47 Chevy with a duramax or cummins?? - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

47fivewindow · 06-17-2009, 01:54 PM

Ive got a 47 pickup that I'm in the process of re building and i want to put a diesel engine into. I don't know if anyone has ever done this before or if its even possible. The truck is originally a 3/4 ton and a long box and I want it to be somewhat of a street rod and a daily driver.

britnjc · 06-17-2009, 04:28 PM

anything is possible. I think someone on here has done one I will do a search on the site and look. would be an awesome build.

mr48chev · 06-23-2009, 01:59 PM

I think you would find that a Duramax would fit a lot better than the Cummins. There have been several articles in the different Diesel magazines on the magazine rack lately on conversions.
Cost might be the deciding factor as I haven't seen pieces advertised for sale that come anywhere close to affordable by my standards.

I did see a 91 Dodge two wheel drive with a Cummins in the local craigslist for 2000 the other day and I think it didn't last the day. So far I don't remember seeing a Duramax engine for sale by it's self or a truck cheap enough to strip the engine and trans.

I would plan on having to box the frame and do some other strengthening as the torque from either would be rough on a stock frame.
With a Cummins you would probably have to recess the firewall several inches but it would be a horse when you go done.

northerngmc · 06-23-2009, 02:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mr48chev

I think you would find that a Duramax would fit a lot better than the Cummins. There have been several articles in the different Diesel magazines on the magazine rack lately on conversions.
Cost might be the deciding factor as I haven't seen pieces advertised for sale that come anywhere close to affordable by my standards.

I did see a 91 Dodge two wheel drive with a Cummins in the local craigslist for 2000 the other day and I think it didn't last the day. So far I don't remember seeing a Duramax engine for sale by it's self or a truck cheap enough to strip the engine and trans.

I would plan on having to box the frame and do some other strengthening as the torque from either would be rough on a stock frame.
With a Cummins you would probably have to recess the firewall several inches but it would be a horse when you go done.

Funny because I was thinking the opposite and it would be easier to put the inline 6 in the 47 instead of the Duramax V8, but maybe length has it over width, this time!

I think you might be best to try and buy a complete truck and then take the drivetrain, maybe even the frame. Truck TV is in the process of mounting a mid 70's F*rd crewcab onto a 90's D*odge frame with a Cummins and they bought the Dodge as a write off.

Good luck and keep us posted.

northerngmc · 06-23-2009, 02:15 PM

Sorry, duplicate post

54 jimmy · 06-23-2009, 05:49 PM

4 cyclinder cummins fits the best in an ad truck.

robin58 · 06-24-2009, 09:03 AM

IIRC a 6.2l and 6.5L GM diesel use the same motor mounts as a SBC. With the huge amount of aftermarket parts for that swap, putting one of those engines in shouldn't be any more complex. Plus you can find them pretty cheap at military surplus places. They're pretty anemic though so if you're wanting lots of HP and torque those are not the ones to consider.

1-ton of fun · 06-24-2009, 01:05 PM

i have heard that gale banks is working on a lot of performance parts for the duramax's, just fyi

blackdiesel · 06-27-2009, 09:00 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 54 jimmy

4 cyclinder cummins fits the best in an ad truck.

Jimmy here hit the nail on the head.

I would steer clear of a V8 diesel because they are more complicated, have more rotating mass, dont have the longitivity of an I6, less torque, and if for no other reason, have you ever seen a V8 in a modern Semi?

A duramax would require a computer and wiring harness to run, and as long as you get a cummins that was built before '98, it will be all mechanical.

a 4 cylinder cummins is capable of 350+ hp. but along with that comes ~700 foot lbs of tq. and it would be as easy as slapping a carberated small block chevy in it.

Also, stay away from Gale Banks!! his crap is overpriced and dosnt deliver the hp #'s he says it will

Bigblue29 · 06-27-2009, 10:44 AM

This is a guy I saw at a local show with an AD panel and a 6.2L Diesel. It was pretty sick. I dont know the guy. The motor fit, but the engine bay looked pretty full...

47fivewindow · 09-30-2009, 04:03 AM

Wow thanks guys Im currently deployed to spain so i havent checked up on this in a while. I guess ill start looking into the i4 cummins engines and how much power I can build out of one of those. hopefully after i get back stateside in febuary or march this project will get rolling.

dougw · 09-30-2009, 06:18 AM

You may look at the smaller 3.3BT Cummins engine, lots of guys are doing conversions with this engine, getting mileage in the 30s with good power. Also consider the Mercedes 5 Cyl turbo diesel from 83-85 300D. They make pretty good power, their automatic trans has issues shifting, someone now sells an adapter to install the 60 degree 700R4 behind it, that would be pretty cool. Both of these engines are inlines, so you can maintain at least that aspect, as well as being easier to deal with in the narrow front end.

