Hello all,
New to the whole world of diesel engines. I have always loved that whistling sound some diesels give off, but i always thought they were slow. A friend of mine actually showed me a clip a few years ago of a raised dually dusting a mustang, but i thought it was just one of those one in a million type deals. Last week though i ran across a video ( im sure all of you have seen) of a 65 impala with a diesel engine completely smoking a 100,00.00 + lambo. That moment pretty much got my gears turning.
Mind boggling torque and hp numbers along with above average mpg. I dont know but it seems like i have found the holy grail when it comes to performance. I have always heard the if you want hp you dont think about gas mileage. However i guess thats not completely the case. Well at anyrate, Hope that didnt sound too corny.

I been doing some research and I think i would like to go with a cummins turbo diesel ( 6bt i believe) and i guess from what i have read, an NV4500 transmission. My question is whats a good year to choose from when it comes to purchasing these engines? What should i stay away from...etc etc.
Im planning on sticking it in a 1986 shortbed chevy truck.

Thanks for all the help in advance.....

 

Welcome to "the place". IMHO, if you're wanting a go fast play purty, get an auto coupled with a P-pumped engine (2nd gen). You'll be able to get lots of go fast, reasonably priced and keep decent mileage too.

C10, the next time you visit youtube, use this search. I think you'll like the results. ( Dodge Cummins Fast )

 

This will show how new i am...Whats a P Pump? Is that propane?

 

No sir, that's the injection pump that was used on the 2nd gens. Easily modified with substantial gains. One of our admins, John P, has one that is running over 800 hp I believe. Look up his profile and read his signature. Better grab a towel, or at least a bib. You'll be drooling shortly.

 

nice. What about the trans..i have a 700 r4 od that has been modified to run without the use of the computer. I saw a couple of companies that made adapter plates for them. I read though that you wont get great gas mileage from them. Ironic because i bought that trans for that reason.

 

An aftermarket converter and valve body for the Dodge trans does wonders. An aftermarket trans is even better. Spend some time in the 2nd gen forums looking at what others have done and the results.

 

i havent really seen an in depth discussions for my truck 73-87. I have seen some pics here and there but it seems like they are asking the same questions wanted to pose. But with no real conclussion. I will keep looking though..thanks...just wanted to get a start on the basics of the swap..i have a bad habit of putting the carriage before the horse sometimes lol.

 

You won't find much, if any, info on the Chevy and Dodge didn't start using the Cummins until '89. The 2nd gens are 94-02, P-pumps 94-98.5.