Twin Engine Terror: A Pickup with Double 5.9L Cummins

Is this Double 5.9L Cummins Pickup the World’s First?

“You know I did some math before building this thing,” laughs Jody Mollet, the brain behind this twin-Cummins creation. Ever since it surfaced on the Internet after Scheid’s 2016 Extravaganza, he has been overrun with both questions and criticisms. He goes on: “I didn’t know for sure if it will work or not, but isn’t that kind of the point…to try something nobody’s done before?” Mollet concedes that the elephant in the room is the weight question; a lot of folks won’t install one Cummins because of weight, and he has two. “The front axle is rated at 3,200 pounds, so we’re pretty much maxing it out,” he notes. “But in theory it should work.”

Before he started work on this twin- Cummins project through his shop, Plowboys Diesel, Mollet sorted through a few different candidates for the swap. A first-generation Dodge wasn’t wide enough for two engines, so in the end Mollet went with a classic, a ’70 D200. “Although it looks sort of stock, that’s just a trick,” he says. The frame was built out of 2×4-inch and 2×6-inch 0.187-inch-wall tubing, with a radius-arm front suspension up front and a triangulated four-link out back. “We know the suspension needed a lot of weight-handling capability, so airbags made their way to all four corners to handle the heft,” Mollet says.

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From the outside, the ’70 D200 is going to look mostly stock, except for the big wheels and tires. Mollet says that he knows the rat rod look is in right now, but he does want to paint it before it’s finished—possibly charcoal gray. Above: There’s nothing quite like opening a hood and seeing two engines. Both engines are identical builds and are expected to produce around 650 to 700 hp each, for a grand total of 1,300 to 1,400 hp!

To keep the truck low and mean, Mollet fabricated his own triangulated four-link setup using 1-1/4-inch heim joints. The rear end is a narrowed Dana 70 that will be fitted with 3.55 gears.

The engines were mounted using front mounts and a mid plate, which employs leaf spring bushings to give some sort of isolation between the engines and the frame.

There’s plenty of room up front even with the twin engines, which is good since Mollet plans on running a massive intercooler. The radiators will actually be mounted in the bed, along with some electric fans.

The front frame on this D200 is all custom to support the weight of the twin engines. Instead of a normal leaf spring suspension, Mollet runs Slam Specialties airbags at all four corners of the truck, which are rated at 2,500 pounds each! The airbags are a good choice when you have more than a ton of engine weight hanging over the front end.

Other than the weight, the other main concern was joining the two engines together and sending the power to the rear wheels. From twin transmissions to multiple rear ends, there were myriad possibilities; ultimately, Mollet decided on a single stout transmission and a single rear end. That still left the trouble of joining the Cummins engines together, which was when he sought out Modern Machine in Van Buren, Indiana. Modern built a combining box for the Cummins engines, much like those found on multi-engine pulling tractors. The combining box uses a drive that ends in a single Cummins-style crank-shaft end that will bolt to a triple-disc converter and manual valve body Dodge 47RH transmission.

The twin engines are 5.9L Cummins 12-valves, which can be found in ’94-98 Dodges. Mollet’s aren’t stock however, as both engines have ARP head studs, a fire-ringed head from Quality Machine, and a pump, turbos, and injectors from Area Diesel. Mollet estimates that the twin powerplants will be in the 650- 750hp range (each), giving a total power output of 1,300 to 1,500 horsepower along with about 2,000 lb-ft of torque. “I know there are more powerful trucks out there,” he says, “but that amount of horsepower ought to move the truck down the road pretty well.”

Mollet mounted as many external systems as possible to the rear of the truck in order to offset the weight up front. That means a Viair compressor with twin tanks, the fuel cell, and the batteries are all mounted behind the rear wheels.

Here’s an answer to the question everyone asks: How are the engines linked? A combining box from Modern Machine does the job, and will send power through a single transmission that’ll be mounted in the factory location.

Built by Area Diesel, the two 12mm injection pumps feature a few tips and tricks to get its flow up to 360cc of fuel. A wild fuel system isn’t needed to make a lot of power when you have two engines.

