Duramax?

[rebelgtp]

Well I was out working on the Olds yesterday and my neighbor came over to talk cars. He spotted the diesel badge on the car and asked if it was really a diesel. I informed him it had been from the factory but had been converted t gas at some point and I had a new 350 gas motor on its way for it.

Well this got me thinking and I remembered the GNX clone that had a 6.6 Duramax in it. This got me thinking maybe this would be a way to go, tons of power, better mileage and not the usual Chevy 350 swap or some big block.

Anyone know how much one of these engines would weigh compared to a big block? Ideas on cost from a wrecker? Any other reasons it would be a terrible idea and I should be sent to my room without dinner for even thinking about it?

 

[megaladon6]

to answer the first 2 questions alot and alot.
diesels are usually heavier that even the most similar gasser (ex my 97 vw tdi diesel 1.9l weighs more than the 2.0l gasser that the block is modeled after, enough to share springs with the vr6 models.) and the 6.6 is a big block to boot.
and the engine is not cheap, there aren't huge numbers of them and the swap is becoming more common, thus more demand. but you may get lucky on an older one and get it dirt cheap.
the swap can definitely be done, but it will be a b*tch! and you'll need to beef up EVERYTHING. springs, sway bar, shocks, trans, axle, (maybe) driveshaft.
plus all the things like fuel tank, lift pump, fuel lines, electronics, et al.
but please do not let me discourage you, if i could i'd do it in a heart beat!

 

[rebelgtp]

Oh yeah everything will have to be reinforced and beefed up, already planned though this would require a whole other level.

Another option that someone mentioned to me was using the older GM 6.5 TD not quite the same power but more plentiful, cheaper and has potential for more power just not the same as the duramax.

I think my biggest problem would be the weight, having that much weight up front would kill my handling.

 

[85 Cutlass Brougham]

I wouldn't use the 6.5. It is technically a bolt in using SBC mounts, but it is not that good of an engine. A friend of mine has one and it has had a lot of expensive problems. The biggest issue with the Duramax will be the electronics and the fuel system. If you can get past that, you have a chance. However, it will still be VERY heavy as it is a truck diesel that is designed for severe duty use, and it has lots of extra metal to make it cope.

 

[username]

Yeah I know its a Mustang but check this out

http://www.dieselpowermag.com/features/ford/0901dp_1994_ford_mustang_duramax/index.html

So yeah if pockets run deeeeep you can do about anything,1500 ftlbs of torque, diesel smoke and a parachute 😀

 

[megaladon6]

one big thing that gets overlooked on virtually all diesels---coolant
even the proper coolant turns acidic and needs additives on a regular basis.
the only coolant i've seen that doesn't have this problem is evans npg+. they've had amazing success with it in everything from (gas) supercars to airplanes to heavy diesels. check out their site.

 

[rebelgtp]

Good tip on the coolant I will check out the info gotta keep things cool no matter what the engine is.

Looks like the 6.5 might be out, found out there is a serious issue with the reinforcements cracking severely weakening the block.

I might go to my yard this weekend and talk to them about an early Duramax.

The 350 is going in first though, I need to get the car up and going then I might start collecting parts for the diesel swap.

 

[87National]

A Cummins 4bt would make for a neat swap into a g-body. Of course, there is not as much potential as a Duramax. The upside would be not having the computer and wiring headache.

 

[85 Cutlass Brougham]

An excellent diesel is the Mercedes Benz OM-617. It is in the best built car ever sold- the W123 300D-turbo. It does not have too much ultimate potential, but it will outlast the car, you, your grandchildren, and possibly the Earth itself! :lol:

 

[megaladon6]

a better option is one of the newer M/B CDI diesels. V6 and they may have the twin turbo variant out. low weight but still 400+torque with mild tuning and injectors. too bad you can only find the good ones in europe. or the BMW 3.0l TDI