BlueJeep · 09-30-2009, 09:59 AM

A good friend of mine has a 3.9 cummins in his 54 ford pickup with an NV4500 transmission. He's had it running for about 4 years now and has about 50,000 miles on it since the swap. It gets 37mpg on the highway, and a little over 20 mpg when pulling a trailer load of brick. Plenty of power to spin the tires in the first 4 gears, and fantastic torque and mileage.

Bigblue29 · 09-30-2009, 11:24 AM

Where in spain are you stationed?

47fivewindow · 09-30-2009, 11:55 AM

im deployed to rota, spain

jdmathes074 · 10-01-2009, 11:16 AM

i actually have a 2 ton 53 that i was planning on doing this same swap in but it will be down the road a ways. i need to get done with my 86 first.

47fivewindow · 04-19-2010, 01:10 PM

ive been looking at prices of truck on craigslist and for the price im looking to spend would it be at all possible to just put the 47 body onto a rolling chassis from a 2000 or later silverado hd with the duramax. that way i could take the power windows and everything from the interior. would this be possible or is there a better truck frame to do this with.

sweet70beast · 04-23-2010, 07:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 54 jimmy

4 cyclinder cummins fits the best in an ad truck.

I heard that they are putting these in Jeep libertys now. Maybe some are sitting in junk yards now.

addicted2dunes · 04-23-2010, 08:25 PM

The fun's of life. I too am in the same boat you are, except mines a 57 quad cab. I chose the Cummins after a lot of research and a lot of help from blackdiesel. My project can be seen down here vvvvvvvvvvvv

06-17-2009, 01:54 PM	#1
47fivewindow Registered User Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Point Mugu, Ca Posts: 4	47 Chevy with a duramax or cummins?? Ive got a 47 pickup that I'm in the process of re building and i want to put a diesel engine into. I don't know if anyone has ever done this before or if its even possible. The truck is originally a 3/4 ton and a long box and I want it to be somewhat of a street rod and a daily driver.

06-17-2009, 04:28 PM	#2
britnjc Registered User Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Helena, Alabama Posts: 453	Re: 47 Chevy with a duramax or cummins?? anything is possible. I think someone on here has done one I will do a search on the site and look. would be an awesome build.

06-23-2009, 01:59 PM	#3
mr48chev Registered User Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Toppenish, WA Posts: 15,287	Re: 47 Chevy with a duramax or cummins?? I think you would find that a Duramax would fit a lot better than the Cummins. There have been several articles in the different Diesel magazines on the magazine rack lately on conversions. Cost might be the deciding factor as I haven't seen pieces advertised for sale that come anywhere close to affordable by my standards. I did see a 91 Dodge two wheel drive with a Cummins in the local craigslist for 2000 the other day and I think it didn't last the day. So far I don't remember seeing a Duramax engine for sale by it's self or a truck cheap enough to strip the engine and trans. I would plan on having to box the frame and do some other strengthening as the torque from either would be rough on a stock frame. With a Cummins you would probably have to recess the firewall several inches but it would be a horse when you go done.

06-23-2009, 02:15 PM	#5
northerngmc Registered User Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: Whitehorse YK Canada Posts: 2,651	Re: 47 Chevy with a duramax or cummins?? Sorry, duplicate post __________________ Blaine 59 GMC 9314 a.k.a. Whoopee 68 C20 50th Anniversary a.k.a. The Rat http://www.flickr.com/photos/northerngmc/ http://www.members.tripod.com/P-wee/index_032.htm 1.61803 is one H of a lot better than 3.14159, no really it is! Last edited by northerngmc; 06-23-2009 at 02:16 PM.

06-23-2009, 05:49 PM	#6
54 jimmy Registered User Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: pittston,PA Posts: 1,183	Re: 47 Chevy with a duramax or cummins?? 4 cyclinder cummins fits the best in an ad truck. __________________ There is nothing you can't fix with a BFH or a FIRE WRENCH. 1997 chevy k1500 ext cab z71 (daily driver) sold 1996 chevy k1500 reg cab 4x4(daily driver)totaled 2008jeep patriot (wife's daily driver 2008 chevy 1500 ext cab 4x4 sold 2011 chevy 1500 crew cab ltz (daily driver) 1996 chevy 1500 reg cab 4x4 project sold 2006 pontiac grand prix gxp (daily work commuter)

06-24-2009, 09:03 AM	#7
robin58 Registered User Join Date: May 2007 Location: Louisiana Posts: 763	Re: 47 Chevy with a duramax or cummins?? IIRC a 6.2l and 6.5L GM diesel use the same motor mounts as a SBC. With the huge amount of aftermarket parts for that swap, putting one of those engines in shouldn't be any more complex. Plus you can find them pretty cheap at military surplus places. They're pretty anemic though so if you're wanting lots of HP and torque those are not the ones to consider.

