Engine recommendations

[heavychevy]

Now that I what it is (M55 gasser), the question is what can we do to it. My brother got it about eight months ago, it was a clean truck to start out with. We have done some work, like changing the top, putting new trop seats and a tune up. Its a really great truck only problem is it has NO POWER. We have decide to do a engine swap and would like to go with either a CAT or Cummins (CAT is #1 choice). From the research I have done I have been able to find some info, nothing clear. Does anyone have info on possible engine swaps or has done one themselves. Any and all info is greatly appreciated, any if this topic has been covered before sorry in advanced, I have not been able to find it on the site.

 

[jasonjc]

The govmit put a mack in um. The replace ment for that truck had a cummins. sorry not much help I know.

 

[clinto]

You could put a Mack in it like JasonJC said (an ENDT 673). That wouold bring it to A1 specs (more or less).

Or, you could put a multifuel in it (LDS465) and birng it up to A2 specs (more or less).

Other swaps? you will have to ask someone more knowledgeable.

 

[heavychevy]

Thanks for the info guys, but really looking for something with more power. Its a huge truck, and we would like to use it on a weekly basis, and the extra power would make it more driveable/ freeway friendly.

 

[CCATLETT1984]

the huge tires you have on it arent helping in the power department ya know, I'd steer towards a 6bt or something similiar.

 

[DanMartin]

IMHO: Stick a modern big-block or V-10 in it...keep it a gasser, but with a modern 502 GM or V-10 Ford engine with a nice 5 or 6 speed auto tranny. Tons of power, decent-ish mileage (compared to the stocker) and good reliability. Overdrive...maybe automatic tranny...nice. Plus parts would be cheap and easy to find.

Just a suggestion...I think it would be a fun project, make it easier to drive, and most importantly keep it on the road...

Do what makes you happy...but please keep us posted.

 

[heavychevy]

yeah, but big tires are cool. A must have.

 

[Alredneck]

What about a international? I know it not authentic but may be a lil cheaper and parts are alvailalbe. Get a used bus pretty cheap for a donor!

 

[Pinkie]

I vote DT466, turbo, tons of torque and they last forever ( I have one )

 

[beaubeau]

DT466

On the DT466, They are a nice running motor, easy to find and inexpencive. I replaced a Cat in my GMC with a DT360. It has done well now for 3 years. Phil

 

[Crash_AF]

RE: DT466

I'll have to jump on the mechanical bandwagon... put an older (non electronic) 466 or 6CT8.3 Cummins in it. While a newer V10 or injected 502 would be nice, you'd be adding massive amounts of electricals to the truck.

Later,
Joe

 

[houdel]

RE: DT466

If you really want to get carried away, how a 6V-53 or a 6V-71? Lotsa power, higher revs for better road speed, and an AWESOME sound! Fair amount of rework to fit one in though.

 

[73m819]

RE: DT466

im guessing that your truck is a eraly 50s , so it is about 50 yars old, so think 50 year old brakes, even if rebuilt, that are designed to stop that truck doing about 50 mph empty (gettint to 50 mph loaded would be a chore), im not sure id want that truck doing 70 down the freeway if it was mine, it worries me when i get my 819 up to 60, if there is a bunch of little (almost everything is little to the 819) family runabouts on the road with me , i back off, just my

 

[5tonpuller]

RE: DT466

No mater what you put in it, The top speed will still be. Just go over hill and dale better.

 

[heavychevy]

RE: DT466

I like the 6v53, it’s just a little bit harder find complete. What we wanted to do was buy a complete semi truck that had been in a wreck and just transfer everything over, that way we wouldn’t be running around looking for parts. As far as the brakes and top speed, I think the brakes should hold up the, only looking to do about 55mph tops. The main concern with the power and speed is to be able to do 50-55mph, downhill, uphill, sideways. The way its set up now you can do 45mph, but as soon as you hit the smallest hill it goes down to 25-30 tops, and we have alot of hills in California.

 

[imported_Squirt-Truck]

RE: DT466

Anothet 2 cents... 6V53 is cool, but serious lack of power, 6v71 would be great. DT-466 turned up and with 2800 RPM kit is an easy swap. Stay mechanical. If the brakes are working properly, they will lock the tires and that is all ANY brake system will do. Note, if you do not go with a Detroit or high speed International, wou will also have to change the tranny to the overdirve and the there is the.......hole, right 73m819.

 

[73m819]

RE: DT466

so true about the hole between 3 and 4. if you chang trans., make sure that new trans will clear the front drive line

 

[madsam]

RE: DT466

here is my vote - Detroit Diesel 12V71... 2 stroke

It probably would not fit, and would be way to much, but it would be cool. It could pull a mountain, as long as the drive train held up. It would not increase top speed, but it would not notice the hills.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DbgQz0ahYdA&feature=related

 

[heavychevy]

RE: DT466

I read on one of the other posts about the cummins 355, does anyone have more info on this engine swap.