Duramax Swap.

[BigGMC09]

ok, I know I have posted a few threds about engine swaps, but now I am thinking that a diesel is what I want(for now ) but as of now that is what I would like to do. The reason behind this post is so that I can find out what I would need to do the swap. In detail. I need to know what I would need as far as parts, and how long approximatly it will take. and if anyone has any idea about how much it would cost that would be great information as well. I know it would be a long process but with the right amount of time and money it would be well worth it! thanks to anyone that can offor any helpfull information!

[nickvrebel]

go kart? air plane? snow blower? what's it going in?

 

some things you will need regardless: motor complete with all accessories, custom motor mounts, transmission suitable, engine and trans harness w/ PCM, fuel pump.....

 

 

this swap would best be done with a "donor" truck available to pull all parts that you are going to need.

[BigGMC09]

ah yes, I forgot to mention that its goin in an 03 GMC seirra regular cab short bed it already has a 5 speed transmission with 373 gears.

go kart? air plane? snow blower? what's it going in?

 

some things you will need regardless: motor complete with all accessories, custom motor mounts, transmission suitable, engine and trans harness w/ PCM, fuel pump.....

 

 

this swap would best be done with a "donor" truck available to pull all parts that you are going to need.

[FarmerDave]

That 5 speed u got in it will likely get ripped in two by a duramax.

[BigGMC09]

what would I need to do to it to keep it? I refuse to own an automatic. I just dont like them lol

That 5 speed u got in it will likely get ripped in two by a duramax.

[FarmerDave]

You don't need an automatic, just a manual that can handle 600+ lb/ft of torque. 4L60s can handle around 360 lb/ft, id imagine your manual is around the same.

[BigGMC09]

I think the 4L60s is what my transmission is...what all would I have to change on the interior of the transmision so that it will hold up? bell houseing? gears? transfer case? I dont mean to be a prude...Im just tryin to get it all figured out before I start turnin bolts haha

You don't need an automatic, just a manual that can handle 600+ lb/ft of torque. 4L60s can handle around 360 lb/ft, id imagine your manual is around the same.

[pwall]

Assuming your truck is a 1500, you'll need some front end work too to take the extra weight of the duramax.

[ruggedlife]

you dont have a 4l60 if its a manual... you need to find an entire truck in good running condition as far as motor/trans goes, you'll need a fuel tank, pump, wiring harnesses, and be very capable of custom work. your front end will probably wear out very quickly due to the extra weight. honestly your best bet is to buy a regular cab longbed truck thats a diesel, same year as yours, and cut the frame down and put your short bed on it...

[BigGMC09]

my truck has a full "Fabtech" front end on it so idk about it wearing out. and I deff. dont wanna fool with cutting a frame on a long bed lol

you dont have a 4l60 if its a manual... you need to find an entire truck in good running condition as far as motor/trans goes, you'll need a fuel tank, pump, wiring harnesses, and be very capable of custom work. your front end will probably wear out very quickly due to the extra weight. honestly your best bet is to buy a regular cab longbed truck thats a diesel, same year as yours, and cut the frame down and put your short bed on it...

[ruggedlife]

uhm... my friend cutting the frame off the bed portion of a long bed truck and making it a short bed would be 1000000 times easier than trying to swap in a d-max/trans/wiring/fuel into a 1500.....

[ruggedlife]

not to mention a "fabtech" front end doesnt do anything for the fact that your suspension isnt rated to enough weight, neither is your suspension components, balljoints etc etc....

[BrockwayMT]

you dont have a 4l60 if its a manual... you need to find an entire truck in good running condition as far as motor/trans goes, you'll need a fuel tank, pump, wiring harnesses, and be very capable of custom work. your front end will probably wear out very quickly due to the extra weight. honestly your best bet is to buy a regular cab longbed truck thats a diesel, same year as yours, and cut the frame down and put your short bed on it...

 

or just buy a manual trans regular cab duramax and deal with the long box. Then you will have two trucks which is better than one.

[ruggedlife]

i know they exist but damned if ive seen one in a few years i hear they're pretty hard to come by and anyone who has one probably doesnt want to let it go

[BigGMC09]

from the sounds of things it would be muuuuuuuuch easier to just swap the lq4 6.0, supercharge it and put a better cam in it than a dmax swap