The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Engine Shop ez diesel in a 59?

So I was just wondering....
It wan't happen any time soon, I just rebuilt my 235 and I'm waiting for the Vermont Snow to melt before I put it back in my 59 fleetside.
But just for laughs...and because I'm curious...
Is there such a thing as a diesel engine out there that would go in and let me use the same transmission? I love the 3 speed, and I don't want to change that. Also, I'm admittedly and amature mechenic, and I would have to pay somebody to do any kind of fabrication and welding and such.
Is there an engine that would drop in pretty easily?
I want to know because some friends of mine work for greasecar (www.greasecar.com...cool site),
and I'd love to drive my truck without the hit in the wallet every time I fill it up.
But I'm also kind of just fantasizing.
Anybody out there know?

Please don't take this too seriously as I have major doubts about my own knowleadge.
First of all, a 265/283 was an option for your truck right? Therefore a small block swap should be a no brainer. Second, didn't chevy make a 350ci diesel that was based on the gas-powered small block? It might be worth looking into, but I haven't heard the best comments about this 350 diesel. I'm sure someone will correct me if I'm wrong.

Actually, the 350 diesel you're thinking of was a late '70's/early '80's Oldsmobile , based on the Oldsmobile 350 V-8 of the time. Haven't heard much good about it, in fact I remember reading in car magazines of the time that folks were converting the engine from diesel to gas (was apparently a bit of a dog). To pull off this swap, you'd need a bellhousing adapter plate from Chevy pattern to B.O.P. (Buick, Olds, Pontiac) bellhousing. you'd also have to fab up side engine mounts, a crossmember, etc. A lot of work, but it WOULD be different!

Regards,
Wannabe

Okay now I remember my dad telling me about how he swapped his 350 diesel in a half ton with a Olds 350 rocket and he said it was a bolt in. I'll retract my first reply, thanks Wannabe.

you could go with a 6.2 g.m. diesal. i think everything will bolt up. these are pretty doggy engines, but i saw one with a banks turbo setup that did REAL well. and got good milage.

The 6.2 / 6.5 would be a good engine. The older models were lacking power. I would be concerned about the added weight. The original exhaust would have to be changed to bigger diameter and extra cooling would need to be considered. I would think the right gearing and proper camshaft selection for a gas motor would be a better way to go. Joe

Would the 3 speed handle the torque of a diesel engine?

Maybe for just driving around, but if I had a diesel I would be pulling something!

I'm a pretty serious GM fan, and do like the torque and the smell of diesel smoke...but if I were contemplating a swap it wouldn't be GM- they just never figured that part out. Maybe a Cummings turbo (6 cyl- like REAL TRUCKS .

Going back to an earlier post, no the 3 speed probably wouldn't cut it. I asked on The Diesel Page if the 5 speed in my '93 would hold up to a diesel, and popular opinion was no. So the 3 speed probably won't work. I often thought about using a diesel, cause that is what I am trained to work on!!

Jason

Power it with a 4BTA Cummins conversion from a P-van.There are hundreds of those hitting the yards now.I powered my 1986 C-20 with one and a turbo-400 behind it.Bolted right in,other than expected modifications,the only thing was to lengthen front driveshaft about 3 inches and bend a 3 inch exhaust.