Pondering Engine Swap. Need some questions answered.

[bgott35]

Hi, I own a 1995 Chevy Suburban 1500 4WD. It currently has a rebuilt 350 that is more or less stock. However, one of the main uses for this truck at this point is towing and it is really frustrating. It only gets about 11 MPG and honestly lacks the towing power that I would like to have. I don't have any experience with diesel engines/swaps to diesel engines, but I am interested if you all can help me determine the pros/cons of the swap. I know the basics like motor mount adapters and modifications to the crossmember to accommodate the Allison transmission. However, I am not sure how intensive this swap is, how much money its going to cost, etc. I am curious to know if anyone has done this swap to a similar era truck? Is there another swap option that may be better for my needs? My end goal is 20MPG or over (I saw a 4bt swap that got 26, so I figure 20 is reasonable), and also around 550-600 ft/lbs of torque minimum. I know that this will tow whatever I want, as well as giving me the ability to drive the truck more in general. Any thoughts or details from personal experience are greatly appreciated!

Thanks,
Beau

[trbankii]

You mention the Allison, but this is the 6.5TD forum. Are you talking a 6.5TD or a Duramax swap?

There is a Diesel Conversion forum a little further down: http://www.thedieselpageforums.com/tdpforum/forumdisplay.php?f=58

Has a number of discussions for either one.

[rustyk]

You probably have a 4L80E tranny - stock, it's good for 450 lb-ft. of torque. My spec-built AMG 6.5 was uprated from the OEM 390 to 420. IMHO, 20 mpg is unlikely with the 6.5L TD.

[john8662]

I don't have any experience with diesel engines/swaps to diesel engines, but I am interested if you all can help me determine the pros/cons of the swap.


Honestly, Diesel conversion don't make sense at all when the configuration vehicle you're talking about exists made by the OEM.

Put a for sale sign on your current Suburban.

Get online and find a K2500 6.5TD Suburban of your liking and buy it. Then put modifications onto it to get it to the performance level you desire.

You can't economically convert a gasoline truck to a production diesel truck. You'll spend double at least to do it right. Anything but right and you'll have something no one will ever buy.

J

[More Power]

Put a for sale sign on your current Suburban.

Get online and find a K2500 6.5TD Suburban of your liking and buy it. Then put modifications onto it to get it to the performance level you desire.

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While we like to talk about diesel conversions here, John's advice is best for most people when the option of a factory diesel is available. Jim

[arveetek]

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While we like to talk about diesel conversions here, John's advice is best for most people when the option of a factory diesel is available. Jim

I agree, and I've done two major diesel conversions myself! Plus, you mention one of the main uses for the vehicle is towing. Your existing 1500 is not the best platform to build on for this use. Getting an existing diesel 2500 makes more sense.

Good luck, and thanks for asking the questions!

Casey

[Robyn]

I agree, the 1500 is not the platform to start with.

Sadly, the diesel Burbs are all getting old now and TONs OF MILES.

IF towing is your need, a 2500 Burb would be a better choice, depending on how heavy the load is.

In all honesty, I would not recommend a 6.5 Burb to anyone that's not familiar with diesels and or really wants to get into that scene.

Doing a 4BT swap into a diesel Burb is not a bad deal.

The little 4 is a great little engine and pulls good.

A local fellow has done one and his works great.

The only caviat is the tranny, the 4l80 will not hold up,

The 4 BT needs a better tranny.

The local fellow used a Dodge 4 speed auto in his.

The 47RH tranny is the one Dodge used behind the V10 and the cummins.

This tranny can be mated to one of several T cases that will allow a great swap.


Getting 20 mpg ?????????????/

Thats anybodies guess.

This is also not a cheap project either.


Good luck

Missy