Approved vehicle
 

I have this crazy idea of putting a Duramax engine into my truck. I have the donor (ambulance Savanna). Im more likely to re-use the Savanna chassi than putting the motor in a c10 frame.

Here is my question for you. How do I get this vehicle approved? Is there any inspection that should be done. The thing is that I want it approved and "diesel" written on the title or some other document in order to bring it to Sweden in 2 years as a "home moving vehicle". Registration on these type of moved vehicles are easy if approved in US. I will live in Boston, MA starting this August.

/Thomas

Re: Approved vehicle
 

If your doing the conversion in the US, it shouldn't be any issue. But I would check with the state motor vehicle dept just to be sure.

Re: Approved vehicle
 

I think the engines sit further forward in the van chassis and the ones for the ambulance are one tons. You may want to look at that before you get to far.
Jimmy

Re: Approved vehicle
 

I most always try and discourage a frame swap, especially with a '88 and up frame as they are too much different. I think a Savana frame would be worse than a pickup frame. Yes I know it has been done with a pickup frame, but mostly on a 4x4, which is more acceptable to have the resulting body lift. I would say you should first contact the local DMV in Boston and see what they say about the frame swapping issue.

Re: Approved vehicle
 

I'm with the guys above ^. Especially considering that with the old vans, things were designed to fit within a "doghouse", which can put a few things in less-standard positions.

I don't know much about Sweden, but it sounds like your saying: If a vehicle is registered and "legal" in the US, then it can be imported to Sweden with little issue? I think this will change based on what state your currently living in.

In my home state, a diesel swap in a classic/hobbyist vehicle wouldn't require any paperwork, so there would be NO documentation as to any legal status.

Strangely I just read the majority of the Swedish department of transportation website...its REALLY well laid out and easy to read (at least compared to american gov websites).
I read this: Sounds like as long as it was legally registered here, you shouldn't have much problem getting a title over there...diesel or not.

Re: Approved vehicle
 

Thanks for the input, need to think this through with the frame. I really dont want a frame that does not fit properly against the cab. Maybe better to fit motor in old chassi and find a front clip that that could clear the motor. The dmax motor is huge. Any suggestions?

It all sounds easy regarding Swedish inspection, but its very dependent on who is doing the controls.

My decision on re-location to US happemed very quickly. I've suddenly sold my perfect c20.

Re: Approved vehicle
 

SEMA SAN

Tag & title Toolbox

click the state... it's a place to get started.

Enjoy Boston... say hello to the Boston folks in the Northeast forum when you get settled in.

-W

Re: Approved vehicle
 

If it were me, I would definitely keep the original frame and install the D-Max and trans. I haven't done this swap into a '63-'66, but I do know that the D-Max will fit into a '73 and up and the frames are the same width. You will likely need to change the front springs to a heavier C20 or C30 set of springs. In fact you may want to start with a C20 or C30 to start with to better handle the weight.

Re: Approved vehicle
 

i saw a thread with original 60-66 frame with a duramax!!! yes the frame was modified,but it was the original fram to start with...

Re: Approved vehicle
 

I concerned how to get the motor as low as needed. Guess inner wells need to go. The nice thing with this swap is that the savanna/express has a smaller teans that might fit without cutting the complete floor out. Of course the allison trans is better, bu I will not have the traction to damage the trans.

Re: Approved vehicle
 

This truck is a bit beyond what you are wanting to do, but there are some pics showing what was done to the truck to fit the DuraMax. The '67-'72 frame is nearly identical to the '63-'66 frames, but the '67-'72's do have different inner fenders.

http://www.67-72chevytrucks.com/vboa...hlight=DuraMax

Re: Approved vehicle
 

The donor van cab is cut awsy now.