The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area The HiPo Shop Decisions on motor for 52 chevy 3600

I recently bought a 1952 chevy 3600. My plan is for this truck to be my everyday work truck and mode of transportation. I work in construction so a little power and fuel economy in the right balance is a must. Part me is saying I should go with a chevy 350 because it will be an easy build. But the other part of me says go diesel. I have wanted to try a diesel for a while now. I have heard that diesel may be the best bet for fuel economy and power. Any feedback would be nice. Also any guidance and help on the best way to go about a diesel transplant would be awesome.

I like the thought of a 4BT diesel .But the 350 is tried and the installation would be the simplest .There are post here of both installations .IT would depend on your budget and skills .My vote would be the diesel .

A Dodge Cummins turbo diesel would likely go in pretty easily to, but I am not sure of the overall length and weight.

I'd think about a 6.2 or 6.5 I think they use the same mounts as a sbc, are cheap and get good mileage.

Joshua, there's a definate trend to fitting 'oil burners' in these old trucks,just ask Grigg!
Here's a little inspiration for you.
I think it sounds incredible,it'll also lead you to other videos with diesels in old trucks.

In my 55 there is a 350 followed by a 700R4 tranny,dumping into the original 3:90 rearend.20 MPG all day long.Not too bad on economy as far as I am concerned.To my way of thinking gearing means more than engine choice for economy.The 700R4 tranny is an overdrive unit which feeds a relativly high rearend and does a nice job.Plus that 700R4 has a really mean first gear,if you wanna blow someones doors off.

Thats great to hear. Is that hwy mileage or city. I am def going with a manual transmission so I guess I would have to get my gearing right. What is your 350? Is it built from another truck?

There's alot more to it than just installing a V-8 into an AD truck. Every system gets re-engineered to make it work. Steering is the biggest issue, then cooling, then the electrical, etc.
Just looking at the big picture. I did it to a 48 4400, it's involved,(but worth it)
Scott

there is no doubt it will be worth it. Im trying to get my plans together of what I want to do and where Im headed. Is the issue with the steering adding power steering to it, or making it turn and handle better?

The issue is clearance. A V-8 won't fit next to a factory steering box with any kind of exhaust system. I re-engineered mine and put a box on the frame in front of the axle (with power steering),
Scott

Do you mind showing me a picture of that?

Wish I could, those pictures are on a "now dead" computer. I can tell you the box came from a 78 Chevy 4X4 and I made my own adapter plate to attach it to the frame. Might want to search for front end kits and see what's available,
Scott

If your planning to leave the straight axle you can use this kit http://www.classicparts.com/1947-59-Power-Steering-Conversion-Kit/productinfo/76-977/ & this http://www.classicparts.com/1947-59-Power-Steering-Conversion-Arm-4/productinfo/76-986/

I used it on my 52 3600, just picked up a box at local u-pull-it yard.

Also if you plan to keep the original steering column, there is this http://www.classicparts.com/1947-59-Steering-Coloum-Conversion-Lower-Bearing/productinfo/76-987/

I can get you a picture of that if you would like. I have a inline 6 in mine so not sure how useful it would be to you as far as seeing clearences.

I'm running a 350 with a Saginaw 4 speed and 3.38 rear - getting a pretty consistant 26 MPG.

12 in town and 14 on on the highway, that's 26 right?




More seriously, if I were running an automatic, the 700R4 is the way to go. Late 80's is where you want to go. They were junk until about '85 and need a computer sometime in the early 90's. One of the automatic experts oughta be able to get more specific.

