Attempting the next best engine swap for 80s IMO (1 Viewer)

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Jealous of the cloth seats.
 
So I’m using the factory tcase. With the LT1 swap I used Torfabs adapter and mounts.
So with this I used the same transfer case adapter since it worked with this 10 speed and just made my own mounts

Factory computer

Currently I’m just using a Edge monitor for gauges but I’ll be getting some Dakotas soon

Yes 14mpg with a 10 speed seems low
I’m hoping to get 30mpg they get high 20s in a full size Silverado with all emissions so I don’t think it’s unrealistic

3.0 take out you can usually get for around 5-6k

No DEF or Emissions stuff. I live in a non testing area
My boss was getting 28mpg driving from central cal to San Fran up the 5 in his 2020 3.0 dirty max……… you may want you lic plate to be DRTYMAX just sayin…. If it’s not taken already
 
My boss was getting 28mpg driving from central cal to San Fran up the 5 in his 2020 3.0 dirty max……… you may want you lic plate to be DRTYMAX just sayin…. If it’s not taken already
If I were a betting man, I wouldn't expect to get better than it does in its original home. Not sure how the weights compare, but the 80 is aerodynamically, terrible. They put those big front ends on all the trucks now.

I'm sure we'll find out soon: at the rate he was going, I assume he's driving it right now. 😆
 
If I were a betting man, I wouldn't expect to get better than it does in its original home. Not sure how the weights compare, but the 80 is aerodynamically, terrible. They put those big front ends on all the trucks now.

I'm sure we'll find out soon: at the rate he was going, I assume he's driving it right now. 😆
That was after the lift and chin spoiler delete… he started to complain about 28mpg, being a 80’ owner and a 95 k1500 I don’t wanna hear you lost 2mpg 🤨
 
I like the originality and that it's a diesel. The speed of your swapping skills is impressive.
1. How much does the engine/transmission combo weigh (including adapters)?
2. Does yours have an engine brake?
3. Does yours have the stop/start "feature"? If so, can you disable it?
4. Any changes to the engine planned?
5. Will you be adding the new gauges to the dash?
Looking forward to seeing more.
 
Some will say I’m an idiot
Ok, I'll say it. You're an idiot :flipoff2:
I’m hoping for 30mpg
How many decades will it take for fuel savings to recoup what you've spent swapping engines.
Fuel savings has to be the most fragile justification for an engine swap in almost every scenario.

I love the idea of a big V8 diesel in an 80, but would want a manual behind it for fun.
 
How many decades will it take for fuel savings to recoup what you've spent swapping engines.
It's fun to talk economics and drive an 80 series haha. Almost anything I do to my 80 is going to be cheaper than a new vehicle so I can rationalize all the things eventually.
 
2 questions: Will/did you put the updated timing chain in? and are you going to run 0w20 oil in it?

Cool swap, like a modernized om606 that makes double the power and should be lighter.
 
2 questions: Will/did you put the updated timing chain in? and are you going to run 0w20 oil in it?

Cool swap, like a modernized om606 that makes double the power and should be lighter.
I did not update the timing chain or oil belt, I’ll probably run 5w-30 rotella, it’s also like a modern 1hdt but the turbo vane sounds better
 
I've always wondered about this particular drivetrain inside an 80 engine bay. I'm very intrigued at this project, but also impressed at how fast this joker swapped in TWO engines in only TWO pages. I mean come on now, we need to see bloody knuckles, wires everywhere, liquid squirting all over the place kind of stuff. :flipoff2:. As in typical swap threads, we should be on page #256 by now.

I'm getting 14-16mpg in my 7500 bloated turbo pig so anything approaching 25mpg would give a major chub. Diesel cost out here in the SW is less than $3.50/gal so it's not that much more than the premium I have to pay.
 
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MPG isn't just about the bill; it's also about time/distance between fillups. Being able to drive all weekend and get home on one fill, as opposed to keeping an eye on the gauge, carrying extra cans, going into town to top off, etc. AND having more power is a pretty compelling reason for a swap, imo.
 
MPG isn't just about the bill; it's also about time/distance between fillups. Being able to drive all weekend and get home on one fill, as opposed to keeping an eye on the gauge, carrying extra cans, going into town to top off, etc. is a pretty compelling reason for a swap, imo.
I agree I live life one day at a time and if I can go multiple days without filling up I call that a plus
 
Time for a little update. So I’ve got the truck up and driving after a hard battle with a no shift situation lol. Ended up being either a bad TCM or it didn’t take the tune very well. These new GM engine and transmissions are no joke when it comes to programming compared to any LS based stuff.

So this is cool I ended up buying an auxiliary radiator from a new Camaro that fits in its fender well and it fit perfect behind the front grille. That is the new heat exchanger for the intercooler

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So this was the other pain in the ass about this swap. Power steering and power brakes.

So here installed is a Volvo electric power steering pump

And for brakes I just ended up going the easy route. My plan originally was to buy a Ibooster from a Honda or something but didn’t feel like dealing with brake lines at the moment, maybe in the future.
But this is a vacuum pump from a Tesla Model S I’ve used these on a couple builds and they are hard to beat for the price and they are super quite.
Also I picked up a vacuum switch from a Volvo also so the pump doesn’t run constantly

I still need to tidy up the pump wiring I was just in a hurry to drive the thing


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Then made a mount for the ECM on top of the fuse box, and the TCM lives under it. Also mounted my heater exchanger tank on the same mount
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And that’s about it for now. I’m waiting on a new MAF sensor to show up since I guess the one I have doesn’t work.

I don’t think it’s making full power at the moment because of the MAF sensor but damn is this engine and transmission smooth going down the road. I personally think way better than the LT1 and 10 speed but after some long road trips I’ll know for sure
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Last thing is I got some 37s today that will probably go on this weekend. Should bring RPMs down on the interstate hopefully helping a little with MPGs
 

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