Duramax/cummins conversions? - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

82ccshorty · 07-11-2012, 07:02 PM

Are there any Duramax or cummins conversion threads on here or anywhere? i am thinking about doing a duramax in my 82 crew cab and im wondering how hard its going to be. I want inputs on each one too. cause i would do a cummins if its a easier/cheaper swap

badpontiacs · 07-11-2012, 07:06 PM

I'd keep it GM. Cummins is easier but I like a challenge.

GW72C20 · 07-11-2012, 07:16 PM

Cummins would be easier/cheaper. Here's a thread where a guy did a 5.9 swap in a 95 chevy.

I'd love to put an LBZ in somethin but the cost alone keeps me from it. Not to mention the headache.

kwin · 07-11-2012, 07:23 PM

The issue other than cost and complexity is the cummins will outlast the duramax probably by at least five fold.
Most trucks up here ( 3/4 and up ) are diesels you can find duramaxs with 250- 300 thousand k but I know several guys with 12 valve cummins with over 650xxx don't think you will see many d-maxes with that kind of mileage.
Don't get me wrong I love the Duramax but its a different animal , you almost cant compare.

Keith

Monty · 07-11-2012, 07:24 PM

here is a duramax '72 2wd suburban build thread.

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=472138

82ccshorty · 07-11-2012, 08:01 PM

Thanks guys. i think im guna look into prices i would like to find a donor truck for either one because i beleive i could come out cheaper that way since i will need wiring harnesses and trannys and all that stuff

Car'n'Guitars · 07-11-2012, 08:47 PM

If you go the Cummins route shy away from the 24v.

82ccshorty · 07-11-2012, 08:48 PM

Why do you say that?
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Car'n'Guitars · 07-11-2012, 08:50 PM

The heads and blocks on the 24v Cummins have a cracking problem, there was a lawsuit over it.

82ccshorty · 07-11-2012, 08:54 PM

Allght thanks for that.
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WarBeard · 07-11-2012, 09:05 PM

D-max belongs in a Isuzu. Cummins belongs in Trucks!

Car'n'Guitars · 07-11-2012, 08:58 PM

But the 12v Cummins are an awesome engine, very powerful and don't struggle with heavy loads.

82ccshorty · 07-11-2012, 08:59 PM

I won't be towing much with it I just wanted something different
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Edahall · 07-11-2012, 09:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 82ccshorty

I won't be towing much with it I just wanted something different
Posted via Mobile Device

Something different would be a 7.3 Powerstroke.

82ccshorty · 07-11-2012, 09:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Edahall

Something different would be a 7.3 Powerstroke.

That would be different but very wrong for a Chevy
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Car'n'Guitars · 07-11-2012, 09:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 82ccshorty

That would be different but very wrong for a Chevy
Posted via Mobile Device

That's what I was thinking.

Can't kech me · 07-13-2012, 12:23 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 82ccshorty

That would be different but very wrong for a Chevy
Posted via Mobile Device

that's like a professional football team wearing a fairy outfit

Edahall · 07-13-2012, 12:26 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Can't kech me

that's like a professional football team wearing a fairy outfit

It would be a Fordrolet.

Car'n'Guitars · 07-11-2012, 09:01 PM

Oh and they have great fuel mileage. We have one in our 97 Dodge and it is a great motor, definitely worth the money. I can't really vouch for the Duramax because I personally have not dealt with one, but either way you go it will be good.

82ccshorty · 07-11-2012, 09:03 PM

I have a 2002 duramax and the only problem I have had with it is the injectors but my grandfather has a 2004 and it hasn't had any problems but to me it don't have the power the 2002 does
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Goldfinger · 07-11-2012, 09:05 PM

As i recall there was a man doing a duramax/allison swap on this forums.

