Which motor would you chose? - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

That Mud Truck · 05-08-2013, 11:23 PM

I'm kinda stuck between a rock and a hard place here. Do I put a cummins in and get the power and mpgs that I want or do I put a stock 350 in it to keep it original. If I beef the 350 up my mpgs will go down.

I want it to be reliable, have good mpgs, get good power, and be able to get up and go.

Zable49 · 05-08-2013, 11:34 PM

well if you are looking at different motors, you can always switch to an LS motor and you will get better MPG and better performance. This would also be cheaper than a cummins.

That Mud Truck · 05-08-2013, 11:37 PM

Isn't the ls1 the motor in the newer trucks?

I mostly work on diesels so that's really all I know

I figure I can redo a 5.9 cummins for under 5k, how much would a ls1 cost?
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mjensen · 05-08-2013, 11:38 PM

I think cost and effort has to be added to the equation. The mpg savings of a diesel may never really provide you an ROI if it costs a ton and requires a lot of effort to install. Throwing a stock-style motor will save hours of time (albeit not as cool) and you'll be back on the road in less time. Of course a lot of fab work may save gas because it will be stuck in the garage

That Mud Truck · 05-08-2013, 11:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mjensen

I think cost and effort has to be added to the equation. The mpg savings of a diesel may never really provide you an ROI if it costs a ton and requires a lot of effort to install. Throwing a stock-style motor will save hours of time (albeit not as cool) and you'll be back on the road in less time. Of course a lot of fab work may save gas because it will be stuck in the garage

Haha yea I know this won't be an overnight thing...

I'm thinking more like a couple months? I've seen diesel wrenchers and a couple others builds and I like how they turned out... I'm pretty good at fabbing stuff up but a swap like this would be a first for me

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mjensen · 05-08-2013, 11:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by That Mud Truck

Isn't the ls1 the motor in the newer trucks?

I mostly work on diesels so that's really all I know

I figure I can redo a 5.9 cummins for under 5k, how much would a ls1 cost?
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I don't think with the LS you will be under the 5k unless you find a wrecked truck that has motor, tranny and computer. How good are your fab skills? The Cummins swap seems pretty involved.

mjensen · 05-08-2013, 11:47 PM

Ha...you answered just before I posted

I have seen a few of the Cummins swaps that look awesome...never been in one or seen one in person, but still cool in my book.

That Mud Truck · 05-08-2013, 11:47 PM

I build bumpers as a side job and I've built a couple tube chassis for mud trucks.... If I do it I'll have to take my time and triple check everything

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That Mud Truck · 05-08-2013, 11:48 PM

Is their any way I can add more poll choices?
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GASoline71 · 05-09-2013, 12:27 AM

Get a 292 and don't look back...

Gary

bugmasta · 05-09-2013, 12:35 AM

A properly tuned 383 will get 20 mpg. Ask me how I know.......
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That Mud Truck · 05-09-2013, 08:23 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bugmasta

A properly tuned 383 will get 20 mpg. Ask me how I know.......
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How do you know?

Are 383s good for towing?
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bbadfred · 05-09-2013, 08:42 AM

LS it!! I picked up a junk yard 02 silverado 5.3/4L60 with 108 k(barely broken in) miles for 1300 dollars and got everything i wanted off the truck. all acessories,fuel tank,exhaust,coolers,hoses,wiring harness and pcm,ect ect.

That Mud Truck · 05-09-2013, 08:47 AM

Do ls1s have a lot of wiring? Because I hate wiring

How many mpgs do they get?

Won't the ls1 swap be just as difficult as the cummins swap?

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Bigdav160 · 05-09-2013, 08:53 AM

My wife and I both drive Cummins Turbo diesel powered trucks as our daily drivers. Think the drivelines are great. (the trucks have been fantastic too).

I'd love to put the driveline into my Suburban.

Although, in the end, I'm not sure the performance or fuel economy would be any better than a properly tuned and geared modern gas motor.

**special-K** · 05-09-2013, 08:56 AM

The big decision with adding the LS6 is if you want to complicate the beautiful simplicity of these trucks with a computerized engine. That stuff is great when it works right and hell when it doesn't. They do break down. I like my computers in newer vehicles. I can't imagine 40 years from now.
If you know diesels I'd go that route. You have fab skills and once it's done you'll have just what you're looking for. Later in you can keep it running easily since you know diesels.

