1974 Chevrolet C-10 Custom (diesel)
 

Hey everyone, I've a '74 Chevy :chevy:c10 that I'm restoring and while in the process, I thought why not get another one but convert it to diesel. Like maybe put a Cummins4bt or 6bt in it? However, I wasn't sure if it would hold a 6bt considering the weight and torque that engine produces. So I need y'alls advice/wisdom on it. I'll post some pictures of the '74 I'm currently in the process of restoring for you guys.

Re: 1974 Chevrolet C-10 Custom (diesel)
 

Paint job looks new, but its actually original. Old guy that owned it kept it in the garage most its life.

Re: 1974 Chevrolet C-10 Custom (diesel)
 

original 350 with 97k

Re: 1974 Chevrolet C-10 Custom (diesel)
 

You might want to be careful if you go the cummins route with the truck being a half ton. I think a 4BT would be safe but if you went the 12 or 24V route you'd be better off with a 3/4 ton... Just my 0.02$. Very nice looking truck!!!!

Re: 1974 Chevrolet C-10 Custom (diesel)
 

I was kinda thinking the same thing. I currently have a 12v at the shop, so that would save me a little cha-ching but then I'd need to invest more into the truck it'll be dropped in so it could support that kind of engine. Or just invest a little less in the actual truck and use the rest for purchasing a 4bt.

Re: 1974 Chevrolet C-10 Custom (diesel)
 

dam that looks good

Re: 1974 Chevrolet C-10 Custom (diesel)
 

Thanks man, considering the old man did his part in preserving history, i figured I ought to do mine.

Re: 1974 Chevrolet C-10 Custom (diesel)
 

WOW ,that is a nice looking truck ,maybe since we are not that far apart maybe I can see it in person someday.

Re: 1974 Chevrolet C-10 Custom (diesel)
 

Yeah man, however as of mid-late november it'll be in the shop for a complete rebuild/restoration. So if you'd like to see it before we'd need to make plans before then.

Re: 1974 Chevrolet C-10 Custom (diesel)
 

To be honest with you, your c10 is plenty strong enough to support a 6BT. I've got a half ton Tahoe with this engine in it and have had no issues with the additional weight. That said, I highly recommend the 6BT over the 4BT. The 4BT's are loud and make enough vibration to loosen teeth fillings.

Re: 1974 Chevrolet C-10 Custom (diesel)
 

Interesting, how does it handle the torque? And did you do any reinforcements or anything along those lines to allow it to handle the engine better?

Re: 1974 Chevrolet C-10 Custom (diesel)
 

People throwing big blocks and transbrakes in these trucks and pulling the wheels off the ground with the sudden shock and torque of a big block. The 6bt will be fine I'm sure
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Re: 1974 Chevrolet C-10 Custom (diesel)
 

Check out this section on Diesel conversions

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/f...play.php?f=240

Re: 1974 Chevrolet C-10 Custom (diesel)
 

I see your point there. Also, did you have any need to move the firewall back or any reworking of the engine well to allow it to fit the 6bt?

Re: 1974 Chevrolet C-10 Custom (diesel)
 

No reinforcements were needed other than adding a crossmember. Remember, the frame on these trucks are stronger than the Dodge trucks these engines came out of. It handles the torque just fine. However, I never goose my trucks. I just drive them normally and only use the power as needed. I've also never had any issues with the 1/2 axles but I don't drive off road.

The engine bays on these trucks are more than adequate to fit a 6BT. In fact, when all is said and done, the engine looks like it was meant to fit in there.

Re: 1974 Chevrolet C-10 Custom (diesel)
 

Gotcha. My main purpose for doing this is so I'll be able to haul heavy loads of metal and equipment that the 350 couldn't. Which is were that extra torque helps out!

Re: 1974 Chevrolet C-10 Custom (diesel)
 

x2

Also check here for some more swap info

http://www.4btswaps.com/forum/forumd....9-Conversions

Re: 1974 Chevrolet C-10 Custom (diesel)
 

What about turbos? Like brand, model, etc? And I'm assuming it'd be a good idea to possibly put a "heavy duty" rear end in it.

Re: 1974 Chevrolet C-10 Custom (diesel)
 

2 sections over at Dieselplace have lots of good info on turbo setups

http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/63-...diesel-engine/

http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/63-...s-performance/

Re: 1974 Chevrolet C-10 Custom (diesel)
 

If hauling heavy loads is what you want, the 6BT is ideal. I also highly recommend using a manual transmission to get the power to the ground.

There's lots of choices for turbos out there depending on what you want to do. I'm using an Holset HX35 which gives a lot of low end grunt.

If you've got a 12 bolt rear end, it should be more than adequate. However, what rear end you use will have a lot to do with what transmission you end up using. If you're going to use an overdrive transmission, you'll want 3.43's and without overdrive, 3.08's or 2.73's. These 6BT's make their power at low rpm's.

Re: 1974 Chevrolet C-10 Custom (diesel)
 

I think it is cool what you are planning to do.
But I will throw out this: If you plan on hauling loads "the 350 couldn't", your existing half ton suspension/brakes probably can't either.

Re: 1974 Chevrolet C-10 Custom (diesel)
 

Definitely following this thread as I also plan on putting a 6bt in my '78 shortbox.