To swap (292 to cummins)or not ?

[long66]

Here is my situation. I have a 66 c10 long bed with a 292 and a granny 4 speed in it. I was just graced with the opportunity to buy a running 6cy Cummins 12v turbo diesel and transmission out of a school bus.. I have a daily driver so this will be a play toy/project. I do not want to make it show quality. Any thoughts?

[Captainfab]

It will depend on your skills and how much time and money you have for this project. You might want to check out some similar builds in the 'Diesel Conversions' section of this forum to get a better idea what is involved.

http://www.67-72chevytrucks.com/vboa...ysprune=&f=240

[spacedebris]

I LOVE the idea. However beware that swapping in a cummins is NOT for the faint of heart and not for the novice (unless you want to learn as you go like I'm doing). Follow the link in my sig to take a look at what a half completed conversion looks like. Granted mine is into a panel but the cab/hood/fender dimensions are all the same as yours. Good luck if you go for it.

[TJ's Chevy]

It would be a heck of a project, but the mileage and power would be worth it. Then again a well tuned and mildly built 292 will move that truck around nicely.

[Mackie]

I like a diesel as much as the next guy but can't get past the weight increase. A Cummins 6bt is like 2 SBCs

[Captainfab]

Wouldn't need dropped spindles or springs that way

Originally Posted by Mackie

I like a diesel as much as the next guy but can't get past the weight increase. A Cummins 6bt is like 2 SBCs

[DieselSJ]

Originally Posted by long66

Here is my situation. I have a 66 c10 long bed with a 292 and a granny 4 speed in it. I was just graced with the opportunity to buy a running 6cy Cummins 12v turbo diesel and transmission out of a school bus.. I have a daily driver so this will be a play toy/project. I do not want to make it show quality. Any thoughts?

I think if you decide not to do the swap (IMHO a 4bt would be a much better swap into a 1/2 ton chassis if you really want a diesel) then you need to forward the info to me so I can purchase the engine for my R30.

[Mackie]

Originally Posted by Captainfab

Wouldn't need dropped spindles or springs that way

Traction ballast would be good

[Dieselwrencher]

Originally Posted by long66

Here is my situation. I have a 66 c10 long bed with a 292 and a granny 4 speed in it. I was just graced with the opportunity to buy a running 6cy Cummins 12v turbo diesel and transmission out of a school bus.. I have a daily driver so this will be a play toy/project. I do not want to make it show quality. Any thoughts?

If the allison is a MT545 or 542, you will have no over drive or lock up and this will make for no good mileage in a pick up without a really high gear such as a 3:07, or higher. But, you can put a different transmission behind it. The factory front suspension can take the weight. You can get different front springs, and you can get heavy duty suspension components for peace of mind, or swap a 73 up suspension under it and get the pieces you need. (i'm not certain the 66 is the same as the 68 up stuff) A 4bt would fit better of course. But if you got a deal on the 6bt and that is what you want, you can make it work.

[long66]

I think I am going to jump in feet first and go for it. I cant beat the deal $. I cant find a good 5 speed transmission for what the guy wants for the engine transmission together. And Yes they are verified running and in good shape. I want it for the "Oh crap that's a Cummins in a Chevy "/ rat rod factor. I am looking for a dually rear end for it also.

[Dieselwrencher]

PM Bill72 as he might have a DRW HO52 or 72 and he's near Albuquerque.