The cooling system is quite interesting. Mollet plans on “Y-ing” the two engines, then running coolant through the framerails and back to radiators that will be mounted under the bed. This should give the system huge volume to help keep the twin engines cool.

The turbochargers are also provided by Area Diesel. Each engine will run a 57mm/66mm compound turbo setup, which means the truck will have four turbos in addition to its two engines! Boost is estimated to be in the 60 to 70psi range when the engines are complete.

Mollet is honest about his project being far from complete. “I do have goals, and one of them is for it to be running and driving by the end of the year,” he says. “It’s not like your local parts catalog has a ‘twin-engine truck’ section, so sometimes it goes slower than I’d like.” Whenever it’s finally completed, he will definitely have a show-stopping ride unlike any other. In a world where more and more trucks are built from off-the-shelf parts, it’s truly interesting to see an enthusiast take a completely different path. Our hats are off to Mollet’s dare-to-bedifferent attitude, and we look forward to seeing his progress in the future. DW

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What components and suppliers were involved in the truck’s build?

The truck’s build involved a range of high-performance components and reputable suppliers to ensure maximum efficiency and power. Let’s break it down:

Engine and Power Components

Turbos: Each engine is equipped with compound turbos, featuring a 57mm and a 66mm turbo, contributing significantly to the truck’s impressive 1,200 horsepower and 2,200 ft.-lbs. Of torque.
Valve Springs: The engines are fitted with robust 60-pound valve springs to withstand the pressure and maintain performance.
Harmonic Balancers: Each engine utilizes a Fluidampr harmonic balancer to ensure smooth engine operation.

Cooling System

Radiators and Cooling: Due to space constraints, two radiators are relocated behind the cab in the truck’s bed. The system includes a set-up comprising fans and a transmission cooler.
Intercooler: A custom-built intercooler enhances engine performance by reducing air intake temperatures.
Frame Integration: Coolant is ingeniously routed through the frame rails to manage temperature efficiently.

Fuel System

Fuel Cell & Pumps: A 20-gallon fuel cell and two transfer pumps ensure the engines are reliably supplied with fuel.
Injectors and Injection Pumps: The system includes sophisticated injectors and dual injection pumps for precise fuel delivery.

Transmission and Gearbox

Gearbox: The custom engineered gearbox is crafted to handle the massive power output from the engines.
Transmission: Power is channeled through a specialized transmission equipped to manage the high output.

Monitoring and Gauges

Gauges: An array of 18 gauges, consolidated into five larger interfaces, allows comprehensive monitoring of all engine and vehicle functions.

By combining these components with specialized suppliers, the truck’s build achieves optimal performance and reliability.

What is the background of the Mollet family and their involvement with Plowboy Diesel?

The Mollet family has deep agricultural roots, primarily through their operation of Mollet Farm. This connection to farming is what initially spurred the creation of their engine shop. While their business, Plowboy Diesel, began by focusing on farm equipment, it’s expanded its scope significantly.

Jody Mollet, the head of the family, embodies the spirit of innovation and hands-on work that defines their endeavors. From an early age, Jody was passionate about mechanics, starting in sixth grade with the construction of his first truck. His journey saw him eagerly anticipating driving at 16, and from there, he spent years immersed in shop work, building and repairing without venturing into custom projects.

Acknowledging the passage of time, Jody became motivated to tackle projects he’d been postponing. This realization led to inventive ventures like the unique idea of fitting twin Cummins engines into a single truck.

The shop, now operating under the Plowboy Diesel brand name, was incorporated just a few years ago, although it has been serving the community as an engine shop for many years before that. They handle a variety of machinery, including tractors, cars, pickups, bulldozers, and combines, with John Deere equipment and vehicles like Dodge and Mopar being particularly common in their workshop.

Plowboy Diesel is a family affair, with three generations actively contributing. Alongside Jody, his son Dakota, daughter Mallory, and his father Mike all play significant roles in the day-to-day operations, supported by an additional team member, Kyle. Together, they bring a wealth of experience and a familial commitment to the business.

How did the truck’s build impact Plowboy Diesel’s reputation and opportunities?

