Can you convert an L3301 to an L3901?

   / Can you convert an L3301 to an L3901? #1  

vanguard

Bronze Member
Joined
Oct 22, 2014
Messages
78
Location
Raleigh, NC
Tractor
2014 Kioti DK45SE
As far as I know the only difference between the L3301 and the L3901 is the tuning. I think it's actually software and every single part is the same.

Am I right on that? If so, can you convert an L3301 to an L3901 and save a few thousand dollars?
 
   / Can you convert an L3301 to an L3901? #2  
   / Can you convert an L3301 to an L3901?
  • Thread Starter
#3  
I don't have an answer but want to hear what people say...

I asked the salesman while I was there kicking the tires and he told me it wasn't approved by the government. I said, "It seems like the sort of thing diesel truck owners do all the time. They buy a tuner and have the computer dump more fuel."

Neither of us knew what was ok and what wasn't.

I'm not sure how much I care about government approval. If it's the same hardware but detuned on the 3301 I wouldn't feel guilty at all getting the extra HP. I'm probably missing something.
 
   / Can you convert an L3301 to an L3901? #4  
I asked the salesman while I was there kicking the tires and he told me it wasn't approved by the government. I said, "It seems like the sort of thing diesel truck owners do all the time. They buy a tuner and have the computer dump more fuel."

Neither of us knew what was ok and what wasn't.

I'm not sure how much I care about government approval. If it's the same hardware but detuned on the 3301 I wouldn't feel guilty at all getting the extra HP. I'm probably missing something.

Are all the other parts the same such as the radiator, amount of air coming into engine, exhaust, etc? Those could be different with a higher horespower I suppose
 
   / Can you convert an L3301 to an L3901? #5  
So far I have never needed more HP... I got R4 industrial tires and I either lose grip or dig a hole... Guy at work replaced a chip on one of our trucks, better HP/performance and better mileage... go figure!
 
   / Can you convert an L3301 to an L3901? #6  
I don't know, but we are all sure interested in what you find out.:D

I wonder if the injector pump may be different?
 
   / Can you convert an L3301 to an L3901? #7  
Not up on the new models. But the prior ones used a different PTO configuration too in the gear models. That alone was enough for me to spend the extra and get the 3400 over the 2800
 
   / Can you convert an L3301 to an L3901? #8  
Interesting! The L3200 used to have a 91.5 cubic inch engine, while the 3800 had 111.4 cubic inches. Now both the L3301 and L3901 have the 111.4 cubic inch engine. The 3200/3800 were indirect injection, while the 3301/3901 are direct injection.

I wonder if the L3301 is just detuned somehow? Seems like a cheesy way to do it, but then again maybe this is an opportunity for a smart person to get 6 extra HP out of their 3301...
 
   / Can you convert an L3301 to an L3901? #9  
Its nothing new and nothing unique to kubota. Mfgs have been doing it across the board for years.

Sometimes the same engine might span 3 HP ranges. A detuned one, a std one, then one with a turbo.
 
   / Can you convert an L3301 to an L3901? #10  
Its nothing new and nothing unique to kubota. Mfgs have been doing it across the board for years.

Sometimes the same engine might span 3 HP ranges. A detuned one, a std one, then one with a turbo.

Yep. One of the brands we represent has the same engine in 74, 92, and 125hp variants. We've gone as far as taking an ecu from a 92 and put it on a 74. Made a huge difference. Don't know if we reached the full 92 but it was close. The 124 has a bigger turbo and intercooler.
 

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