Big block v6 swap

[RebelChevy]

Hey guys, I'm new to the forum! Bing so, I'm not sure this post is even in the right spot but I'll go for it anyways.

I saw a previous thread about a 305 v6 being swapped out for a 305 SBC v8, OP is BigWil. I'm looking into tackling the same project with a 478 big block v6 being removed to put in a 6.5 diesel, but It seems this isn't going to be a bolt in swap. "bigwil" mentioned he was able to fit the new engine right in place with "very minor modification" but never explained how or got any pics posted. So whats the deal? Will the v8 fit in it? And how? What was this minor modification?

AND... I'd love to hear everyone's input on What automatic transmission to sit behind the 6.5 TD in a 35,000 lb bus?

Thanks in advance for fellas!
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[clinebarger]

A 6.5 TD will not live very long in a 35,000 lb. bus, They are a Light Duty Diesel.

Some Diesel engines that are better suited for your bus....

Cummins 8.3 C-series
Caterpillar 3116/3126
International DT466

A Allison MT643 4 speed auto would bolt the any of the above engines

[Captainfab]

I couldn't agree more.

My vote goes with the Cat 3126

Originally Posted by clinebarger

A 6.5 TD will not live very long in a 35,000 lb. bus, They are a Light Duty Diesel.

Some Diesel engines that are better suited for your bus....

Cummins 8.3 C-series
Caterpillar 3116/3126
International DT466

A Allison MT643 4 speed auto would bolt the any of the above engines

[Redcap]

Junk the 6.5 and find a real engine, as clinebarger stated.

[andrewmp6]

What about a 5.9 12 valve cummins?I have seen a few on craigslist lately with a allison trans from school buses.

[GASoline71]

Those are light truck engines as well... you need a commercial grade Diesel (like clinebarger posted) in that bus. Anything that comes out of a 1 ton or 3/4 ton light duty truck... ain't gonna cut it.

Gary

[RebelChevy]

the original diesel engines in this thing were either the cummins 5.9 or the cat 225. Granted these things were way under powered back in the 60's but i figured the 6.5 would be a significant upgrade. However, it wouldn't take much to convince me that even bigger is better! how complicated is the swap for these? I was going with the 6.5 for the bolt in mounting and the easy wiring.

[clinebarger]

Originally Posted by RebelChevy

the original diesel engines in this thing were either the cummins 5.9 or the cat 225. Granted these things were way under powered back in the 60's but i figured the 6.5 would be a significant upgrade. However, it wouldn't take much to convince me that even bigger is better! how complicated is the swap for these? I was going with the 6.5 for the bolt in mounting and the easy wiring.

The Cummins 5.9L 6BT debuted in 1983.

Most older diesel powered buses/coaches had 2-stroke Detroit Diesels, Like the 6V-71 & 8V-71.

A 6.5L TD isnt a upgrade to ANY diesel....Except maybe a 5.7L diesel or a broke 6.5L, & will NOT be a direct swap!

The most "straight forward" diesel swap would be a Detroit 6V-71....There is most likely a identical but Detroit Diesel powered chassis out there...But a Black smoke blowing, Underpowered, Loud, Oil leaking dog is what you will get.

[Redcap]

Originally Posted by clinebarger

The Cummins 5.9L 6BT debuted in 1983.

Most older diesel powered buses/coaches had 2-stroke Detroit Diesels, Like the 6V-71 & 8V-71.

A 6.5L TD isnt a upgrade to ANY diesel....Except maybe a 5.7L diesel or a broke 6.5L, & will NOT be a direct swap!

The most "straight forward" diesel swap would be a Detroit 6V-71....There is most likely a identical but Detroit Diesel powered chassis out there...But a Black smoke blowing, Underpowered, Loud, Oil leaking dog is what you will get.

The Green Leaker. Most efficient way to take perfectly good diesel and turn it into nothing but smoke and noise.