Attempting the next best engine swap for 80s IMO

[Drewthecarguy]

Hmm that actually makes a lot of sense. I've been in a '21 gas suburban and it has buttons, not mechanical linkage for the transmission. I can't imagine they would have an entirely different shifter setup for the diesel version.

Thanks for all the info you've posted on your build. Very interesting.

I can get you one for a good deal if you are interested. Probably can put a whole package together for you to help put all the little things in. Hell I’ll even install one for you. Just let me know

 

[noobierice]

Newest update I have removed the electric thermo management crap and now running my adapter I designed. I should now be able to run the engine a lot cooler than it normally runs. It usually runs around 240 degrees which is crazy to me but they claim it helps with fuel economy. Using a 190 thermostat so 210 should be easy to maintain View attachment 4031022

Also with that electric crap my heat wouldn’t get hot until fully warmed up which takes forever if I’m just going around town.

Now my heater core is ran a lot simpler

Hey! its me from youtube! the one asking if you had a write up, i know lm2 and lzo have alot of issues with these if you can find a solution to bypass this im pretty sure the silverado/sierra guys would love this to

 

[noobierice]

First prototype of V 2.0 of the adapter has finally landed and we are going to test the first article on the new Duramax 3.0 10 speed conversion. This adapter version eliminates the need for the 95-97 trans adapter piece. After testing we will pull the trigger on changes/updates and get these ordered up.

View attachment 4028316

cant wait! im looking forward to this swap on my 94

 

[Drewthecarguy]

Hey! its me from youtube! the one asking if you had a write up, i know lm2 and lzo have alot of issues with these if you can find a solution to bypass this im pretty sure the silverado/sierra guys would love this to

I’ve been running my adapter for a while now and even made a website to start selling parts as I develop them. I’ve been running a 3d printed adapter with no issues but have since started making them out of aluminum and they look fantastic

My website is DrewTheCarGuy.com

My website sucks but I’ll slowly make it look better

 

[Marvelicious]

I’ve been running my adapter for a while now and even made a website to start selling parts as I develop them. I’ve been running a 3d printed adapter with no issues but have since started making them out of aluminum and they look fantastic View attachment 4049916View attachment 4049917View attachment 4049918

My website is DrewTheCarGuy.com

My website sucks but I’ll slowly make it look better

Looks nice.

How's that lower temp thermostat working out so far? Most of what I've read about diesels, especially newer diesels, says they run well with more heat than a gas motor. It makes sense: diesel is a less volatile fuel, and needs more heat for clean and efficient combustion. It's not night and day, but it seems like the ideal block temp is warmer than would be ideal for gas.

My fear is that you'll end up fighting carbon deposits with that 190 stat... just speculation, but it's worth a thought.

 

[Drewthecarguy]

Truck runs perfect at the lower temps. I’m not to worried about the possibility of carbon deposits. I’m still getting high 20 to low 30 mpg on 37s with more torque than il ever need. And now I have a 10x more simple cooling system with 30 less possible locations for leaks.

 

[PIP]

If you get those thermostat adapters anodized they will look good indefinitely. If not they will be pretty corroded in a couple years.

 

[Drewthecarguy]

If you get those thermostat adapters anodized they will look good indefinitely. If not they will be pretty corroded in a couple years.

That’s a good point, I was just trying to keep the costs down as much as I could since I’m not here trying to make a living, just trying to help people do the swap

 

[COS80]

That’s a good point, I was just trying to keep the costs down as much as I could since I’m not here trying to make a living, just trying to help people do the swap

That'd be a few extra bucks well spent, imo.

 

[tmxmotorsports]

That’s a good point, I was just trying to keep the costs down as much as I could since I’m not here trying to make a living, just trying to help people do the swap

I agree

 

[tmxmotorsports]

I agree

Sorry meant to reply to @PIP

 

[White Stripe]

People can go anodize it themselves if they want. Or they can shoot it with spray paint or something. They can figure it out. Thats my 2 cents.

 

[Bigtoepfer]

Exactly because someone is going to complain that its not anodized bright purple or matte red or something obnoxious.

 

[Marvelicious]

Exactly because someone is going to complain that its not anodized bright purple or matte red or something obnoxious.

20% extra for the Special Edition in Realtree Camo

 

[alia176]

25mpg-ish with 37s and stock R&P (I presume) . Badass.

 

[1MAC]

25mpg-ish with 37s and stock R&P (I presume) . Badass.

I told him he should re-gear with 3.55s.

 

[alia176]

I told him he should re-gear with 3.55s.

I didn't know this ratio is an option for the 80 series since most of us go the other way

 

[1MAC]

I'm not an engineer, but I would think that dropping the RPM by roughly 13% should improve fuel economy. I know it seems to work the other way around when people go up to 4.88s for 37s with a 1FZ, but Drew's LM2 has way more torque and horsepower. I wonder if @torfab has an opinion?

3.55 ring and pinion sets from Oz

 

[Broski]

And a lower first gear

 

[torfab]

I run stock 4.10 gears with 37's in my L87 10 speed powered 80 and that's about the same output as the L87 Silverado with its stock gears and tires. I would maybe do an overdrive conversion on the t-case instead of re-gearing though. I'm in the process of putting this same combo into my 40th anniversary 80 series so I will have more real world opinions after I'm done.