putting diesel in pickup

[Tys79]

i have a '79 one tone dually crew cab.  i would like to put an old truck motor maybe 300 horse with a  speed fuller transmission.  it has a 454 big block with a i think dana 4 speed.  my question is if it would work and if it would fit. i know it would be a pretty big project but i was wondering what you guys thought about it.  thanks

[79diesel]

5.9 cummins with an nv4500 5 speed would be your best bet... lots of work but can be done

[77c15]

I think you might want to stick to either a new Duramax, old Cat, or anything that was ever put into a GM, but not a freakin' Cummins...this isn't a dodge site!

[Captkaos]

Cummins are a Great diesel, and they aren't owned my Dodge, they are supplied to Dodge under contract just like the Powerstroke is supplied to Ford under contract from Navistar.  The Duramax is build by DMAX and owned jointly by GM and Isuzu.  I have heard that they won't fit in this bodystyle due to physical dimensions...
The only other thing in a GM was the 6.5L (that's worth a flip).

[Fordeatinz71]

really, the DMax won't fit in our bodystyle?!  i was planning on doing that down the road...i might just have to do a little more research and MAKE it happen...

[Mr Diesel]

I put a n/a 6.2 in my 1976 crew cab and have been extremely happy with it. Right now I have plans for a 300hp 6.2 to go in my 1982 crew cab. It will be a while before I can even start on that, and 300hp out of a 6.2 or 6.5 takes some know-how; not something you want to just jump into. Either way, dropping a 300 hp diesel into that truck is going to be a lot of work. Older n/a engines are much easier, but not as much power output.

[Fordeatinz71]

you just gotta be careful, those older 6.2s with the lower nickel content in the block really like to crack...

[werewolfx13]

You'd have to do some snooping to find it, but I know there have been lots of people that put the late model 6.5 turbo diesel (the ones used in the hummers) in the 73-87 and 88 up body styles..specifically they look for like '02 and later engines..

[Captkaos]

really, the DMax won't fit in our bodystyle?!  i was planning on doing that down the road...i might just have to do a little more research and MAKE it happen...

That is what I heard.  They are making a Duramax 4500 that is designed to specifically fit in place of a SBC.
http://www.autobloggreen.com/2007/08/25/details-of-gms-new-4-5l-duramax-diesel-v-8/
http://www.autoweek.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=200770716012

[Fordeatinz71]

really, the DMax won't fit in our bodystyle?!  i was planning on doing that down the road...i might just have to do a little more research and MAKE it happen...

That is what I heard.  They are making a Duramax 4500 that is designed to specifically fit in place of a SBC.
http://www.autobloggreen.com/2007/08/25/details-of-gms-new-4-5l-duramax-diesel-v-8/
http://www.autoweek.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=200770716012

now that's what's up!