Diesel swap questions... 72 2wd C10

[angrymanhands]

Hi all,
First off, thus is my first post. I want to do a motor swap. I am in the very early in the planning stages and am looking for some advice.
I am looking at either a 4bt, or a 6bt. I don't plan on hauling much, if anything. I like that the diesel motor is almost completely mechanical, me and wiring don't get along, the gas mileage, and the longevity.
Basically just a driver. I've never owned a diesel, but I've driven them for work. I like them, at least I think I do.
What can I expect from a swap like this? Would you recommend it?

[Clyde65]

then the 4bt would be your best choice. I believe you only have two or three wires to hookup.

You can also look at a Hurcules diesel and even a Kubota from industrial buildings/shops. They run well and are very fuel efficient.

[angrymanhands]

What I am becoming very interested in is the Detroit Diesel 3-53T Silver... That thing is super cool.
Any ideas what transmission I would use?

[marvgarr68]

A two stroke Detroit is anything but fuel efficient. Finding a Chevy bell housing rear plate is hard to find on a Detroit.
A 4bt would be easy as some already have a Chevy trans flywheel housing. Look for old bread trucks they came sometimes with 4bt and Chevy trans.

[angrymanhands]

I guess im less concerned with gas mileage. I'd be happy if I could get 15-20 mpg. Is that possible? I'm trying to find info on gas mileage, but most of the applications are off roading/4x4.

[marvgarr68]

They use more oil then fuel and leak every were. There was a special oil to run in them but they don't make it anymore. When you use regular diesel oil it will leak and burn it.

[Dieselwrencher]

Marv is pretty close on his descriptions of the 2 stroke Detroits. They sound cool, but don't make big power, and like to drink the fuel. In a small pick up you might be alright. If you replace the seals and gaskets with the newer versions, they leak less. I still haven't seen one that didn't leak some though. Make sure you have an air shut off on it if you do go with one. You will regret it if you don't. Phoenix castings makes SAE adapters and you can adapt to a chevy bell housing that way.

http://www.phxgrp.com/saeadapters.htm

[angrymanhands]

Thanks guys. Good info so far.

[angrymanhands]

You guys are swaying me towards the 4bt.

[marvgarr68]

For someone who isn't totally diesel inclined the 4bt or 6bt would be a good choice.

[Dieselwrencher]

Originally Posted by marvgarr68

For someone who isn't totally diesel inclined the 4bt or 6bt would be a good choice.

For sure. But still ask questions if you aren't sure because they still have their quirks.

[angrymanhands]

Thanks for the help guys. Im sure I will have lots of questions down the road. I'm going to start and take my truck down to the frame. Clean up and redo everything.
Another question, I don't currently have a transmission. If I get the 4bt what should I be looking for. I would prefer manual, but I'm not opposed to automatic.
Also, I plan on lowering my truck. I can still do that with the 4bt correct? I was thinking 7 rear, 5 front maybe.

[Dieselwrencher]

Yes, you can still lower your truck. I'd get the truck at the ride height you want and then place the engine and trans in your truck. I'd also build mounts to fit your truck and mind too. The best trans to look for would be a NV4500. If you buy a bread truck engine and it is from a Chevy P-30 chassis, it should have the engine adapter you need. Then a GM NV4500 will bolt right up. Or use a 94-02 dodge cummins engine adapter and a dodge cummins or V-10 NV4500.

[angrymanhands]

If my truck is a gas, and I'm converting to diesel do I have to check with the DMV? I didn't think about it till now.

[Dieselwrencher]

Do you have emissions testing there? Usually in most states, as long as the engine is newer than the chassis it is going into, it's ok. But each state has different laws. In Iowa I'm ok.

[Nitis]

Depending on what you want and how you set it up the 4bt is the way to go. You could get mid to high 20s for mpg. With proper gearing etc

Check out 4bt swaps forum

Nv4500 would probably be your best bet for finding something Ina wrecking yard but I wonder about some of the aftermarket stuff maybe a tremec 6speed???

Lots of guys run built 700 r4s. 4l80e are nice but require a stand alone computer controller thing. In my opinion aside from the newer autos that you can put in manual mode diesels should only be I front of manuals.

One day I desire exactly what you want to build for my commuter a nice 2wd swb manual trans 5or 6speed

[63c102013]

The best thing abouth doing a 4bt swap is that it weighs about the same as a bbc so lowering won't be a big deal. If you are looking for easy wiring you can also get a 12v. Same wiring as a 4bt. It 3 wires and then the usual battery terminal. 12v are more readily available and about the same price in my experience.

I would go with a nv4500 or you could get nv5600 if you want a 6speed.

Good luck with your swap

[angrymanhands]

Fantastic. Thanks for the info.

[HemiChallenger71]

The 3-53's are still very heavy. Like 1000-1200.

4bt's tend to command a higher price than the 6bt's only because of rarity.