The Impact of the Truck’s Build on Plowboy Diesel’s Reputation and Opportunities

The truck build marked a pivotal moment for Plowboy Diesel, catapulting the once-obscure garage into the spotlight. According to Jody Mollet, owner of Plowboy Diesel, showcasing their work at a prestigious event like SEMA transformed their standing in the industry. This exposure not only elevated their status but also brought recognition to small-scale builders who, like them, toil away in relative anonymity.

Being invited to such a high-profile exhibition was a dream come true for the team. It provided them an invaluable platform to demonstrate their craftsmanship and creativity. As a result, the opportunity opened numerous doors that were previously unimaginable, vastly expanding their professional network and range of potential projects.

In essence, the success of this venture underscored the talent hidden in remote corners and small towns, proving that exceptional work can originate from the most unexpected places. This newfound acknowledgment empowered Plowboy Diesel and similar small enterprises by highlighting their capabilities on a national stage.

How did Plowboy Diesel gain recognition in the automotive industry?

Plowboy Diesel, a humble engine shop in New Douglas, IL, gained significant traction in the automotive industry by showcasing their innovative work at a prestigious industry event. Their turning point came with an invitation to the renowned SEMA Show. This opportunity allowed them to exhibit a standout creation: a 1970 Dodge pickup equipped with not one but two 5.9L compound turbo Cummins diesel engines.

This remarkable project not only highlighted the technical prowess of the team but also placed them on a larger stage, attracting attention from industry experts and enthusiasts alike. According to Jody Mollet, the owner, the exposure from SEMA helped the shop earn much-deserved recognition. It symbolized a victory not just for them, but for all small-scale builders who often go unnoticed.

What future plans does Plowboy Diesel have for their shop and operations?

Plowboy Diesel is gearing up for a significant expansion of their facilities and operations. They have plans to relocate to a much larger workshop. Their current space is no longer adequate for their needs, as they outgrew it some time ago due to their increasing equipment size and volume.

The upcoming shop, which is scheduled to begin construction in early July, will be significantly larger at 72 by 160 feet. This new space will accommodate their growing demands and streamline their operations. These changes indicate Plowboy Diesel’s commitment to enhancing their capacity and efficiency in the near future.

What types of projects does Plowboy Diesel work on?

Plowboy Diesel is versatile when it comes to the projects they tackle. Their expertise extends to working on a variety of machinery and vehicles. Whether you’re dealing with tractors, cars, or pickups, they have the skills to get the job done. They’re not limited to just everyday vehicles, though. They also handle heavy-duty machines like bulldozers and combines.

Their work spans both routine maintenance and more involved repairs, ensuring engines of all shapes and sizes run smoothly. They’ve been an established engine shop for many years, offering custom solutions tailored to meet the specific needs of their clients. Popular projects often involve equipment from well-known manufacturers, showcasing their broad capability and industry knowledge.

How did the idea for the twin 5.9L Cummins diesel truck come about?

The idea sparked unexpectedly during a routine day. “We were working on some equipment getting ready for the fall harvest and had a Dodge pickup truck out here with a diesel engine in it. We just happened to open the hood one day,” Jody recalls. “I said out loud, ‘It looks like you could fit two of those things in there.’”

Naturally, curiosity took over. They grabbed a tape measure, eager to test the theory. The measurements revealed that squeezing two engines into the Dodge wasn’t feasible, but they didn’t stop there. “We had an old green truck out in the shed that we didn’t use anymore,” Jody continues. “So we went out and measured that and thought it was doable.”

He goes on: “I didn’t know for sure if it will work or not, but isn’t that kind of the point…to try something nobody’s done before?” With that adventurous spirit, the project was set in motion, driven by the thrill of innovation and the challenge of creating something truly unique.”

What was the initial feasibility check?

They measured both the Dodge truck and an unused green truck to determine that, while the Dodge couldn’t fit two engines, the green truck seemed like a viable option.

What actions were taken to explore the idea?

Jody and his team used a tape measure to evaluate the space under the hood and then considered an old truck they had in storage to see if the concept was feasible.

What was the initial observation or thought?

Jody noticed the spaciousness under the hood of a Dodge pickup truck and humorously suggested it looked like it could accommodate two engines.

What prompted the idea?

The idea originated from a lighthearted remark Jody made while working on equipment during preparations for the fall harvest.