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73-87 Chevy _ GMC Trucks => Engine/Drivetrain => Topic started by: 504guy on July 15, 2006, 08:01:00 pm

Title: converting to diesel
Post by: 504guy on July 15, 2006, 08:01:00 pm

This being a 77 gmc heavy half.

What are the implications of removing the 350 engine and buying/installing a crate diesel engine?

Has anybody here done that?  thoughts?

Title: Re: converting to diesel
Post by: Blazin on July 16, 2006, 08:24:00 am

What deisel are you planning to use? You will need at the least a doner truck of similar vintage as yours. If you plan to use a newer modern deisel you will need a a donor truck from which the crate motor was suposed to be in.

Title: Re: converting to diesel
Post by: Z28 c10 on July 16, 2006, 07:11:00 pm

Ziptar has I think a '78 or '79 w/ an Olds 350 diesel, you might check w/ him ( send pm). I don't quite know if your going new school or old though.

 JayTater

 Z28 C10

Title: Re: converting to diesel
Post by: DnStClr on July 17, 2006, 10:31:00 pm

I recently saw a similar post on another site- I think it was the chevytruckworld site.
The front suspension has to be beefed up because the diesel is heavier. HD radiator. I think the tranny is usually a TH400 or 700r4. The 6.2 can be a good engine when maintained. 19-20mpg. Good torque, but unless you get it beefed up it's not a speed demon by any means. There's an engine rebuild center in Texas that does a super build.
Along with chevytruckworld, visit thedieselplace and thedieselpage sites for more info-  

Don St.Clair
Culleoka Tn

Edited by: DnStClr at: 7/18/06 10:00 am

Title: Re: converting to diesel
Post by: 504guy on July 17, 2006, 10:01:00 pm

thanks..

speed not really an issue.. its a work vehicle.

Title: Re: converting to diesel
Post by: roundedline on July 18, 2006, 05:27:00 pm

If you are talking about the same diesel engine that was put in these trucks, there is no beefing up on the suspension.  It is the same as a normal gasoline pickup.

You best bet is to get a donor that already has a diesel in it...

Chris Lucas
www.73-87chevytrucks.com
www.captkaoscustoms.com
Project Su
Jimmy 2WD Project

Title: Re: converting to diesel
Post by: 504guy on July 24, 2006, 02:27:00 pm

I would plan on using a donor 82-87 diesel.
this isnt happening anytime soon... just curious what all to think about if i ever see the right donor truck..

will the th350 tranns be acceptable or will i need to get a th400?

will it mount as is or will i need to remove and fabricate new mounts?

anything else to think about?

thanks for the replies!

Title: Re: converting to diesel
Post by: roundedline on July 25, 2006, 05:16:00 pm

If you get a donor, just get everything from it.  I would use the 700R4 to increase gas mileage.  The early diesels used the BOP trans adapter, so a 350 gas trans won't work.

Other things to think about: electrical,(glowplugs) power, exhaust..

It might be easier to just find a good truck with a diesel to replace your current truck.

Chris Lucas
www.73-87chevytrucks.com
www.captkaoscustoms.com
Project Su
Jimmy 2WD Project

Title: Re: converting to diesel
Post by: DnStClr on July 27, 2006, 09:27:00 pm

That's for sure...

Don St.Clair
Culleoka Tn

Title: diesel swap
Post by: Mr Diesel on August 05, 2006, 09:02:00 pm

I did the diesel swap in my truck without a donor truck, just the engine. Off the top of my head you will need:

-4 core radiator
-Remove and drain the tanks of all gasoline, or install diesel tanks(recommended).
-Install a fuel return line (unless truck already has one). rubber or steel
-A fuel filter housing, any year. mounts on firewall
-Oil cooler
-Extra battery tray. build or buy

The 350 trans is really not an option. Any standard will bolt up, although the TH400 auto is the best tranny for this engine (gear ratios are perfect).
You will need to wire in a manual glow plug switch or use the OE automatic configuration (recommended, but more complicated wiring).
-Your 350 engine mounts should work fine. I bolted mine right up without any troubles.
-Run a ignition wire to the fuel valve located on the injection pump.
-An electic fuel pump is also a nice touch. I mounted mine on the firewall and wired it into the ignition circuit.
-Using a donor truck is by the far the best way to go, if possible
-There are some small headaches you may run into, like finding the proper coolant hoses or fitting the diesel radiator in. It's all doable, but a time consuming job if you want to do it right.
It was worth it for me. I love my diesel.  

- Mr Diesel
'76 C30 Crew 6.2