engine swap to diesel

[fleamarketer]

Gary,actually the mechanical engines run from 1994 to 1998.5 and where the tranny I want is 1994 to 1995.So the donor would have to be between those two yrs.

[Gary - K7GLD]

Originally Posted by fleamarketer

Gary,actually the mechanical engines run from 1994 to 1998.5 and where the tranny I want is 1994 to 1995.So the donor would have to be between those two yrs.

WELL, actually, the Cummins with mechanical injection pumps started in 1989,:

PickupTruck.Com - History - Segment Twelve: 1989 to 1993 Diesel Pickups

but the early versions used the less desirable VE rotary style injection pump - then in '94 they started using the later beefier piston style pump that was far longer-lived and reliable - as production years passed, that same pump got larger displacement to match increased power - I would think that the transmissions in the '89-'98.5 model years would interchange engine-wise - but can't swear to it - but for sure, the 98/98.5 versions were the most powerful and most sophisticated of the non-electronic Cummins engines...

[mrblanche]

If I was in the same boat, I'd freshen up that 350 with an RV-style cam, a better carb and intake, and stainless headers. An investment of a couple thousand dollars would give you an engine with 300 hp, more torque, and likely no worse mileage. Throw in a 700R4 transmission, and you could well be in very good shape.

[Wallaby Dan]

Gary, I would say that freshening up the 350 would be the easiest. If you are planning the miracle mile, then find a 400 somewhere. The new 6.0's are the 400's. You could maybe get a wrecked Chevy or Gmc and get the engine and wiring harness and computer and along with it the Allison trans. That is the way i would go if i had too! Good luck with whatever you do, Dan

[rops]

Just a suggestion. You might do some research on school bus diesel engine and transmission combination's and find something that would fit your need for a conversion.
School Buses are cheap when sold from school districts and many have engines and transmissions in excellent condition. Also you would get all related equipment including running gear, air brakes etc if you wanted them.
I know in some parts of the USA, buses are used to make specialized equipment because they are so well maintained and easy to get. I might add they are cheap. (from 1,000 - 2500 for the latest ones)

Just my two cents worth and not worth that to a lot of people.

rops

[leadman]

A friend had a Dodge pick up around a '98 and he complained of losing several miles per gallon when the switch to low sulphur diesel was made. Also diesel is running around 30 or 40 cents per gallon more than gas.
Don't know where you live but consideration to emissions would have to be included in a swap here in Phoenix. If a vehicle was offered with a diesel in the same year but you had a gas engine you can do the swap. If no diesel was offered you can not do the swap. All smog equipment offered on the diesel by the factory would have to be included in the swap.

Sounds like alot of money and work that while it might be desirable to you are you going to travel enough to make it worthwhile?

[blackf3504dr]

Originally Posted by leadman

A friend had a Dodge pick up around a '98 and he complained of losing several miles per gallon when the switch to low sulphur diesel was made. Also diesel is running around 30 or 40 cents per gallon more than gas.
Don't know where you live but consideration to emissions would have to be included in a swap here in Phoenix. If a vehicle was offered with a diesel in the same year but you had a gas engine you can do the swap. If no diesel was offered you can not do the swap. All smog equipment offered on the diesel by the factory would have to be included in the swap.

Sounds like alot of money and work that while it might be desirable to you are you going to travel enough to make it worthwhile?

Ya gotta love these politicians with little to no knowledge of anything automotive making rules regulating what you can and can't do.... The visual test is just one example, no matter how clean the exhaust if it's not in compliance visually it won't pass.