chevy gas to diesel change could it be done?

[greenthumb]

I have a 1996 1500 silverado that the engine is lets say on its last leg. I know I could not do this with my lack of engine knowledge but, could someone replace the v8 gas engine with a diesel engine in it when it dies. the truck itself is in good shape. I can get bio diesel cheaper than regular diesel and I just like the fact of being able to burn fuel that was made here at least part of it. who would I look for to see if this can even be done just a random thought as I sit here and realize I can't afford a new truck. I would think this would be a cheaper route than a $35,000 truck if it could even be done

edit a few things I didn't think of thats why I hang out here. it is 4x4 extend cab auto trans

 

[Bird]

Of course, it can be done, but would it be practical? Not likely. First, you'd have far more money invested in the truck than it would be worth. Then which diesel engine? The ones currently in use in pickups are probably heavier than your gas engine, so you'd probably have to beef up the front suspension. Then which transmission would you use? Your existing transmission probably couldn't handle the diesel engine even if you could get an adapter to tie them together. The exhaust system would probably also have to be replaced. You'd probably have to change to a higher capacity battery to start the diesel.

Oh well, all things are possible, given enough time and money, but many are not worth it.

 

[Eagleview]

Most shops can do what you want . You did'nt say if it was auto , manual or 4x4 . You could have a 6.5 Turbo Chev (which they come out with) fitted or a 6BTA Cummins or even a 4BTA Cummins depending on what sort of power you need and what application you have . What i usually do is buy a low milage wreck and swap everything over to the other vehicle , that way your not running around looking for bits and pieces or manufacturing parts . If i were you i'd ring around the wrecking yards to find a low milage wreck that suits your needs , if the guys at the yard can't do the conversion for you they will know someone that can .

 

[thatguy]

bird and Iron horse beat me by a minute or so - so I dont sound like a mocking bird. hehe

Im sure you can.. With the help of an 'a-dap-ter kit'. LOL

im making some semi education guesses below:

Also assuming you can find an engine for a price you like.. A while back I priced a rebuilt 5.9 cummins and it was running ~10k, not including installation...

Due to the extra weight (I think my cummins weighs about 800 lbs more than a typical gas engine) you will probably need to beef up the front suspension and even go to an LT tire.

Im wonder if you may also have to do something with the tranny due to the extra torque generated over the gas engine..

good luck, keep us informed

Brian

 

[Wayne County Hose]

Trannys are different from diesel to gas. Different rpm ranges, shift points, stall speed for the converter, etc. Have to beef up front suspension to handle the 800 lbs more motor, then the extra battery. Now your front axle is overloaded, replace front and rear axles, unless you want to carry 2 spare tires. Now change the fuel system and electronics. Other than all that it's easy. I had access to a Cat 3208 w/turbo. I almost put it in an IH Scout 2. Then I realized, it would have the cornering ability of a drunk driving an 18 wheeler in a blizzard.

 

[dbdartman]

Lots & lots easier & more economical to just replace the long block with a crate engine. GM makes & sells a variety. Otherwise you're looking at strengthening the frame & suspension, replacing the trans, replacing the fuel tank, & probably enough other little details to make an experienced "backyard mechanic" cry.

 

[texbaylea]

That is the hard direction to go. Diesel to gas is easier.

Another detail that has not been mentioned is the need for a new harness and computer.

Tain't worth it, McGee!!

Vernon

 

[MossRoad]

Don't forget to remove all of the Unleaded Fuel Only decals from the gas tank filler and fuel guage and replace them with diesel only stickers. I guarantee, someday, you will let someone borrow that truck. And, they will be so grateful that, even though you tell them not to, they will fill the tank for you. How do I know? Back in the early 80's I had a friend that put a gas engine in a formely diesel car and he had two people fill it with diesel for him.

 

[MikePA]

Since you can not do the work yourself, don't waste your time. Almost everything in the truck that makes it go, including the electronics and parts of the front suspension, would have to be replaced. Being a 4 x 4 complicates things even more. If you want a diesel, trading for one makes economic sense. Paying a shop to engineer and build one for you does not. If you want to keep your truck, as dbdartman suggested, get a new GM crate engine that's available through most any Chevy dealer. Other manufacturers, e.g., Edelbrock, also offer crate engines.

To directly answer your question, Yes, odds are there's a shop near you that gets paid by the hour, could convert your truck to diesel.

 

[jinman]

Okay, my two cents worth is that in the future you will not be able to get parts by walking into a parts store and describing the year and model of your truck. You'll have to keep a customized list of parts so you can order by the part rather than the truck model.

I think that if you want a diesel, you should look for a used one. You can buy a whole used diesel pickup for less than you will spend on this conversion. Once you get the truck, you can make your biodiesel conversion and spend your time enjoying it rather than always knowing you are driving an overstressed frame and suspension. If you notice, all US made diesel trucks are at least 3/4 ton. Also, most Cummins diesels have turbos and intercoolers in front of the radiator...plus two batteries. The list goes on and on.

My vote is don't convert. Buy a used diesel and sell your old truck. As long as it is running, somebody will buy it.