gama goat detroit 3-53 discussion

[steponmebbbboom]

hello, can anyone with specific knowledge of these engines list any differences between the gama goat military issue engine and the civilian 3-53 engine? e.g. gama goat 3-53s use an aluminum cylinder block.

did detroit diesel publish a service manual specific to these engines? can anyone point to a source, or an online pdf file?

also, is it possible to use a four valve head on a 3-53?

thanks.

[gophergunner]

MORE POWER!!!

I'm pretty positive that the military version had more power than say a genset....

On a side note, I wanted to message you and ask if you happened to get your hands on the SAE to automotive bellhousing that was in the Gama Goats? But I don't seem to be able to send you a message.

[steponmebbbboom]

this is all preliminary research for my repowering project. i actually want an SAE flywheel housing for the trans i want to put it behind.

my understanding is that the numbers for a gama goat mil-spec engine arent that earth shattering. however, they do weigh 80lbs less. the automotive flywheel housing and clutch cover are rare, and in high demand. but then again, so is this engine...

anyone out there with some hard knowledge, please advise?

[gophergunner]

this is all preliminary research for my repowering project. i actually want an SAE flywheel housing for the trans i want to put it behind.

my understanding is that the numbers for a gama goat mil-spec engine arent that earth shattering. however, they do weigh 80lbs less. the automotive flywheel housing and clutch cover are rare, and in high demand. but then again, so is this engine...

anyone out there with some hard knowledge, please advise?

Please try not to laugh.....but check out youtube for a 1964 chev with a 3-53 detroit. The fellow who owns it said he got the engine and bellhousing from a Gama Goat. His username on youtube is "Motelcambodia"

Maybe you could give that a check and message him through youtube. Its always worth a shot. He's got a few nice vids of his truck as well.