Attempting the next best engine swap for 80s IMO (13 Viewers)

[clx16]

Jealous of the cloth seats.

 

[Mandrake]

Of all the possible engine swaps that aren't Toyota engines, this is by far the most sensible one. It retains the inline six personality, removes spark plugs, and adds turbo. I dig it.

 

[MissahPapaJ]

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

 

[Marvelicious]

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.

 

[MissahPapaJ]

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

 

[Rollinns]

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.

 

[davidp14]

two engine swaps in less time than I take to change my oil.

Sub'd

 

[mudgudgeon]

Some will say I’m an idiot

Ok, I'll say it. You're an idiot

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.

 

[clx16]

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.

 

[tmxmotorsports]

New vehicles nowadays is crazy money .

 

[peacesells63]

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.

 

[Drewthecarguy]

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

 

[alia176]

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. . 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.

 

[COS80]

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.

 

[Drewthecarguy]

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