Duramax crate engines
 

Hey diesel gang,

Has anyone dealt with Gale Banks and their crate motor program? I am doing research for my next truck build and I'm wanting a new turn key diesel package. I also would like to use my existing GM NV4500 if possible so I'd rather not go Cummins.

Thank you.

Re: Duramax crate engines
 

sounds pretty cool. do they have prices listed?

Re: Duramax crate engines
 

Steve, I haven't used any and I don't know anyone who has either. The last time I looked at the prices of the crate engines it was pretty high. Have you thought about finding a wrecked donor truck to start with?

Re: Duramax crate engines
 

Ya I have been searching and weighing my options between factory new, aftermarket new, and a reasonable mileage salvage. The fact is nothing is going to be reasonably priced for what I'm looking to do. Factory GM crate new gen diesels are about $17k and that's just for a drop in turn key motor without accessory drive kit, ecu, wiring harness, pedal, etc to make it run. Gale Banks kits start at $16k and come with everything ready to run but again this is base price. Finally, finding a totaled newer rolling chassis is tough because the body replacement cost is effective against the drivetrain cost. These totaled rigs get gobbled up at auction by shops who can drop a new cab on and resell the rig.

I don't like the new GM body styles nor the bells and whistles. I want the newer Duramax/Alison in a squarebody 3+3 dually flatbed and I'll add my own goodies and wants around it. I'm budgeting $40-45k and 2 years with the idea of half of the budget in the Duramax/Alison/Atlas alone. My current '71 has become a holding platform of a few goodies that can be used in the new build including running gear, braking system, wiring harness, etc. I'll run my D60/14ff. Money could be saved in stead of the Alison/Atlas if i can use my current NV4500/205 combo but I'm unsure what's available anymore clutch wise to stand up to this kind of torque or if pilot bushing diameters and bellhousing patterns are compatible. I am in homework mode.

I have been penciling out options on a build list of needs and wants. I might as well add another 50% for hidden costs too as many say. Maybe my head is in the clouds.

Re: Duramax crate engines
 

I don't think your head is in the clouds. You will just nee to find that great deal at the right time. Keep an eye out for a van with a dmax in it too. You could always get your truck mocked up and then send your engine out for a rebuild. You could do what ever you wanted to it and maybe be under the $16k mark of some other ones. It doesn't take long to eat up money when buying any common rail diesel parts though.

Re: Duramax crate engines
 

Someone correct me if I'm wrong, but isn't the only difference between the GM NV4500 and the ones that came behind the Cummins the input shaft? I thought the input shaft could be changed?

Re: Duramax crate engines
 

Watch ebay for engines. I just saw a 2016 Dmax engine with ECU and harness go for $3500 (pissed at myself because I set my max bid at $3300). Used ones are getting more plentiful and I think the people that jacked up the prices because they thought these engines would be in high demand for swaps are realizing that Dmax's are complicated and people don't want a complicated diesel. Don't be afraid of a high-mileage engine because all the rebuild parts are readily available and there are a lot of shops with experience now. I'm on the fence between a Dmax vs Cummins for my R30. I'll probably end up with whatever great deal I find when I'm ready to start the project.

Re: Duramax crate engines
 

I think there is a little more to it but even so just a main shaft swap with rebuild costs more than just buying the Dodge trans I'm finding.

I appreciate the insight DieselSJ. I am definitely sticking with the diesel build plan but I may have to scrap the use of my NV/205 combo. The Allison will be great, I was just hoping to save a few bucks by running my existing drive train especially since I like to row the gears myself.

Re: Duramax crate engines
 

If it is a post '94 GM NV4500, all you need to do is swap to a Cummins input shaft - the main shafts will work with either input. To do this you're looking at about $150.

If it is a pre '94 GM NV4500 with the wider ratio spacing, it would be more involved to make it bolt to a Cummins.

Re: Duramax crate engines
 

I was wondering if you contacted Banks on their crate engines? I called today about them and they said that they didnt really have the program going yet like the 2012 article I read. They were coming up with this idea since they were getting the contract to put Duramax engines in the new military vehicles taking the place of the hummers. He said that they were focusing on the new 2017 model engine. He projected engines starting around $19,000.00. Was still working on accessories brackets and stuff. Let me know if you know of anything different.

Re: Duramax crate engines
 

I've contacted them too hedgee76, no news to report. When project time comes I'll have to make a decision on what route to go. I'm still a year out from starting this project but I was hoping to start data collecting and putting together a budget.

Re: Duramax crate engines
 

Big bucks is all this adds up to and a lot of decision making.

Re: Duramax crate engines
 

You could buy a complete high-mileage truck and do a wicked build on a Dmax for less money.