Lets Debate a Little.... LSX vs Duramax for swap....

[6600DURAMAX]

OK Ok this should spark some good conversation

Working on K-30 Crewcab build - Body is in bodyshop and frame is in my garage getting prepped.

I have an internal dilemma/ struggle. I currently have a 2002 Dmax complete drivetrain, everything.... It starts and runs. Not sure of the miles but probably 200K+ is my thoughts. Original plan was to just transplant entire drivetrain over to the 1972 C-30 frame.

Lately I have been contemplating a LSX option or two
One- Buy a Blueprint Performance 427LSX and a 4L80E
Advantages - turn key, warranty, easier engine mounts, simpler fuel delivery, no need for intercooler fitment etc etc.....

Two - Build a LSX 454 - mostly same as above but probably lose the warranty on the motor

DURAMAX - Cant beat a diesel in a big heavy truck BUT - much harder to transplant, more work on fuel, intercooler fitment, standalone harness or use existing, BOTH engine and Tranny will need rebuilt (Not even sure what this cost)

Thoughts or opinions

[6600DURAMAX]

couple pics for interest

[rjs53]

Duramax for sure! Add a chip and get another 150hp and tons of torque.

[RetiredSquid]

In the middle of an LS7/4L85 swap in a '69 C10 myself.

Since you have a K30, why not keep it beefy and go with the diesel?

[6600DURAMAX]

427 LSX is turning 625 HP and 550 Ft LB not to shabby for $11,000.... not sure what rebuild on Duramax would run? Any ideas on cost to freshen the lower end and heads, new High Pressure Fuel, New injectors and rebuild turbo??

[Greg58]

Dmax.
A one ton needs the grunt!

[57taskforce]

Dirtymaxx for sure

[69GMC2004]

I would also go Duramax.

[The Rocknrod]

Duramax, you'd stand out from the crowd.

[Andyking1203]

I think the dmaxx would be a better bang for your buck, reguardless what the buck$$$ is.. plus I think itll last longer,

[Orange Crate]

Why not go for an L18. BBC engine mounts and exhaust manifolds will bolt right up.

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=566019

[chevy71super]

Okay I will go against the grain and say LSX because the install would be less complex and likely less expensive. Long term value with a Duramax may be better though . . . . and you already have a big block beast. The number one question is always what are you going to use it for?

[Slowguy]

I have a 2002 duramax. I can’t imagine that engine in a c10. I would guess you’d really want to do something about weight distribution. My lb7 must be pretty heavy. Without weight in the rear you just spin everywhere you go. Posi would definitely help that but you still “feel” the weight up front. I could have torn apart my 02 to throw the diesel in the c10 but the truck still holds more value than that would be worth. I’d imagine also that it would be MUCH more difficult to find a duramax donor for a reasonable price especially when compared to an ls swap. I own one and I think it’s rediculous how they hold the value. I shop around here and the cheapest, beat to sh1t rustbucket duramax doesn’t seem to drop below about 5k. I can do a lot with 5k and just about any other donor engine. You know what kind of power you can make with 5k and an ls? Lots.

So, I decided to get a lq4 truck engine, rebuild it, add some nice stuff like pac springs, polished crank, new gapped rings, arp head and rod cap bolts, a new stall tc, much more. And I’m probably still into it less than just the engine from my duramax. Not to mention, it’ll make 800 hp if I want it to for now I’m stopping at enough boost to make about 500-550 whp with posi. That should be more than enough for now. That’s got to be more than my basic-tuned duramax is making hp-wise (but probably not more torque)

[6600DURAMAX]

It is a tough decision for sure......

like some have said - the LS swap would be a ton easier but if it was easy everyone would do it??

I like the 8.1L option - I considered it in the past but really forgot about it, might have to relook at that

[57taskforce]

Originally Posted by 6600DURAMAX

It is a tough decision for sure......

like some have said - the LS swap would be a ton easier but if it was easy everyone would do it??

I like the 8.1L option - I considered it in the past but really forgot about it, might have to relook at that

The 8.1 is a beast as well. I’ve had a couple of them. I actually got rid of my 8.1 2500 suburban last fall after I bought my Camaro. The suburban had 260,000 on it original motor and trans both. Pretty stout setup in my opinion. I’d still say duramax though. You just don’t seem to see that swap much and you already got the foundation for it in the rebuilable engine and trans.

[trac209]

Go with the diesel imho. Way stronger and will have tons of low end torque the LS can’t even touch.

[71blksuper4x4]

You know what I am doing.

[Coley]

Good choice!
....think about the fuel mileage advantage too with the Diesel vs. the towing ability.

Those gas engines will need you to pick up a part time job....lol.

All good
Coley

[Hubscrub]

Im not a big ls fan, but i would do it over a diesal any day.

[Sparky dave]

Diesel for work petrol for play that’s where I’m at love them both

[67 chevelle]

C3o crew = duramax for sure

[Mike C]

Rebuilding the Duramax an the Allison would probably cost about the same as buying the LSX and 4L80. This would be a no-brainer to me if you could just pull the driveline from the Diesel truck and use it, but having to rebuild all that expensive stuff? No.

I like the idea of repowering using complete running/driving setup. For your crew cab project I think I would look for either a wrecked D-max with good condition driveline or a donor 8.1/4L80E truck. Suburban would be ideal as they are typically beat on a LOT less than a truck would be.

[BlueChev72]

Duramax all the way. It's a one ton truck, it needs the grunt. It'd also be more unique- there are tons of LS swapped 67-72's, but there aren't just a whole lot with a duramax

[062500hd]

Originally Posted by 71blksuper4x4

You know what I am doing.

Where did you have emblem done?

[Slowguy]

How common are the 8.1’s? In addition to my duramax (that I don’t think it would make sense to rip apart as a donor), I do actually have a 99 lift truck that has an 8.1 in it as well as a 99 3500 van with (I think it has) a 5.7. Other than the obvious popularity of the ls or duramax swap I don’t know how common or desireable it would be to swap in one of these other engines/trans