48bigtrucks:
Not to hijack the thread, but if your pics are on a 'now dead' computer, they may be recoverable without much work. There are 2 ways, and they are each less complicated than doing brake shoes.
1: Install the old drive in your new computer as a second drive. Open the old box and remove the two cables from the back of the hard drive case, remove the drive from the old box and install it in your new one. The ribbon and power cables in your new box should connect up and you are done. (there should be a few extra drive power cables coming from the power supply). The only complication would be the little jumper on the drive next to the ribbon cable connection. it should be set to "cable select" or to "slave", not to "master". the computer will figure out how to address the new drive when you turn it on and it will show up on the "My Computer" window as a new drive. If your new computer already has two drives on the ribbon cable, take the cable from your old one and run it from the second controller socket on the motherboard to your old drive.
2: Simpler, but requires a small purchase. Buy an External Hard Drive Case and install the hard drive from your old computer in it. Plug it into your USB port and turn it on. This is also the easiest method if your "Dead" computer is a laptop. You just have to get the correct-size case. 3 1/4 inch for desktop drives or 2 1/2 inch for laptops.
Make sure you virus-scan your drive before you access it, just in case.
These operations may sound complex, but they are easier than rebuilding a carb! Pretty much a 'remove and replace' operation.

I've got them saved to disc but I have a dozen discs to search through...just haven't had time yet...but thanks for all the tech info!
Scott

First of all, welcome to Da Bolt. Always good to see another 3600 on board. What are you doing with the suspension? When you're dealing with a truck this old I would make sure that the front & rearends are up to the task. I don't know much about diesels but must admit the thought af a transplant sounds interesting. I went with a 327/700r4 combo with a narrowed '79 1/2 IFS & mid 70's Camaro rearend. Currently have it torn down, going back to fuel injection. Post some progress pic's of you truck. We like

Im still thinking about the diesel. But Im a long ways from there anyway. I am actually thinking of rebuilding the original engine and enjoying it for a while until I decide what I like. Im not sure how im gonna handle the front suspension. The rear end has a 1 ton axle in my truck. Im not sure if all the 3600 pickups were that way? But im thinking of reusing the original axle but going to maybe a four link suspension with air bags to adjust the ride according to the load in the rear for hauling.

Another diesel engine that might be a possible swap is the Dodge(Mercedes) Sprinter engine.
I think someone 'over here has' done the swap,if I find any more info i'll let you know.

I previously had a Chev 305 in my truck between the stock framerails. The engine is just out because it smokes something fierce.

I am using the stock steering column. It works just fine. I wanted a little more room so I moved it out about 1 inch. It is totally fine.

I am using the stock front axle, and custom drag link/tie rod/tie rod ends. Stock components would work fine, but I wanted additional wheel clearance that the modern tie rod will give me so I don't need a wheel spacer plate.

This is a truck that was driven this way for years. I'm just fixing so if the major problems to make this a daily driver.

I take issue with the assertion that a V8 in an AD with stock steering is an issue. The engine looks like it belongs there and anyone not familiar with these trucks would think it left the factory that way.

At the time the V8 conversion was done, this was my brother's truck. We did it in a few weekends in my dad's driveway. Pretty much a piece of cake.

You are correct, the early 700r4 had lots of problems. You will want to find one with the aux valve body, or a 4L60. (the last update before the electronic shift) The last year for the 4L60 was 1992 as a wide spread transmission. Some 1993 cars(F bodies and some trucks had it)but most 1993 models had switched to the 4L60-E. Which depending on your choice of engine could work for you. A more modern power plant with fuel injection could also be a choice. Possibly a Vortec 350 and a 4L60-E out of a half ton. LT1, LS series or even A 6.5L turbo diesel and a 4L80-E.

Joshua
You are asking the same question that many of us have asked, and as you have seen there are many answers. The 350 SBC swap has been done so many times that its almost a cliche. Even considered boring. But it works; that engine series is plentiful with easily available parts and tremendous support in the aftermarket. Its good, cheap power. The traditional wisdom says there will be steering issues to address because of the AD trucks narrow frame. But commenting on 52Dave3600's comments: my other 50 3600 had a 307 V8 in it when I got it. Whoever did the swap moved the steering box out about 1-1.5" by fabricating an adapter/bracket. The exhaust manifold on the driver side exited at the very rear at about a 45 deg angle and the one on the other side dumped straight down right under the rear spark plug. The motor side-mounts were home-made. The bellhousing had the mounting flanges and rested on the crossmember. Behind that the truck was stock; SM420 with front enclosed drive shaft, and all.
You are doing right by gathering all the info you can and making a plan before you start. Good luck!!