Goldfinger · 07-11-2012, 09:08 PM

http://www.lonniesperformance.com/82chevyduramax.htm
found the link

Edahall · 07-11-2012, 09:08 PM

Duramax Advantages:
Quieter
Lighter weight and not so tall
Allison automatic can be used behind it

Duramax Disadvantages:
Conversion is much more difficult
Initial cost will probably be more to buy a Duramax/Allison combo
Parts are more expensive
Expensive injectors are failure prone
Hard to get very good fuel economy

Cummins Advantages
12 valve has no electronics to deal with so conversion is much easier
Cheaper to make lots of power (P-Pump)
Better fuel economy
Parts are less expensive
No failure prone items
Can be used in front of a 6 speed NV5600 manual transmission

Cummins Disadvantages
Heavier and taller
Automatic transmissions that go behind them are failure prone
Hard on automatic transmissions
Noisier especially with the P-Pump (94-98)
VE pump (88-93) is only good for 450 hp vs 1000 hp for P-Pump

82ccshorty · 07-11-2012, 09:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Edahall

Duramax Advantages:
Quieter
Lighter weight and not so tall
Allison automatic can be used behind it

Duramax Disadvantages:
Conversion is much more difficult
Initial cost will probably be more to buy a Duramax/Allison combo
Parts are more expensive
Expensive injectors are failure prone
Hard to get very good fuel economy

Cummins Advantages
12 valve has no electronics to deal with so conversion is much easier
Cheaper to make lots of power (P-Pump)
Better fuel economy
Parts are less expensive
No failure prone items
Can be used in front of a 6 speed NV5600 manual transmission

Cummins Disadvantages
Heavier and taller
Automatic transmissions that go behind them are failure prone
Hard on automatic transmissions
Noisier especially with the P-Pump (94-98)
VE pump (88-93) is only good for 450 hp vs 1000 hp for P-Pump

As much as I like the duramax it is like you said ex
Posted via Mobile Device

82ccshorty · 07-11-2012, 09:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Edahall

Duramax Advantages:
Quieter
Lighter weight and not so tall
Allison automatic can be used behind it

Duramax Disadvantages:
Conversion is much more difficult
Initial cost will probably be more to buy a Duramax/Allison combo
Parts are more expensive
Expensive injectors are failure prone
Hard to get very good fuel economy

Cummins Advantages
12 valve has no electronics to deal with so conversion is much easier
Cheaper to make lots of power (P-Pump)
Better fuel economy
Parts are less expensive
No failure prone items
Can be used in front of a 6 speed NV5600 manual transmission

Cummins Disadvantages
Heavier and taller
Automatic transmissions that go behind them are failure prone
Hard on automatic transmissions
Noisier especially with the P-Pump (94-98)
VE pump (88-93) is only good for 450 hp vs 1000 hp for P-Pump

I agree on what you say and the Trans problem on the cummins is a easy fix with a sun coast Trans but I like the duramax because I have one and I know how good they run. And I deffinatly want a autotrans because it's going to be a daily driver
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07-11-2012, 07:02 PM	#1
82ccshorty Registered User Join Date: Jun 2012 Location: charlotte, north carolina Posts: 950	Duramax/cummins conversions? Are there any Duramax or cummins conversion threads on here or anywhere? i am thinking about doing a duramax in my 82 crew cab and im wondering how hard its going to be. I want inputs on each one too. cause i would do a cummins if its a easier/cheaper swap __________________ 1969 chevy camaro Z28 #matchin Factory 4wheel disc 1969 chevy cst10 big block overdrive 5/7 drop dog dishs 1997 gmc yukon 2 door 2 wheel drive project 4/5.5 22s 2004 gmc sierra dually 4/4 lowering daily driver

07-11-2012, 07:06 PM	#2
badpontiacs Registered User Join Date: Nov 2011 Location: Valparaiso, Indiana Posts: 195	Re: Duramax/cummins conversions? I'd keep it GM. Cummins is easier but I like a challenge. __________________

07-11-2012, 07:16 PM	#3
GW72C20 Registered User Join Date: Jul 2012 Location: Okc, oklahoma Posts: 19	Re: Duramax/cummins conversions? Cummins would be easier/cheaper. Here's a thread where a guy did a 5.9 swap in a 95 chevy. I'd love to put an LBZ in somethin but the cost alone keeps me from it. Not to mention the headache.

