? on swapping a 8.1 for duramx

jstwkd · July 28, 2004

I just purrchased a duramx and allison set up.And am planning on swapping these. And I'm wondering if anyone else has done this yet?

thanks

Colorado Kid · July 28, 2004

Ouch! I got a headache just thinking about it.

I guess it could be done, but here's a partial list of things I know will need to be changed (or added):

Radiator

Intercooler

Exhaust System

Cluster (Glow Plugs)

2nd Battery (remove fender to cowl brace)

Entire Fuel System (Delete in-tank pump, add fuel cooler, even the filler neck is different).

I know my way around under the hood of the D-max but I haven't looked much at 8.1L . . . I'd be amazed if there isn't a whole list of other parts specific to the D-max truck becasue all the nooks and crannies are pretty well used under there.

In Colorado you might never be able to put plates on it again, because the clean air folks would consider this emmisions tampering, your state may be different.

By far the most reasonable way make a gasser into a diesel is to sell the gasser and buy a diesel, but since you've already got the engine and tranny . . . good luck! (I'm a wimp, I'd still sell it and buy a different truck.)

jstwkd · July 29, 2004

actually I picked up a entire truck with a bent frame..I talked to a local chevy dealer and they said it would easier to do than the 01 C1500 swap I did to a 01 K2500Complete body swap looks like a factory truck didnt cut one wire with a lift kit etc... Took 80 hrs..just wondering if anyone has tried this yet??