53 panel diesel project
 

Hey I'm planning to put a diesel in my 53. I don't want to modify the firewall too much, but I will if I have to. I haven't decided which diesel to put in. I could use some advice. I'm not trying to make it a hot rod or anything I want to make a solid daily driver that can tow and do anything I need it to while getting good mileage. I want to put a 5 speed behind it and good gears in the rear end. Other than that and an updated suspension, I want to keep it origional. Any advice?
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Re: 53 panel diesel project
 

Not knowing the size of the engine compartment for sure, but I'm thinking they're a little smaller than some of the later trucks.

So I'm thinking a 6bt (cummins 5.9L) would be a tough fit. However a 4bt would probably fit, would give you good mileage, and hopped up a little would do fine towing "regular" loads

Re: 53 panel diesel project
 

Yeah I wanted to put a 4bt in originally, but I'm concerned about the vibration I keep hearing about. I don't want to invest in an engine that is miserable to drive. Is there any way to manage that?
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Re: 53 panel diesel project
 

Kick me for not having any good pictures of the engine bay but here are some pictures of a buddys 55 pickup with a 6bt. No firewall modifications but it was tighter than my 68 c10. I had a radiator from a 96 Olds Beretta I found in my barn and used it on the 55. He is currently not running an innercooler and im not sure where to fit one when he decides too. For the mean time i fab'd up a intake tube from the turbo.
http://i1321.photobucket.com/albums/...psef2a2809.jpg
http://i1321.photobucket.com/albums/...ps1234c421.jpg
http://i1321.photobucket.com/albums/...psbf161ba1.jpg

Re: 53 panel diesel project
 

BTW If you are concerned about vibration, Dont get ANY Cummins...:lol:

Here is the only under the hood shot i have...
http://i1321.photobucket.com/albums/...ps5285d83b.jpg

Re: 53 panel diesel project
 

P-pump 24V don't rattle that bad, especially when the injectors and timing are set properly.

Re: 53 panel diesel project
 

Hey schwank. Check my build . The cummins is deffinately a long eng . 4 bt is a cool eng for sure but they are so expensive and hard to find. You should look into one of those militairy 6.2's. I dont know much abt them but it seems they will fit anywhere a sbc will fit. Check Luthers Napco clone 56 build . He is going to put a 6.2 V8 oil burner in his 65 Malibu. He has some comments in his build .

Re: 53 panel diesel project
 

A mercedes diesel or a VW diesel are good options too.

Re: 53 panel diesel project
 

What about an Isuzu, like thay use in the box trucks ? I don't know much about them, but here is one in an early suburban.

http://www.autotraderclassics.com/cl...ationId=555498

Re: 53 panel diesel project
 

Thats a 4 bt cummins not a Isuzu. Looks like a nice swap tho !

Re: 53 panel diesel project
 

I'll be nice this time. :lol: I saw the pic, and was like Isuzu huh? :smoke:

Re: 53 panel diesel project
 

Agreed... I thought the "C" badge gave it away. guess not

Re: 53 panel diesel project
 

Just imagine if it was detroit green ! Then what! LoL. Was still nice looken conversion tho . A/c and all the goodies.

Re: 53 panel diesel project
 

I still wouldn't be fooled. :devil:

Re: 53 panel diesel project
 

Umm, my bad boy's and girls. I read an article on this suburban years ago and was thinking the article said that it had Isuzu diesel. So when I saw it for sale I didn't read what it had or even look at the engine that close. The big blue 'C' on the topside of the motor should have been a good hint as to what brand of engine was in it.:uhmk:
But still what if we break up my original sentence.
What about Isuzu diesel's ? In post #9 is an early suburban with a diesel (Not Isuzu) conversion.;)

Re: 53 panel diesel project
 

I put a 4bt in a 1970 chevy 4x4 , it doesn't vibrate very much. Lots of torque

Re: 53 panel diesel project
 

What about Isuzu diesels... they are power houses. If I got a deal on a Duramax like I did my Cummins it would be in my 68 and I would be rocking Isuzu badge too...haha:metal:
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Re: 53 panel diesel project
 

I like the idea of the 4bt. Good fuel economy, power and I wouldn't have to mess with my firewall, but they are SO expensive! I've found some for around $1500, but I'm still looking. And I need a standard trans for it too. Any ideas where to find some reasonable engines?
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Re: 53 panel diesel project
 

Look for an older GM bread truck. some have the same bellhousing as the gass engines that used TH 400s.

Re: 53 panel diesel project
 

Schwank, any progress or luck finding you an engine? I've got a 1950 GMC 450 firetruck looking to do the same repower. Jim

Re: 53 panel diesel project
 

Any luck finding an engine?

Re: 53 panel diesel project
 

Still looking for your engine?