Engine options

[Standardfarmer]

I have a 1972 C60 with the 366 engine and 4x2 transmission. Does anyone know what diesel engines can bolt up to that transmission? Was also debating a 6.5 diesel with the 4L80E complete swap. Can the 4l80e handle a grain truck that occasionally will be loaded up to 26,000 Lbs?

Thanks

[Bob B.]

The factory diesel options for a '72 C-60 would have been the DH478 Toroflow or the Detroit 4-53. I would say neither of those is really an option here as they required particular bell housings and mounts, all of which would be near impossible to find these days unless you found a parts truck so equipped. Further, there are no engine parts available for Toroflows anymore. Big surprise here is the 6.5L GM diesel has the same bell housing bolt pattern as the 366 gas V-8 and if you truck has side engine mounts they will also be in the same place. Some 366/427's use a front engine mount under the crank pulley, that might have to be fabbed up for a 6.5L. With the right clutch/flywheel you might be able to replace the 366 with a 6.5L without too much trouble. But, 26,000#'s is a lot for a 6.5L. A turbo would probably have enough power, but you would need to be careful not to blow the engine up, they really are not designed for that kind of service. As for the 4L80E, it should have not trouble with that kind of weight provided it is in good shape. The problem is of course you will need a computer to run the thing (available with harness from the aftermarket) and you would probably need a 4L80E with a parking brake (not just a park position) on the back. Those are out there, look for Isuzu NPR's and some 3500HD cab and chassis models, they had them.

Another option would be to try to find an 80's era GM C-60 or 70 with a Detroit 8.2L and an Allison AT 545. Not the greatest diesel Detroit ever made but would work well in that size of truck, and the whole powertrain is just about bolt-in.

Now, for the big question: Why? I understand if it's some kind of project truck and you want to put a diesel in it, but if it's just a work truck, you will spend a lot more converting it to diesel than you will spend putting gas in the 366 for a long time.

[Standardfarmer]

Wow - Thank you. I really appreciate the feedback. The reason I was potentially going this route is that my 366 is getting tired. I'm adding oil much more than I would like to between oil changes and I thought if I have to replace the engine then I would like to put a diesel in there. I do have a old rusted out C3500HD with the 6.5 diesel and 4L80E with low miles that I am not doing anything with. -was thinking that could potentially be an economical option if the swap wasn't too cumbersome. I don't us the grain truck much during the year except during harvest for the most part, so I won't be working it too hard everyday. Sounds like that route may be a descent option then? My concern for the 6.5 would be that, although the 366 isn't really a powerhouse, the 6.5 may be a snail on the road. But with a automatic transmission, maybe the whole swap would be worth it.

[Bob B.]

If it were me, I would think about parting out the 3500HD and use the money to buy a reman 366! Probably the easiest way out.

[sweetk30]

I am currently looking for a good used or reman 366 for my gmc 7000 . tons of remans for 2k . . . rock auto has a dc52 part# long block for 1795.00 right now.

but my problem and no one can tell me why is I need one for water cooled air compressor . all the remans out there are for juice brakes like you have .

and if you ask me a 6.5 turbo will SUCK for power in that big a truck . and I would be hard pressed to try and figure out the 2 speed rear on a auto trans truck . the 4l80-e is a good unit but for a c-60 size truck I don't think so .