Detroit Diesels are not very suitable as small or medium-duty truck engines. They're horrendously heavy. Even the 3 and 4 cylinder models will weigh much more than a stovebolt six, and when you get into the 6-cylinder models, they weigh more than twice as much. These things are best used as constant-speed industrial engines, doing things like running generators, pumps, welders, refrigeration plants, etc. The 6-71 is an inline 6-cylinder, 426 cubic inches, that was used in older Greyhound buses. The 8V-71 is a V-type engine with 568 cubic inches that's used in Kenworth, Peterbilt, Freightliner, etc. There's a 6V-92 and an 8V-92 that's used in big trucks, offroad construction equipment, and other heavy-duty applications. Detroits are identified by cylinder volume and number of cylinders, and the V-type engines have a "V" in the designation.
THEY ARE NOT PICKUP ENGINES!
The back of the block will accept various types of adapter rings for a bunch of bellhousings, including GM 4 and 5 speeds, Fuller Roadrangers, Spicers, Clarks, and other medium and heavy truck transmissions. Because they only run well through about a 400-RPM range, you need another gear every time the engine changes speed 400 RPM. That's why Roadrangers have 8 or 10 speeds, the Diesels need them to work their way up to highway speed. A pickup, or even a 1-ton with a Detroit engine would probably need an upgrade in the front axle and front spring capacity just to carry the weight around. It's definitely not a good candidate for a swap.
Jerry
