I've done quite a bit of research on light diesels for pick ups. I lived in
logging country in Oregon when I was in the 8th grade. This was in 1950, and
51. I think diesels were just getting very popular in log trucks. Abt the
6.2 and 6.5 engines-they (at least the 6.2) were available in 1/2, 3/4, and
1 ton Chevy's and GMC pick ups and Suburbans. The 6.2 had a very weak lower
end- crankshaft, and mainbearings. The 6.5 was quite a bit better. Also, the
6.5 with turbocharging was much more powerful. But neither engine was a true
diesel, as "real" diesels are very HD, and often hit 500,000 miles with
little unscheduled maintenance. And are built REALLY HD. Keep in mind gas
engines run around 7-10 to one compression ratio, and diesels run from abt
16 to 20 to one. I've talked to some diehard 6.2-6.5 fans. They say the
engines are good, but you have to watch the harmonic balancers. They go out
of balance, and tear up the engine. My favorite would be the "Dodge" 5.9L
Cummins diesel. But I looked into having a 92-95 Chevy converted by a good
shop, and the cost was abt $12,000. Plus the cost of the pick up. I can buy
a 96-97 Dodge pick up for $13-14,000. I'd much prefer the Chevy (or GMC),
but the cost is too high. I saw a 57 GMC 370 LCF a couple of years ago in
which the owner put a Cummins. He said it worked great, but he had a two
speed rear end. I probably have a photo of it somewhere, plus the owners
name. He lives in the Spokane WA area. I did contact Cummins, and they told
me that bell housings were available for GM transmissions. If you went to
the 4L 80, or whatever GM's HD auto OD tranny is, you'd have a great rig.
But I think you'd have to be able to do most of the conversion work
yourself, or have a very capable friend. I think the 5.9 engine weighs at
least 1000 lbs, and probably more. But the 345 in my 78 Scout weighs I think
745 lbs without accessories. Does anyone know what a GM big block V-8
weighs? But I recently saw a FXXD 3/4 ton in which a shop had put a
Cummins, and the owner said it worked great. It also had a gearvendors OD,
so the slow speed of the diesel (max abt 2500 rpm) wasn't a problem at
speed. Rest time. Bob K in PHX, AZ.
----- Original Message -----
From: "J Forbes" <jforbes2@mindspring.com>
To: "Old Trucks List" <oletrucks@autox.team.net>
Sent: Tuesday, June 17, 2003 8:02 AM
Subject: [oletrucks] TF stuff and such - diesels
> > Date: Mon, 16 Jun 2003 21:57:32 -0700
> > From: mark <ccpanel@jps.net>
> > Subject: [oletrucks] TF stuff and such
> >
> > camper saga again.
> > you'all know i have an original 55 TF 1t camper with factory? 18"
wheels.
> > need another dually one for a spare.
> > also-its bone stock-what is the rated horsepower and
where?_(wheels/flywheel)
> > also... is it the worst type of nsaty to take out teh stock 235
and
> > install a 80's diesel or a 68 caddy 472? if the diesel-which one? i
have a
> > chevy factory conversion/or original diesel and another one whih i dont
know
> > but its in a IH BIG by HUGE box van. i have pics if anyone can help.
> > http://customclassics.org under the wanted section just click where i
say
> > diesel on the sale page.
>
> The Chevy 6.2 liter diesel would probably be closer to a bolt in, since
> it uses the same side mounts as the small block Chevy engine. You would
> need to add an aftermarket crossmember to hold the engine, and if you
> put an automatic behind it you'll need a trannsmission crossmember also.
>
> The 235 was rated at 112 gross horsepower (flywheel) according to the
> chart in the Chevy data package for the 1955 trucks. Peak torque was
> 200 ft-lbs at 2000 rpm. Probably similar to the 6.2 diesel :)
>
> I think if you go back in the archives a couple years ago you'll find
> all kinds of discussions of the merits of different diesel engines. I
> personally would stay away from the diesels, but they do have some
> advantages for some folks. The GM Oldsmobile 350 (5.7) diesel from the
> late 70s to about 1981 was not a good engine most of the time, but the
> 6.2 from 1982 to the late 80s was sort of OK. The newer turbocharged
> engines are quite a bit better, but they are more expensive and probably
> harder to install. Keep in mind that all diesels weigh more than gas
> engines, and the better the diesel, the more it weighs!
>
> --
> Jim
>
> Visit the Selectric Typewriter Museum!
> http://www.mindspring.com/~jforbes2
> 59s in AZ
> oletrucks is devoted to Chevy and GM trucks built between 1941 and 1959
oletrucks is devoted to Chevy and GM trucks built between 1941 and 1959
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