07-11-2012, 07:23 PM	#4
kwin Registered User Join Date: May 2011 Location: Grande Prairie, Alberta Posts: 368	Re: Duramax/cummins conversions? The issue other than cost and complexity is the cummins will outlast the duramax probably by at least five fold. Most trucks up here ( 3/4 and up ) are diesels you can find duramaxs with 250- 300 thousand k but I know several guys with 12 valve cummins with over 650xxx don't think you will see many d-maxes with that kind of mileage. Don't get me wrong I love the Duramax but its a different animal , you almost cant compare. Keith

07-11-2012, 07:24 PM	#5
Monty Registered User Join Date: Jun 2011 Location: Montana Posts: 78	Re: Duramax/cummins conversions? here is a duramax '72 2wd suburban build thread. http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=472138

07-11-2012, 08:01 PM	#6
82ccshorty Registered User Join Date: Jun 2012 Location: charlotte, north carolina Posts: 950	Re: Duramax/cummins conversions? Thanks guys. i think im guna look into prices i would like to find a donor truck for either one because i beleive i could come out cheaper that way since i will need wiring harnesses and trannys and all that stuff __________________ 1969 chevy camaro Z28 #matchin Factory 4wheel disc 1969 chevy cst10 big block overdrive 5/7 drop dog dishs 1997 gmc yukon 2 door 2 wheel drive project 4/5.5 22s 2004 gmc sierra dually 4/4 lowering daily driver

07-11-2012, 08:47 PM	#7
Car'n'Guitars Registered User Join Date: Dec 2011 Location: Elkhart, IN Posts: 1,308	Re: Duramax/cummins conversions? If you go the Cummins route shy away from the 24v. __________________ 1985 Chevrolet K10 Custom Deluxe---SOLD 1997 Ram 2500 5.9 Cummins 1985 Chevrolet Camaro Z28 1987 Chevrolet K10 Silverado "The Beast" build 1987 Silverado http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...=1#post6150257

07-11-2012, 08:48 PM	#8
82ccshorty Registered User Join Date: Jun 2012 Location: charlotte, north carolina Posts: 950	Re: Duramax/cummins conversions? Why do you say that? Posted via Mobile Device __________________ 1969 chevy camaro Z28 #matchin Factory 4wheel disc 1969 chevy cst10 big block overdrive 5/7 drop dog dishs 1997 gmc yukon 2 door 2 wheel drive project 4/5.5 22s 2004 gmc sierra dually 4/4 lowering daily driver

07-11-2012, 08:50 PM	#9
Car'n'Guitars Registered User Join Date: Dec 2011 Location: Elkhart, IN Posts: 1,308	Re: Duramax/cummins conversions? The heads and blocks on the 24v Cummins have a cracking problem, there was a lawsuit over it. __________________ 1985 Chevrolet K10 Custom Deluxe---SOLD 1997 Ram 2500 5.9 Cummins 1985 Chevrolet Camaro Z28 1987 Chevrolet K10 Silverado "The Beast" build 1987 Silverado http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...=1#post6150257

07-11-2012, 08:54 PM	#10
82ccshorty Registered User Join Date: Jun 2012 Location: charlotte, north carolina Posts: 950	Re: Duramax/cummins conversions? Allght thanks for that. Posted via Mobile Device __________________ 1969 chevy camaro Z28 #matchin Factory 4wheel disc 1969 chevy cst10 big block overdrive 5/7 drop dog dishs 1997 gmc yukon 2 door 2 wheel drive project 4/5.5 22s 2004 gmc sierra dually 4/4 lowering daily driver

07-11-2012, 09:05 PM	#11
WarBeard Registered User Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Show low,az Posts: 808	Re: Duramax/cummins conversions? D-max belongs in a Isuzu. Cummins belongs in Trucks! __________________ 1978 C10 Silverado Big 10 350/350.. play toy 1990 V1500 Suburban 350/700r4..Daily driver 1987 K10 Silverado 383/400.. Wife's rig WRECKED! 1989 V2500 Suburban 350/400.. SOLD! 1974 C10 Custom10 LWB 350/350.. SOLD! 1974 C10 Custom10 SWB 350/400.. SOLD! 1999 Silverado Z71 LS1.. Wife's rig WRECKED! On the hunt for a new project....... I'm a Chevy guy.....I'm just not a "NEW" Chevy guy.

