Cummins or Cadillac?
- Thread starter Woofwagon
- Start date
Woofwagon
Adventurer
Redthies,
I would love to put in a Cummins. In fact that was my original intent with this project. However when I saw the work that I would need to do to make that happen, it kind of dampened my enthusiasm for it. I plan on keeping this Burb for a long time. Maybe after I get tired of one engine, I can throw in a Cummins with all the axle and transmission upgrades needed. For now, the quickest upgrade power wise would be to just cam up the 350 but I'm still left with a 350. A Cadillac 472/500 can be had for 200-800 bucks used and parts are reasonably cheap.
In terms of plug/play and time involved, I think the Caddy swap is the best option for my circumstances based on all the evidence. All your input and experiences is greatly appreciated.
I would love to put in a Cummins. In fact that was my original intent with this project. However when I saw the work that I would need to do to make that happen, it kind of dampened my enthusiasm for it. I plan on keeping this Burb for a long time. Maybe after I get tired of one engine, I can throw in a Cummins with all the axle and transmission upgrades needed. For now, the quickest upgrade power wise would be to just cam up the 350 but I'm still left with a 350. A Cadillac 472/500 can be had for 200-800 bucks used and parts are reasonably cheap.
In terms of plug/play and time involved, I think the Caddy swap is the best option for my circumstances based on all the evidence. All your input and experiences is greatly appreciated.
205 is about 130 pounds. np203 is the pig, and it weighs in around 190.
Rovertrader
Supporting Sponsor
I had a 1 ton Chevy with the Caddy recently, and loved every minute of it!! Sold it to a local fella who refuses to ever sell it!!
Got mid teens on a 4x4 T400 without issue. However, when playing around with lots of skinny pedal, it can get as dismal as a boat. But what fun!?!?
Got mid teens on a 4x4 T400 without issue. However, when playing around with lots of skinny pedal, it can get as dismal as a boat. But what fun!?!?
superbuickguy
Explorer
you're thinking NP208, I promise you the 205 is heavier than the 203... the cynic in me believes that the reason they made the transmission/transfer case cover removeable in the 4x4 was so you could use an engine hoist to lift that sucker...
superbuickguy
Explorer
no need to supplement the other posts of people who've done the same thing as I have other than to say "yeehaw"... but I say that anyway, so no worries there
If you use on of the iron block truck LS 6.0L, you can get them fairly cheap, and as far as the electronics, Summit has a lot of options. My uncle has an LS based 454 engine in his 1969 Camaro Show car. Its carborated and runs on an aftermarket ignition system. He bought the engine complete and dyno'd at 625hp/580flbs from a company called Motown. It was drop in ready. little pricy though because it was a crate motor, not one pulled from a wreck.
Although, personally I would go with the diesel. I'm actually in the mark for a 2500 Suburban to build. My plan is to eventually convert it to a 5.9L Cummins. If I can find a wrecked Dodge with the engine and good axles, I might do a complete drive train swap also. If it has the Dana 60/ Dana 40 setup.
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superbuickguy
Explorer
GM put those in several vehicles overseas - thus, if you'd like that option, look there for adapters. I think the Isuzu diesel is one of the best light duty diesels out there..
Woofwagon
Adventurer
I have no intention of boiling the hides off, I want reliable torque that isn't going to break the bank or the frame....
Diesel or gas, it really isn't going to matter much. With my current circumstances and facilities to do the swap, the Cadillac would be the simplest to install.
Diesel or gas, it really isn't going to matter much. With my current circumstances and facilities to do the swap, the Cadillac would be the simplest to install.
