67 Suburban Diesle Conversion Ideas

[Adam Moyers]

Just in the dreaming phase right now. I'm still looking for a 67 Suburban to buy. It will happen sometime this year or the next though. I would like to get the opinion of some of the more experienced members if you have the time to respond.

1. What would be the best diesel/auto trans combo if MPG is the most important factor?

2. Is it possible to get over 25mpg with the right setup?

This would be a daily driver that would rarely be towing anything.

I'm sure I will have a 100 more questions once I find my Burb and get started.

Thanks for your time.

[marvgarr68]

6.2/6.5 for mileage they run good if you fix the common problems. It will bolt right in use an overdrive trans the th400 isn't the best for mileage.

[ryanroo]

6.2 would be the easiest swap. i dont think you will see mid twenties with it, but i bet you could set it up to do well, assuming a lower 2wd truck. there are claims on the web of 4bt fullsize trucks getting mid twenties. i bet if you set it up specifically for mileage and not hot rodding or big power its doable with a 4bt. lifted 4x4s are going to get worse mileage. for the 6.2 i agree a 700r4 would likely do the trick. with a b series cummins you can pick from many. dodge, gm, ford etc. they are adaptable to most popular stuff.

[Adam Moyers]

Thanks for the replies. Would it be possible to get 25+ with a newer ecodiesel?

[HemiChallenger71]

1/2 or 3/4 suburban? an honest 25mpg is pushing it, with any fullsize truck.

4/6bt would be my go to. The 6.2/6.5 might be easier swap wise, but I personally hate 'em. Unless you can get a 6.2/6.5 DIRT cheap its not worth the hassle.

[Adam Moyers]

I dont have one yet, but I won't have a preference when I find the right one. Thanks for the input.

[superduty_59]

I have a 97 Chevy K3500 ( 1 ton 4wd) crew cab dually. It has the 6.5 in it. When driving easy and no load I can get 24-25 mpg range. Loaded or drive hard and likely will see 18-19 mpg.

[Dieselwrencher]

We've worked on 2 different 97-98 chevy 2500 extended cab long bed 4x4 trucks that had p-pump 4bt's in them. They both got 25-28mpg driving hwy and 20-22 in town. Pretty hard to beat IMO. It really depends what you want. A 4bt will require mods, the 6.2 or 6.5 will be a bolt in deal for the most part. Also, how much you want to spend will affect this too.

[Adam Moyers]

Nice to hear of a few getting around 25mpg. Since this is the dreaming phase, the cost doesn't really play a role to me right now. This is how I look at it, people are spending $60-70k on a new suburban that will be worth nothing in 10 years. I would rather put $40-50k in a 67 and have it forever or at least be able to recoup some of the money spent if I needed to sell it.

This thread could easily turn into a 67 C10 truck or 69-72 blazer thread if the right opportunity presents itself. I've got my eye on a a 67 truck thats only 30 miles from home.

Thanks again for the input.