Author Topic: 76 c10 with gas to diesel engine swap  (Read 4052 times)

Offline khakushia

  • New Users
  • Posts: 2
76 c10 with gas to diesel engine swap
« on: June 05, 2009, 08:19:38 PM »
So I went out and bought a 76 c10 short bed for around 800 bucks a while ago.  It has a 350 which the previous owner tore apart and messed up so the heads are off and the pistons are rusted on top.  what ever.  I always had a plan to give it a lowered stance and a hot rod kinda look but i wanted it to stand from the crowd with a sweet sounding diesel engine.  SO my question is this.  will i be able to bolt in a new diesel power train where the old engine is or is there any kits out there to help do this.  yes i am aware this would be alot of work but just thinking of the final master piece is worth every minute of hard labor.  Any help or advice will be greatly appreciated.  and NO I DON'T WANT TO STICK WITH A GAS ENGINE.  I HAVE 3 OF THOSE ALREADY.   ;D

Offline Mr Diesel

  • Frequent Member
  • **
  • Posts: 332
  • Aaron
Re: 76 c10 with gas to diesel engine swap
« Reply #1 on: June 06, 2009, 07:29:02 AM »
There are no complete kits available to swap in a later model diesel. There are some parts available like bellhousing adapters, tranny supports, etc, depending on what engine you are looking at. Anything can be made to work and fit, depends on how much fabrication you want to do.
The easiest route is an older 6.2 or 6.5. Another option might be a drop in Optimizer 6500, which is a "newer" diesel based on the 6.2/6.5 diesel platform. This would be expensive though and probably would require some fabrication to the turbo setup. Price range is a huge factor here, because dropping in a reliable rebuilt or new diesel is going to cost more than a gasoline engine.
You should decide how much fabrication you are willing to do and what your budget is, then start looking at what engines are available for that.
One swap I recommend forgetting right now is any newer computerized diesel like the Duramax. It has been done, but you have to be really dedicated to do THAT much modification.
« Last Edit: June 06, 2009, 07:32:56 AM by Mr Diesel »
1976 C20 Crewcab, 6.2L/SM465
1982 K30 Crewcab , 427TD/TH400
1983 C30, 6.2L/TH400
1983 K30 Crewcab 454/700R4
1986 K10 350/400. 1989 K30 cab/chassis 454/SM465

Offline khakushia

  • New Users
  • Posts: 2
Re: 76 c10 with gas to diesel engine swap
« Reply #2 on: June 06, 2009, 03:10:37 PM »
well a thought i had last night was to maybe even find a donor vehicle and swap the frame and drive train under my c10 cab and bed that way i have the classic look with modern technology.  think that is more practical? ???