The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area The HiPo Shop Diesel Retrofits for Light Trucks

Chief has started an interesting thread in the new Big Bolt forum about re-powering larger trucks with later diesel engines.

I've put an LT1 350 EFI engine in my 3/4 ton and plan to tow a 25' fifth wheel trailer with it. I think it's going to be enough engine for the job, especially since I will be towing only 2-3 thousand miles a year and running light the rest of the time, and I expect to get pretty good mileage with it--maybe in the 17-18 mpg range.

But I wonder...what if it is underpowered when I get on the road with the trailer? What's the best option for more pull? I'm sold on computer control for mileage and extended engine life, so I want to stay with EFI of some sort. I could change over to an EFI big block, or...

My brother-in-law, two nephews and a couple of friends all rave about their Dodge trucks with the turbo Cummins diesel engines. My understanding is that later models of this engine are computer-controlled and get great mileage as well as big hp and torque. Does anybody do wiring harnesses and chips for these engines with transplants in mind, the way they do for GM EFI engines? I had my choice of several places to buy a harness for my 350. A turbo Cummins-powered AD pickup would be some kind of cool, I think....

Joe

My.02 worth. My dad has a 99 Airstream "Land Yacht" 30', with a Vortech 454 (the new ones are 502 ci), Allison transmission and pulling a Jeep "Liberty". The computer won't let it go faster 85 MPH, that's a fact. It gets 9.5 mpi and is stock.
If you check JEGS or Summit you might find wiring harnesses for EFI oomputers.

Larry
68 C20 327 daily driver
63 C20 292 Camper truck
65 C10 ? Custom Cab AC,PB,PS,$flasher

When I was living at home we had a '94 suburban 2wd with a stock 350 and we used it to pull our 33' travel trailer. You couldn't go more than 65, but it handled it pretty well and got about 12mpg.I think alot of people automatically think they need a diesel or a huge gas engine for towing, but when unless you are towing a big load very frequently, a smaller gas job will probably get you by. I'd think the LT1 would tow a 25 footer no problem.

If it does not have enough power, you could always supercharge it! Depending on the gearing of your truck, the 350 should be adequate. I have a 2003 Dodge work truck with a Cummins and a 2000 Chevy work truck with a 454. Believe it or not, the 454 gets better fuel mileage when pulling loads. Empty, the Cummins is better.

Phil