A complete unused V-6R-1 (В-6Р-1 in Russian) Engine for

PT-76, GSP-55, ZSU-23-4 Shilka, 2K12 Kub and More

Today we present you a rare opportunity to acquire a professionally rebuilt V-6R (В-6Р) diesel engine – the legendary powerplant that was installed in a wide variety of vehicles, from amphibious tanks tanks and ferries capable of transporting a 36-tonne T-55 tank through a large body of water to various types of anti-aircraft systems.

A professionally rebuilt engine with virtually 100% resource remaining

 

This V-6R engine was completely rebuilt in 2001 by Wojskowe Zakłady Mechaniczne in Siemianowice Śląskie. Before they started to manufacture the powerful Rosomak APC, these works were an official Polish Army rebuild facility that specialised exclusively in engines for tanks and BMP-1s. Since the rebuild, it has been stored in a dry, controlled environment and has never been installed in a vehicle. This means you’re getting a professionally rebuilt engine with practically its entire service life ahead of it – a rare find in today’s market!

Now, let’s be honest – it’s been almost 25 years since this rebuild. Some might see this as a drawback, but for those familiar with Soviet diesel engines, this is actually good news. These engines were built like tanks (literally!) and when properly stored in dry conditions, they age exceptionally well. The robust cast iron construction, simple mechanical fuel injection, and lack of sensitive electronics mean there’s very little that can deteriorate during storage.

However, we’re not going to pretend it’s ready to drop in and fire up without any work. To be 100% reliable and trustworthy, this engine will need to have its head gasket replaced. After all these years, the rubber seals in the old gasket have likely dried out, even in storage conditions. This is just the reality of rubber components – they age regardless of use.

The good news? We can supply a brand-new head gasket, which you can purchase separately in our store, and we can perform the replacement for you at additional cost. Beyond the head gasket, the engine will need proper recommissioning before installation – complete cleaning throughout, new seals and gaskets where needed, fuel system disassembly and inspection, and a thorough inspection. Any sensible owner would do this anyway, even with a “fresh” rebuild. Think of it as the final stage of preparation that makes sense to do right before installation, rather than decades in advance. It is better to prevent than to cure, and it is better to do so now, when the engine is out of the vehicle and easily accessible from all sides, than to wait for a breakdown and have to struggle with very inconvenient access to many bolts.

The engine turns over smoothly by hand, which is an excellent sign. Before sale, we can remove the injectors to allow inspection of the cylinder bores and piston crowns. If you’d like, it’s also possible to start the engine before purchase and check its compression – though we’d strongly recommend replacing the head gasket and performing a basic service first to ensure everything is properly sealed and lubricated after its long sleep.

Why this is still an excellent opportunity

 

Let’s put this in perspective. A factory-new V-6R engine (if you could even find one) would cost €15,000 to €20,000 or more. A complete professional rebuild today would run €12,500 to €15,000. Here you’re getting a professionally rebuilt engine at less than half that cost. Yes, you’ll need to invest some time and a few hundred euros in recommissioning – including that essential head gasket replacement – but you’re still coming out way ahead. And you’ll have the peace of mind of knowing the engine is properly prepared for its new life.

For collectors and enthusiasts working on restoration projects, this represents a smart way to source a rare engine that’s becoming increasingly difficult to find. The bones are good, the rebuild was done properly by military specialists, and with proper recommissioning including a fresh head gasket, this engine can serve reliably for decades to come.

 

Technical Specifications

 

Despite its name suggesting a V-configuration, the V-6Р-1 features an inline 6-cylinder layout – essentially a modified “half” of the famous В-2 tank engine, adapted for lighter armoured vehicles:

• Type: Four-stroke, naturally aspirated diesel
• Configuration: Inline 6-cylinder, vertical arrangement
• Displacement: 19.1 liters
• Maximum Power: 260 horsepower at 2000 RPM
• Maximum Torque: 110-120 kg⋅m (at 1050-1200 RPM)
• Weight: Approximately 825 kg (complete assembly)
• Compression Ratio: 14-15:1

This is the V-6R-1 (В-6Р-1) variant featuring the improved fuel injection system with enhanced performance characteristics and refined engineering for better reliability.

Compatible with a wide range of Soviet military vehicles

 

The V-6R-1 engine was specifically designed for various Soviet tracked and armoured vehicles and can be installed in:

• PT-76 amphibious light tank
• GSP-55 amphibious tracked carrier
• ZSU-23-4 “Shilka” anti-aircraft gun system
• 2K12 Kub (SA-6 Gainful) mobile surface-to-air missile system
• OT-62 Topaz (SKOT) amphibious armored personnel carrier
• BTR-50 amphibious armored personnel carrier
• Various other specialised military vehicles

The V-6R was particularly notable for powering the famous ZSU-23-4 “Shilka,” where it provided 260 horsepower to drive both the vehicle’s mobility and its sophisticated radar-guided weapon systems. In the PT-76, this engine gave the lightweight amphibious tank excellent mobility both on land and in water.

Enhanced Performance:

• Increased power output from 240 hp (standard V-6) to 260 hp (V-6R-1)

• Improved fuel injection system with refined plunger and nozzle design

• Enhanced reliability for extended operational requirements

 

Complete preparation before delivery

 

Please note that some accessories visible in our photos have been temporarily removed for inspection and condition assessment. All components will be thoroughly checked, serviced if necessary, and reinstalled before the engine is delivered to you. This ensures you receive a complete, ready-to-install powerplant.

Thanks to the professional rebuild by military specialists and proper storage for over two decades, this engine represents an exceptional opportunity to acquire a piece of Cold War engineering history in excellent condition.

What we can do for you

 

Please note that some accessories visible in our photos have been temporarily removed for inspection and condition assessment. All components will be thoroughly checked and reinstalled before delivery.

We strongly recommend having us perform a complete recommissioning service before delivery. This would include:

• Replacement of the cylinder head gasket with a brand-new unit (essential after 25 years of storage)
• Complete disassembly and inspection of fuel injection system
• Replacement of most of other seals, gaskets, and o-rings throughout the engine
• Fuel system cleaning and bleeding
• Valve adjustment and timing check
• Test run to verify performance

You can purchase the head gasket and other necessary parts in our store, and we can perform the complete recommissioning service at additional cost. Please contact us for a detailed quote based on your specific needs and preferences.

Of course, if you have your own workshop and prefer to do the recommissioning work yourself, we’re happy to deliver the engine as-is. Just keep in mind that head gasket replacement is not optional – it’s a must-do before putting this engine into service.

 

12 months warranty on mechanical integrity

We provide a 12-month warranty covering the mechanical integrity of the engine – the block, crankshaft, pistons, connecting rods, camshaft, and cylinder head. This warranty naturally assumes proper recommissioning done in our workshop (including head gasket replacement) and normal operating conditions.

 

Shipping: The engine will be shipped on a special stand, because it is too big to be shipped on an Euro pallet. Shipping cost within Europe ranges from approximately €400-€800, depending on your location. Worldwide shipping is also available – please contact us to receive a shipping quote.

Due to the engine’s size and weight, we typically ship via small truck (Fiat Ducato or Ford Transit). Shipping details will be shared upon loading, including the driver’s name, phone number, vehicle type and registration number, with estimated time of arrival.

Delivery time: Up to 10 working days from order confirmation.

Dimensions (V-6R-1 engine variant):

• Length: 1402 mm

• Width: 873 mm

• Height: 997.5 mm

• Dry Weight: 769 kg (without exhaust manifolds)

• Standard Weight: 825 kg (complete assembly)