07-11-2012, 08:58 PM	#12
Car'n'Guitars Registered User Join Date: Dec 2011 Location: Elkhart, IN Posts: 1,308	Re: Duramax/cummins conversions? But the 12v Cummins are an awesome engine, very powerful and don't struggle with heavy loads. __________________ 1985 Chevrolet K10 Custom Deluxe---SOLD 1997 Ram 2500 5.9 Cummins 1985 Chevrolet Camaro Z28 1987 Chevrolet K10 Silverado "The Beast" build 1987 Silverado http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...=1#post6150257

07-11-2012, 08:59 PM	#13
82ccshorty Registered User Join Date: Jun 2012 Location: charlotte, north carolina Posts: 950	Re: Duramax/cummins conversions? I won't be towing much with it I just wanted something different Posted via Mobile Device __________________ 1969 chevy camaro Z28 #matchin Factory 4wheel disc 1969 chevy cst10 big block overdrive 5/7 drop dog dishs 1997 gmc yukon 2 door 2 wheel drive project 4/5.5 22s 2004 gmc sierra dually 4/4 lowering daily driver

07-11-2012, 09:01 PM	#19
Car'n'Guitars Registered User Join Date: Dec 2011 Location: Elkhart, IN Posts: 1,308	Re: Duramax/cummins conversions? Oh and they have great fuel mileage. We have one in our 97 Dodge and it is a great motor, definitely worth the money. I can't really vouch for the Duramax because I personally have not dealt with one, but either way you go it will be good. __________________ 1985 Chevrolet K10 Custom Deluxe---SOLD 1997 Ram 2500 5.9 Cummins 1985 Chevrolet Camaro Z28 1987 Chevrolet K10 Silverado "The Beast" build 1987 Silverado http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...=1#post6150257

07-11-2012, 09:03 PM	#20
82ccshorty Registered User Join Date: Jun 2012 Location: charlotte, north carolina Posts: 950	Re: Duramax/cummins conversions? I have a 2002 duramax and the only problem I have had with it is the injectors but my grandfather has a 2004 and it hasn't had any problems but to me it don't have the power the 2002 does Posted via Mobile Device __________________ 1969 chevy camaro Z28 #matchin Factory 4wheel disc 1969 chevy cst10 big block overdrive 5/7 drop dog dishs 1997 gmc yukon 2 door 2 wheel drive project 4/5.5 22s 2004 gmc sierra dually 4/4 lowering daily driver



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07-11-2012, 09:05 PM	#21
Goldfinger Registered User Join Date: May 2010 Location: laurel hill Fl Posts: 645	Re: Duramax/cummins conversions? As i recall there was a man doing a duramax/allison swap on this forums. __________________ 1985 C10 Custom Deluxe LWB 305/700r4 [ Goldfinger ] 1999 k3500 crew cab dually 6.5tdi/4l80e

07-11-2012, 09:08 PM	#22
Goldfinger Registered User Join Date: May 2010 Location: laurel hill Fl Posts: 645	Re: Duramax/cummins conversions? http://www.lonniesperformance.com/82chevyduramax.htm found the link __________________ 1985 C10 Custom Deluxe LWB 305/700r4 [ Goldfinger ] 1999 k3500 crew cab dually 6.5tdi/4l80e

07-11-2012, 09:08 PM	#23
Edahall Registered User Join Date: May 2011 Location: Goliad, TX Posts: 672	Re: Duramax/cummins conversions? Duramax Advantages: Quieter Lighter weight and not so tall Allison automatic can be used behind it Duramax Disadvantages: Conversion is much more difficult Initial cost will probably be more to buy a Duramax/Allison combo Parts are more expensive Expensive injectors are failure prone Hard to get very good fuel economy Cummins Advantages 12 valve has no electronics to deal with so conversion is much easier Cheaper to make lots of power (P-Pump) Better fuel economy Parts are less expensive No failure prone items Can be used in front of a 6 speed NV5600 manual transmission Cummins Disadvantages Heavier and taller Automatic transmissions that go behind them are failure prone Hard on automatic transmissions Noisier especially with the P-Pump (94-98) VE pump (88-93) is only good for 450 hp vs 1000 hp for P-Pump __________________ 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

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