I'm about to build a 383 for my '72. My one fear is the fuel consumption rendering the truck to expensive to drive as much as I want. I've never come anywhere close to 20 mpg with ANY motor in these trucks,so I'm very interested to learn what I can do to get close to 20 mpg out of a stroker. I am officially asking how do you know and what you did,bugmasta

That Mud Truck · 05-09-2013, 06:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bigdav160

My wife and I both drive Cummins Turbo diesel powered trucks as our daily drivers. Think the drivelines are great. (the trucks have been fantastic too).

I'd love to put the driveline into my Suburban.

Although, in the end, I'm not sure the performance or fuel economy would be any better than a properly tuned and geared modern gas motor.

I'm figuring I'll get 20-25 mpg

with the cummins.(I'll have power and pretty good speed)
My old 350 I got 10-15mpg

(average speed with poor towing)

Never had any experience with the 383 so I can't say much about it or the LS engines, like special k said I really don't want a lot of wires and I'm thinking that's what I'll get with the ls engines
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cdowns · 05-09-2013, 06:27 PM

i'd think if you put 50,000 a year and keep the truck 10-12 years you could just about break even with the cummins swap

GASoline71 · 05-09-2013, 09:10 PM

If you want gas mileage and a TD... I think there is a Jetta with a TD in it.

Gary

bugmasta · 05-10-2013, 01:50 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by That Mud Truck

How do you know?

Are 383s good for towing?
Posted via Mobile Device

I have a CTD for towing. My 383 was dynod at 449 hp and 450 torque so ya, it will tow. But my CTD pulled 450 hp and 900 torque so it tows better.

There is a just a driving difference between diesel and gas. Both serve their purpose in different ways.

I can get 20 mpg out of my 383 as long as I can keep my foot out of it.

I would rather tow with diesel but go fast and cruise light to light with gas.
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View Poll Results: Which engine would you go with?
5.9 12 valve cummins	8	17.78%
Chevy 350 (stock)	7	15.56%
Chevy 383	20	44.44%
Chevy 454	10	22.22%
Voters: 45. You may not vote on this poll

05-08-2013, 11:23 PM	#1
That Mud Truck Registered User Join Date: Jun 2012 Location: San antonio, TEXAS Posts: 74	Which motor would you chose? I'm kinda stuck between a rock and a hard place here. Do I put a cummins in and get the power and mpgs that I want or do I put a stock 350 in it to keep it original. If I beef the 350 up my mpgs will go down. I want it to be reliable, have good mpgs, get good power, and be able to get up and go.

05-08-2013, 11:34 PM	#2
Zable49 Registered User Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Lacey, Wa Posts: 181	Re: Which motor would you chose? well if you are looking at different motors, you can always switch to an LS motor and you will get better MPG and better performance. This would also be cheaper than a cummins. __________________ 1970 C20 Camper Special SBC350 / TH350 '84 C20 Front Disc Brakes/Control Arms

05-08-2013, 11:37 PM	#3
That Mud Truck Registered User Join Date: Jun 2012 Location: San antonio, TEXAS Posts: 74	Re: Which motor would you chose? Isn't the ls1 the motor in the newer trucks? I mostly work on diesels so that's really all I know I figure I can redo a 5.9 cummins for under 5k, how much would a ls1 cost? Posted via Mobile Device

05-08-2013, 11:38 PM	#4
mjensen Registered User Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Utah Posts: 1,562	Re: Which motor would you chose? I think cost and effort has to be added to the equation. The mpg savings of a diesel may never really provide you an ROI if it costs a ton and requires a lot of effort to install. Throwing a stock-style motor will save hours of time (albeit not as cool) and you'll be back on the road in less time. Of course a lot of fab work may save gas because it will be stuck in the garage __________________ Mike '69 GMC 3/4 ton 4x4 Build Thread

05-08-2013, 11:47 PM	#7
mjensen Registered User Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Utah Posts: 1,562	Re: Which motor would you chose? Ha...you answered just before I posted I have seen a few of the Cummins swaps that look awesome...never been in one or seen one in person, but still cool in my book. __________________ Mike '69 GMC 3/4 ton 4x4 Build Thread

