1974 Chevrolet C-10 Custom (diesel) - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

Big - T · 10-02-2013, 06:53 PM

Hey everyone, I've a '74 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.

Big - T · 10-02-2013, 06:58 PM

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

motornut · 10-02-2013, 08:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Big - T

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

dam that looks good

Big - T · 10-02-2013, 07:00 PM

original 350 with 97k

Brockwaykid · 10-02-2013, 07:30 PM

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!!!!

Big - T · 10-02-2013, 07:34 PM

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.

Big - T · 10-02-2013, 09:04 PM

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

flashed · 10-02-2013, 09:50 PM

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

Big - T · 10-02-2013, 09:53 PM

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.

Edahall · 10-03-2013, 12:02 AM

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.

Big - T · 10-03-2013, 12:17 AM

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?

INSIDIOUS '86 · 10-03-2013, 03:14 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Big - T

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?

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
Posted via Mobile Device

legendman · 10-03-2013, 08:17 AM

Check out this section on Diesel conversions

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

Big - T · 10-03-2013, 11:45 AM

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?

Edahall · 10-03-2013, 12:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Big - T

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?

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.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Big - T

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?

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.

Big - T · 10-03-2013, 12:21 PM

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!

legendman · 10-03-2013, 02:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Edahall

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.

x2

Also check here for some more swap info

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

Big - T · 10-03-2013, 06:14 PM

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.

Zane M · 10-03-2013, 11:54 PM

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.

**Corts60** · 10-04-2013, 09:18 AM

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

10-02-2013, 06:53 PM	#1
Big - T Registered User Join Date: Oct 2013 Location: Smyrna, Georgia Posts: 13	1974 Chevrolet C-10 Custom (diesel) Hey everyone, I've a '74 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. Attached Images

10-02-2013, 06:58 PM	#2
Big - T Registered User Join Date: Oct 2013 Location: Smyrna, Georgia Posts: 13	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. Attached Images

10-02-2013, 07:00 PM	#4
Big - T Registered User Join Date: Oct 2013 Location: Smyrna, Georgia Posts: 13	Re: 1974 Chevrolet C-10 Custom (diesel) original 350 with 97k Attached Images

10-02-2013, 07:30 PM	#5
Brockwaykid Registered User Join Date: Mar 2013 Location: Granville NY Posts: 241	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!!!! __________________ Jeff Shaw 2003 Chevy 2500HD LB7 Duramax

10-02-2013, 07:34 PM	#6
Big - T Registered User Join Date: Oct 2013 Location: Smyrna, Georgia Posts: 13	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. __________________ Anyone can fly a plane, but only some can pilot a plane.

10-02-2013, 09:04 PM	#7
Big - T Registered User Join Date: Oct 2013 Location: Smyrna, Georgia Posts: 13	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. __________________ Anyone can fly a plane, but only some can pilot a plane.

10-02-2013, 09:50 PM	#8
flashed Registered User Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: canton ga Posts: 12,724	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.

10-02-2013, 09:53 PM	#9
Big - T Registered User Join Date: Oct 2013 Location: Smyrna, Georgia Posts: 13	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. __________________ Anyone can fly a plane, but only some can pilot a plane.

10-03-2013, 12:02 AM	#10
Edahall Registered User Join Date: May 2011 Location: Goliad, TX Posts: 672	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. __________________ 1990 ¾ ton 4x4 Chevy Suburban -Cummins Diesel - 12 valve - factory rebuilt -6 speed bullet proof manual transmission - NV5600 -Gear Vendors Overdrive - HX35 Holset Turbo -NP205 iron transfer case -3.73 gears -2" Lift

10-03-2013, 12:17 AM	#11
Big - T Registered User Join Date: Oct 2013 Location: Smyrna, Georgia Posts: 13	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? __________________ Anyone can fly a plane, but only some can pilot a plane.

10-03-2013, 11:45 AM	#14
Big - T Registered User Join Date: Oct 2013 Location: Smyrna, Georgia Posts: 13	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? __________________ Anyone can fly a plane, but only some can pilot a plane.

10-03-2013, 12:21 PM	#16
Big - T Registered User Join Date: Oct 2013 Location: Smyrna, Georgia Posts: 13	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! __________________ Anyone can fly a plane, but only some can pilot a plane.

10-03-2013, 06:14 PM	#18
Big - T Registered User Join Date: Oct 2013 Location: Smyrna, Georgia Posts: 13	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. __________________ Anyone can fly a plane, but only some can pilot a plane.

10-03-2013, 11:54 PM	#19
Zane M Registered User Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: SLC, UT Posts: 706	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.

10-04-2013, 09:18 AM	#20
Corts60 Just here to tinker Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Holland, MI Posts: 3,697	Re: 1974 Chevrolet C-10 Custom (diesel) Definitely following this thread as I also plan on putting a 6bt in my '78 shortbox. __________________ 78 C10 SWB Diesel #1 (wrecked)http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...1978+silverado 78 C10 SWB Diesel #2 (sold)http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=650751 60 GMC Suburban (sold)http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=445526 60 GMC 1000 (sold)http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/showthread.php?t=298235 67 GMC 1500 (sold) http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=803695 73 Chevy C20(Daily)http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=852767 86 Suburban(summer unit) http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=810697 88 Suburban 4x4(sold)



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