55 GMC engine help

[SpeedyG]

I am going to look at a 55 GMC.
its sitting on a camaro front clip. I am wondering can a cummins 24v work with this set up?

or ls/lsx?

tractors are my other hobby and it would be cool to haul/pull a trailer for recovery's

[dicer]

It may work with a 1 ton front axle of that year. Its likely much more weight than a small block chevy would be on a camaro front end. Car front ends are NOT truck front ends, they were designed for a much lighter vehicle. People that install them are using the trucks more like cars, not haulling 2000 plus pound loads, if they are they are pushing thier luck.

[SpeedyG]

hi Dicer, it occurred to me after I posted

not sure what engines I can use on that front clip but doesnt seem like any diesel's will work.

he does have a K 4x4 frame as a roller. I dont know any other options out their to make it a good workable truck. maybe it just needs to be a show car after all.

[55metalmonkey]

It really depends on if the Camaro clip springs were for a 6 cyl, SBC or BBC,
A BBC weighs aprox 650lbs for a heavy weight with no alum. parts (based on a quick google search), an anorexic cummins diesel weighs a bit more, see chart below.
http://www.adieselengine.com/new_page_1.htm

new engine mounts to take the engine is the easy part but you would need to find much stronger springs for the front and that may be a bit more of a challenge, hauling would be limited slightly because of the added weight in the front, not too big of a deal if it's a 1 ton but since it has a clip I'll assume it's a 1/2 ton which will affect the pay load a fair bit and make it very heavy in the nose.

[Gene Sharp]

I have seen a 56 on a dodge pickup frame or clip with
Cummings and 5 spd it is in Winthorse Texas near wichita Falls

Gene Sharp