Im working on another project. 46 coe I was thinking of installing a Detroit diesel 4 cylinder 471 or 453? But I really would like to put a automatic behind it. or a 5 speed over drive. Anyone have any suggestions. What year what type of trans what did this engine come in? What frame would be best? Thanks for any help
Detroit engines are noisy, heavy, smoky, and stinky. They also have a very narrow usable RPM band, so they need a LOT of gears. Even a 4-53 will weigh about twice as much as the original engine. You will need to install a front axle designed to hold the weight of the engine and completely re-engineer the steering system, or put the cab onto a frame designed for the engine. Either approach will cause your checkbook to need CPR. I'd suggest retrofitting the truck with a 292 Chevy 6 cylinder and a Turbo 400 transmission. You'll have more than twice the power of the original 216 engine, and other than fabricating new engine mounts, it should be a pretty simple swap. While you're swapping components, install a GM corporate 14 bolt rear end and you'll have a complete new running gear with affordable, easily obtainable parts, not a Franken-truck with a totally obsolete set of drivetrain components.
Edit: If you're really committed to using a 4 cylinder Diesel, drop the cab onto a chassis for a Nissan 4 cylinder Diesel cabover truck and use the whole frame and running gear. It's engineered to work, and you'll have a modern suspension and steering system and brakes. Jerry
"It is better to be silent and be thought a fool than to speak and eliminate all doubt!" - Abraham Lincoln Cringe and wail in fear, Eloi- - - - -we Morlocks are on the hunt! There is nothing noble in being superior to your fellow man; true nobility is being superior to your former self. - Ernest Hemingway Love your enemies and drive 'em nuts!
To use as a pickup but would like some power in case I want to tow something . Also thinking of using a van or Motorhome frame. I was wondering if I should post this on the hipo forum is there an easy way to move this ?
Go buy a silverado with a 4.8/5.3/6.0 and a frame thats broken/rotted in half. Get it for like 3-500 bucks and use the whole drivetrain. Simple, easy, effective. Every parts store has everything to fix it if god forbid it ever needed something while on the road.
One of my neighbors has two items decorating an equipment shed on his farm- - - - -an early 1960's D-4 Cat dozer and an early 1950's Chevy cabover flatbed truck with the cylinder head off and sitting on the bed. I've been trying to buy both of them for years, but he just won't turn 'em loose! (As if I needed another project or two!) Jerry
"It is better to be silent and be thought a fool than to speak and eliminate all doubt!" - Abraham Lincoln Cringe and wail in fear, Eloi- - - - -we Morlocks are on the hunt! There is nothing noble in being superior to your fellow man; true nobility is being superior to your former self. - Ernest Hemingway Love your enemies and drive 'em nuts!
I would have to measure the side to side measurements to see if it would fit down in the frame .Is a 6.0 ls more narrow than a 350 with exhaust manifolds?
I dont think its more narrow but its more compact height and depth wise. No distributors to be in the way and you can run a super short intake manifold that is barily higher than the valvecover. Stock camaro manifolds are very tight to the block also. Ive never seen anyone not be able to get one in. They fit them in miatas hahaha.
