com. All letters become the property of Four Wheeler, and we reserve the right to edit them for length, accuracy, and clarity. The editorial department can also be reached through the website at www.fourwheeler.com. Due to the volume of mail, electronic and otherwise, we cannot respond to every reader, but we do read everything.