Diesel Conversion

[crashz]

My GMC started life with a 6.2L diesel, but I got a great deal on a 454, and swapped it in for the power (years ago when gas was cheap).

Now I'm looking to re-power it again with a Cummins 12V out of an older truck. Tomorrow I will be looking at a wrecked bus that supposedly has a 5.9L Cummins with Allison transmission. When I do I'll try and get the serial numbers off the block and as much info as possible.

My question for you Cummins gurus is: Are all the 5.9L engines the same (relatively)? Would this be a reasonable swap? I'm not sure, but I think the bus is old enough (late 80's ) to have all mechanical injection and such, so there is no computer to worry about. I'm not sure of this but I've heard of custom conversion kits availble for this swap. Anyone know where to find these?

Any info would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

[John DiMartino]

Its a ver reasonable swap.i seen an 85 c30 crew cab that was converted it came out nice.Probably the best engine your ever going to get between those frame rails. Dont be fooled by the name fordcummins.com has kits and info on everything you will need to do the swap.I know there working hard on a chevy kit as well.You have a lot of options with transmissions ,and adapter plates as well. If your running an older non OD allison you may run into gearing problems,the Cummins is a torque engine,and it doesnt get great mileage when its got to run at 2800+ rpm.So your final drive gearing may need to be changed or a different trans is in order. http://fordcummins.com/

[wyldman]

That would be a sweet conversion.Do a web search,as there are a few converted GM's out there.

One of the guys here did it,in a 78 1 ton 4X4.It was tight,but it fit.He is using a Gear Vendors OD unit,as he ran into gearing problems as well.The Cummins 12V does not like cruising at 3000 RPM.

[Ben427]

It will also help If yan find the factory adapter from a chevy P- chassis (bread van) The had a cummins 4bt which is a 4 cylinder version of the 6bt (5.9) It had a factory adapter on the back which had the chev bellhousing pattern to use a th400, 4L80E or 4,5, or 6 speed tranny. They are still available new from cummins, or you can find them on ebay for time to time.

[Ole JIM]

Hi Guys Ole JIM here! I have a 32 Ford P/U Chopped & Channeled w/a Z-ed Frame in the Rear & a 3/12 front dropped Axle & was giving Thought to Installing a small Diesel in IT?--seeing I*M a Retired Trucker & never having Seen one Before? I could Make IT look just like a Big RIG!--KNOCKER KNOCKER w/ Dual Stacks & YEH! Black Smoke!--What? Do all YOU guys THINK??--Any Suggestions! OLE--JIM--

[Ole JIM]

GEE! I had several replies! Quoting diesel engine data?--of many engines? that I had No Idea? of what? You guys were talking about?-- as the INFO was just Numbers & Letters to ME! & asked for more detailed Info! & now just my Post on My giving thought? to installing a Small Diesel in my 32 Ford P/U--Wheres every One GONE? did I do some-thing WRONG?--Dono? so I*M asking!--Ole JIM--

[Ggg]

Here you go Jim I figured you will like this.
http://www.lilbigrig.com/default.html

[Ole JIM]

Here you go Jim I figured you will like this.
http://www.lilbigrig.com/default.html
Ggg--THANKS!--Pretty Cool Rig!--I have been Checking small Diesel engines--in Cars & light Trucks--here locally in Salvage Yards--& I never Realized there were so many Diesel Powered Vehicles!--Being a Retired Trucker & Realizing that Diesels are the Answer to Fuel Econemy in the Future!--due to the Cost maintaining & servicing of Gas Powered Vehicles--especially the newer Model Computer Controlled vehicles--as American Auto Engineers are in a Catch UP Mode! w/ Foreign Engineeering--& Now We See--Our Pick-Up Truck manufactures building some Pretty Impressive Hi Proformance & very Econormal Diesel Engines!--such as the Cummins--Cat--Dura Max--& Ford Power Stroke--& Europe has had Diesels in Cars for many yrs NOW!--Most Diesels that I have seen in Salavge Yards the Vehicles Bodies are Shot!--but--the Engines are Still in Good Shape!--& realizing that the Diesels in the Pick Ups--are a Bit to Heavy? for MY Ole Ford pick-Up--& the Easyest Intallation for ME would Be?--an Engine & Tranny allready bolted together--& eliminate a lot of Modifying--as I*M NOT looking for Sheer Power & Tire Burning--I just Thought? It would be Cool?--to have a 32 Ford Pick Up powered by a small Diesel--as All the HOT RODS I see have Big Block Gas Engines!--& I*M Not much of a Follower!--I received an E-Mail from a Guy that Builds & Races Diesels--& Hes Doing Great--He sent ME Copies of His Time Sheets! in Drag Racing!--Hes Beating a Lot of Gas powered Vehicles in His Class!--& NOW! in the OFF season Hes Building a Real Hi Tec Monster Engine!--One that will be Built Special for Dragging--like the HI Pro Gas engines He Running Against!--so Next Season He should Do Really Great!-- I THANK YOU Again for sending ME that KIT--INFO!--Ole JIM--