Duramax transmission options

[Matt Cramer]

So, I've got a '72 C10 with a damaged block, and can't really seem to justify expensive block repairs on a stock 350. So I've been daydreaming about engine swaps, and happen to know where there's a Duramax diesel available from sometime around 2007-2008. Just the engine, sitting on a pallet. No transmission or anything.

There's a lot of things I'd have to research to do such a swap, but one total unknown is what to use for a transmission. The truck is currently an automatic and it may be most practical to keep it that way. What sort of automatic would hold up behind this and not be too expensive or bulky?

[tardis454]

Built 4L80E/6L80E, Allison, or NV5600..

[squirrel]

not too expensive? probably the SM465 granny low 4 speed

[rightpedal]

Is the bolt pattern on the duramax the same as standard chevys?

Steve

[tardis454]

Is the bolt pattern on the duramax the same as standard chevys?

Steve

Yep, bolt boss at the peak is used also...

[milner351]

does the engine have the wiring harness and computer? If not - price that stuff out from a junkyard first.

older mechanical diesels are a lot easier to swap, but also a lot louder and less efficient, but way way way less complex.

Not sure what an allison costs used - but i'm guessing a few grand. may be more cost effective to start out with a totalled truck and sell off the engine and other parts you don't use - keep the wiring, computer, transmission, transmission computer, etc.

[TheSilverBuick]

4L80e and megashift =P

[SpiderGearsMan]

4L80e is overrated turkey
tons better than the competition but the 6L90 smokes it
get the allison and hack up the floor
I don't understand the diesel love though ..after you have done 10 or 50 sets of injectors back in 2004 , you get over it

[tardis454]

Why bother with diesel when you can buy a drop out 5.3 motor for under a grand...

http://www.ebay.com/itm/02-Chevy-Sil...-/290910662537

[Matt Cramer]

Why bother with diesel when you can buy a drop out 5.3 motor for under a grand...

http://www.ebay.com/itm/02-Chevy-Sil...-/290910662537

That is the obvious choice, and what I have been planning to do - but I wanted to weigh my options first.

[DanStokes]

Buy a 240D and pull the trans and just bolt it in behind your Diesel.

Oh wait - that's me........

Dan