05-08-2013, 11:48 PM	#9
That Mud Truck Registered User Join Date: Jun 2012 Location: San antonio, TEXAS Posts: 74	Re: Which motor would you chose? Is their any way I can add more poll choices? Posted via Mobile Device

05-09-2013, 12:35 AM	#11
bugmasta Registered User Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: North Bend, WA Posts: 272	Re: Which motor would you chose? A properly tuned 383 will get 20 mpg. Ask me how I know....... Posted via Mobile Device __________________ 68 c20 build: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=358130 Club longbed ...cause girls like'em long!!!!!

05-09-2013, 08:42 AM	#13
bbadfred bbadfred Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: rantoul Il Posts: 461	Re: Which motor would you chose? LS it!! I picked up a junk yard 02 silverado 5.3/4L60 with 108 k(barely broken in) miles for 1300 dollars and got everything i wanted off the truck. all acessories,fuel tank,exhaust,coolers,hoses,wiring harness and pcm,ect ect.

05-09-2013, 08:47 AM	#14
That Mud Truck Registered User Join Date: Jun 2012 Location: San antonio, TEXAS Posts: 74	Re: Which motor would you chose? Do ls1s have a lot of wiring? Because I hate wiring How many mpgs do they get? Won't the ls1 swap be just as difficult as the cummins swap? Posted via Mobile Device

05-09-2013, 08:53 AM	#15
Bigdav160 Registered User Join Date: Apr 2011 Location: Klein Texas Posts: 3,852	Re: Which motor would you chose? My wife and I both drive Cummins Turbo diesel powered trucks as our daily drivers. Think the drivelines are great. (the trucks have been fantastic too). I'd love to put the driveline into my Suburban. Although, in the end, I'm not sure the performance or fuel economy would be any better than a properly tuned and geared modern gas motor. __________________ My Classics: '72 K20 Suburban + '65 Dodge Town Wagon '72 Corvette Roadster +'67 Corvette Roadster '73 Z-28 Camaro '63 Ford SWB Uni Pickup '50 Ford Coupe

05-09-2013, 08:56 AM	#16
special-K Special Order Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Mt Airy, MD Posts: 85,859	Re: Which motor would you chose? The big decision with adding the LS6 is if you want to complicate the beautiful simplicity of these trucks with a computerized engine. That stuff is great when it works right and hell when it doesn't. They do break down. I like my computers in newer vehicles. I can't imagine 40 years from now. If you know diesels I'd go that route. You have fab skills and once it's done you'll have just what you're looking for. Later in you can keep it running easily since you know diesels. I'm about to build a 383 for my '72. My one fear is the fuel consumption rendering the truck to expensive to drive as much as I want. I've never come anywhere close to 20 mpg with ANY motor in these trucks,so I'm very interested to learn what I can do to get close to 20 mpg out of a stroker. I am officially asking how do you know and what you did,bugmasta __________________ "BUILDING A BETTER WAY TO SERVE THE USA"......67/72......"The New Breed" GMC '67 C1500 Wideside Super Custom SWB: 327/M22/3.42 posi.........."The '67" (project) GMC '72 K2500 Wideside Sierra Custom Camper: 350/TH350/4.10 Power-Lok..."The '72" (rolling) Tim "Don't call me a redneck. I'm a rough cut country gentleman" R.I.P. ~ East Side Low Life ~ El Jay ~ 72BLUZ ~ Fasteddie69 ~ Ron586 ~ 67ChevyRedneck ~ Grumpy Old Man ~

05-09-2013, 06:27 PM	#18
cdowns Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: daytonabeach Posts: 22,956	Re: Which motor would you chose? i'd think if you put 50,000 a year and keep the truck 10-12 years you could just about break even with the cummins swap __________________ 71c-10 350/2004r/4:11 lowered3/4 longbed/dead by hurricane MEANING OF DEATH::::: SOMEBODY ELSE GETS YOUR STUFF DONT BELIEVE EVERYTHING YOU THINK TAKE MY ADVISE;I DON'T USE IT ANYWAY



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