06-24-2009, 01:05 PM	#8
1-ton of fun polishing a turd Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: houston, tx Posts: 674	Re: 47 Chevy with a duramax or cummins?? i have heard that gale banks is working on a lot of performance parts for the duramax's, just fyi __________________ 59 chevy apache 31 4x4 - my project: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s....php?p=8668512 53 buick special - straight 8 sled - blow through turbo 47 gmc - flatbed hot rod build 99 ford econoline e350 - 4x4 converted family roadtrip/overlanding rig AKA 'Monstervan' AKA 'Daddy-Van'

06-27-2009, 10:44 AM	#10
Bigblue29 Thanks 'til you're better paid Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Minneapolis, MN Posts: 257	Re: 47 Chevy with a duramax or cummins?? This is a guy I saw at a local show with an AD panel and a 6.2L Diesel. It was pretty sick. I dont know the guy. The motor fit, but the engine bay looked pretty full... __________________ -Luke 1950 Chevy AD 3100 pickup 2000 GMC Sierra 1970 Jeepster Commando

09-30-2009, 04:03 AM	#11
47fivewindow Registered User Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Point Mugu, Ca Posts: 4	Re: 47 Chevy with a duramax or cummins?? Wow thanks guys Im currently deployed to spain so i havent checked up on this in a while. I guess ill start looking into the i4 cummins engines and how much power I can build out of one of those. hopefully after i get back stateside in febuary or march this project will get rolling.

09-30-2009, 06:18 AM	#12
dougw Registered User Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Staunton, VA Posts: 14	Re: 47 Chevy with a duramax or cummins?? You may look at the smaller 3.3BT Cummins engine, lots of guys are doing conversions with this engine, getting mileage in the 30s with good power. Also consider the Mercedes 5 Cyl turbo diesel from 83-85 300D. They make pretty good power, their automatic trans has issues shifting, someone now sells an adapter to install the 60 degree 700R4 behind it, that would be pretty cool. Both of these engines are inlines, so you can maintain at least that aspect, as well as being easier to deal with in the narrow front end. __________________ '51 3100 (New One!) '87 YJ Wrangler, 4.2L, Junkyard TBI, 4.5" BDS, 4.11's, LockRight Up Front, 33x10.50 BFG MT's, 15x8 Procomp Streetlocks, SYE-TW, Jeeperman Swingaway, MM 9000 lb Hydraulic Winch '07 JK Wrangler 4DR Last edited by dougw; 09-30-2009 at 06:19 AM. Reason: Addition

09-30-2009, 09:59 AM	#13
BlueJeep Registered User Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Waukee, Iowa Posts: 1,608	Re: 47 Chevy with a duramax or cummins?? A good friend of mine has a 3.9 cummins in his 54 ford pickup with an NV4500 transmission. He's had it running for about 4 years now and has about 50,000 miles on it since the swap. It gets 37mpg on the highway, and a little over 20 mpg when pulling a trailer load of brick. Plenty of power to spin the tires in the first 4 gears, and fantastic torque and mileage. __________________ build threads: 86 Suburban 88 Jeep 6.0 swap 49 Chevy truck 54 Chevy wagon 86 Suburban lowered 4/6 54 Chevy wagon 49 Chevy/s10 mix 88 Jeep Wrangler rockcrawler

09-30-2009, 11:24 AM	#14
Bigblue29 Thanks 'til you're better paid Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Minneapolis, MN Posts: 257	Re: 47 Chevy with a duramax or cummins?? Where in spain are you stationed? __________________ -Luke 1950 Chevy AD 3100 pickup 2000 GMC Sierra 1970 Jeepster Commando Last edited by Bigblue29; 09-30-2009 at 12:00 PM. Reason: spelling

09-30-2009, 11:55 AM	#15
47fivewindow Registered User Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Point Mugu, Ca Posts: 4	Re: 47 Chevy with a duramax or cummins?? im deployed to rota, spain

10-01-2009, 11:16 AM	#16
jdmathes074 Registered User Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Monroe, La Posts: 42	Re: 47 Chevy with a duramax or cummins?? i actually have a 2 ton 53 that i was planning on doing this same swap in but it will be down the road a ways. i need to get done with my 86 first.

04-19-2010, 01:10 PM	#17
47fivewindow Registered User Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Point Mugu, Ca Posts: 4	Re: 47 Chevy with a duramax or cummins?? ive been looking at prices of truck on craigslist and for the price im looking to spend would it be at all possible to just put the 47 body onto a rolling chassis from a 2000 or later silverado hd with the duramax. that way i could take the power windows and everything from the interior. would this be possible or is there a better truck frame to do this with.



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04-23-2010, 08:25 PM	#19
addicted2dunes Insane In The Membrane Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: Orcutt, CA Posts: 446	Re: 47 Chevy with a duramax or cummins?? The fun's of life. I too am in the same boat you are, except mines a 57 quad cab. I chose the Cummins after a lot of research and a lot of help from blackdiesel. My project can be seen down here vvvvvvvvvvvv __________________ Cameron Gunlock Project: ALTER-K-TION ('57 GMC Quad Cab) http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=393750

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