Bryon Dorr December 28, 2021 Diesel World
The story starts with the engine. This 1967 Scout 800 is fitted with beta engine #1 of the new Cummins R2.8 Turbo Diesel crate motor. New Legend 4×4 connected with Cummins at Overland Expo East 2016, where the two companies hatched a plan to put an R2.8 into one of New Legend’s Scout 800 builds. Needless to say, it wasn’t hard for New Legend to find a customer for such an impressive unique vehicle, even at around $100K for the build.
New Legend 4×4 is passionate about preserving and elevating the functionality of classic 4×4’s, and the company’s roots started with the parts, service and restoration company, Anything Scout. As customers demanded higher levels of refinement, performance and ability over the years the company started integrating modern parts and systems, while retaining the classic vehicle’s looks and style. The company uses OEM and top aftermarket engineering to breathe new life and performance into classic 4×4 legends. In the end, the vehicles New Legend 4×4 creates provide a modern driving feel while providing a driving experience that just can’t be had in modern vehicles.
The Cummins R2.8 Turbo Diesel is now being offered as a crate motor, which finally provides vehicle builders with a quality new small diesel engine swap option. New Legend 4×4 was lucky enough to get the first customer engine offered outside Cummins, and stuffed it into this Scout 800 build. The motor is a 4 cyl 171 cu in turbocharged and intercooled unit, which has a 94 mm bore and 100 mm stroke with a compression ratio of 16.9:1. It puts out 161 hp at 3600 RPM and 267 lb-ft of torque, between 1500 and 3000 RPM. The R2.8 is fitted with a Bosch Electronic fuel system and weighs in at 503 lbs. Dimensions can be an issue with engine swaps, but the R2.8 should fit a wide variety of applications with its relatively small size; 28.3” H x 25” W x 25.1” D. The motor comes ready to go with a bunch of included systems; power steering pump, 120 amp alternator, vacuum pump, grid heater, passive diesel oxidation catalyst, universal wiring harness, engine control module, accelerator pedal, OBD port and digital J1939 display.
Fuel consumption with the Cummins R2.8 will vary widely with the vehicle application and gearing, but the New Legend Scout 800 with 4.10 gears and a vehicle weight of about 4,600 lbs has averaged mid-twenties MPG over it’s first 4,000 miles. New Legend says the install was extremely straightforward and the aftermarket support is already strong. Above all else, the Cummins R2.8 offers up plenty of fun when you mash the go pedal!
This vehicle might just look like a nicely restored 1967 Scout 800 from the outside, but underneath the gorgeous sheet metal you’re sure to find more than one surprise. The body, dash and seats are all original restored Scout 800, but everything else has been upgraded and refined. The Scout 800 body and Cummins R2.8 diesel sit atop a 2016 Jeep JKU frame and Rubicon D44 axels, which have all been tweaked to make all the systems look and work well together.
Only top quality parts are installed on this build, and the suspension and lift are all AEV. To provide a durable, aggressive and classic look Jeep steel “Winter Wheels” were installed and wrapped in BFG 33” MT tires. Bumpers, rock sliders, roof rack and soft-top are all New Legend Workman Series parts, made specifically for the Scout 800. The little things matter as well, which is why this vehicle has a custom 3” mandrel bent stainless exhaust from Jones, OEM Jeep Rubicon E-Lockers, diff breathers and an ARB single air compressor.
The interior looks and feels generally like a classic Scout 800. There are a few things that standout from the original though. The first is the Duluth Pack rugged waxed canvas upholstery throughout. The second thing you’ll notice is the twin sticks from the Atlas transfer case sticking through the floor. Other fine touches are the Tuffy center console and Focal speakers throughout, featuring a 10” back/flush mounted sub in the rear of the vehicle.
While this Scout 800 is a thing of beauty, function is key. The owner has a family of five, so a custom jump seat in the rear of the Scout was installed for one of the kids. The custom soft-top fits perfectly on the custom roll cage, which was built to original hardtop OD specs. The soft-top features roll up side and back windows, for that open air off road motoring experience. The soft top on this build is also a prototype, and will be replaced soon with a new production top that New Legend plans to offer all its customers.
Not everyone is a fan of snorkels, especially as they can break up the clean classic lines on the Scout. A lot of work and attention went into the custom integrated snorkel on this build, and it’s gorgeous, if you’re into snorkels. If not, New Legend built the system to be modular and just require a new replacement fender, which is quick and easy to replace.
New Legend 4×4 isn’t stopping at reimagining Scout II and Scout 800s, they also plan to modernize other classic 4×4 legends as well. In the next year you can expect to see Grand Wagoneers and Range Rover Classics come out of the company. You can also expect to see more interesting motor choices, and a continued relationship with Cummins.
Drivetrain: Cummins R2.8 Turbo Diesel (Beta Engine #1), NV3550 5 spd Manual Trans, Atlas II 3.0 T-Case
Chassis: 2016 Jeep JKU “Outrider Chassis,” D44 Rubicon Axels with E-Lockers
Wheels & Tires: JK Steel “Winter Wheels,” BFG MT 285/70/17
Suspension: AEV 2.5” Suspension Lift with Bilstein Shocks
Exterior: New Legend Custom Fit Soft Top w/Roll up Windows, New Legend Workman Series Front Winch Bumper/Rear Bumper with Tire Swingout/Sliders, New Legend Custom Snorkel, Trucklite Headlights, Putco Rear Bumper Lights
Interior: Duluth Pack Rugged Waxed Canvas Upholstery, Custom Roll Cage, Focal Speakers, Tuffy Center Console, Custom Rear Jump Seat, SPod HD
Other Accessories: Jones 3” Stainless Exhaust, Axis Industries Motor Mounts, OEM Rubicon E-Lockers, Custom Diff Breathers, ARB Single Air Compressor
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