Woofwagon
Adventurer
I'd have to do some more research along those lines. Perhaps for a later revision to the Suburban. The 4bd1T has a good reputation.
Cummins or Cadillac?
- Thread starter Woofwagon
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I'd have to do some more research along those lines. Perhaps for a later revision to the Suburban. The 4bd1T has a good reputation.
Woofwagon
Adventurer
6.5 TD with a NV4500 should be pretty much bolt in, right? Not the same as a 6BT though, but if we're talking easiest now ...
Thought about that too, but as a former diesel mechanic I was never really impressed with the 6.5TD.
superbuickguy
Explorer
there's a guy out of texas that sells those parts... he imports complete motors/trans as well from Isuzu troopers. Keep in mind that the same problem with the 4bt will happen with the 4bd1t - that is, they aren't terribly powerful. Another place to look for these motors (though generally they're used up by the time they die) is mid-sized deliver vans - GMC, Isuzu, and Chevrolet sell them - however, if you can find a wrecked one with less than a million miles; you could be golden.
You're walking the same path I've trodden on a couple vehicles - so don't be surprised at the ready answers, my decisions were: go with the 6.2L turbo diesel, go with the 300tdi, and go with a SBC - though that might change if an Isuzu or OM617 were to pop up... problem with the last choice is I'm not sure I want a diesel in a convertible.... my dd, yes, my hauler, yes... my sporty rig... not so much
Woofwagon
Adventurer
I'd rather have a larger, slow turning engine that isn't over-stressed to make power. The problem with a used diesel out of a delivery truck is that they are usually rode hard and put away wet with poor if non-existent maintenance. I prefer to drive vehicles that are overpowered, that way I have a reserve if and when I need it. I'm no leadfoot but as a former light plane pilot, extra power can get you out of a problem. The Caddy motor would meet several of my criteria of this project with a minimum of weight penalty on the entire vehicle. A Cummins-esqe diesel would have similar torque but the additional weight and then in turn all the suspension mods to handle that extra mass would kind of put off any return on investment for quite a while.
D
Deleted member 9101
Guest
I have beat on them for years, both military and civilian, never had a problem with them. Out of the box they are not the monster that other motors are, but they can be easily upgraded to preform to modern standards.
Best part they are a dime a dozen at pick-n-pulls.
superbuickguy
Explorer
I get that, but I also have a 6.2 with Banks turbo in my 83 pickup and a 6.5 on the stand. The 6.2 and 6.5 have two things going for them 1) they get amazing mpg, and 2) they're easier to package because they're lighter and a square rather than a yard stick. To the other side, you can never overheat them without screwing up the heads, and you do need to keep up on your oil changes because they will eat cranks if you don't.
superbuickguy
Explorer
and that is true... I just bought a 6.5 short block for $100 that simply needs rings and bearings.
GJStringert
Observer
Just wanted to give you my $0.02, from a guy who loves big blocks and Cummins alike. I haven't read all 6 pages of this thread yet, just kind of skimmed, but I figured I'd offer my thoughts: There's no question the 6BT is an awesome engine, I was turned on to those years before I ever owned one. They're pretty simple, get pretty good mileage, and have an awesome sound! But they're LOUD compared to modern diesels (exhaust aside, just the injection pump is one clanky mother), and as you mentioned they're extremely heavy. Another thing for fitment issues is they're kind of a tall, skinny engine. They sort of demand a body lift, or a really clever suspension design to keep oil pans and everything happy. For an OBS suburban, Cummins are pretty cool.
That said, Cummins swaps are pretty popular. For coolness/uniqueness factor, swapping in a 500 caddy would just be straight up neat! The two engine swaps I always hear of are 6BT and Chevy 350, so swapping a 350 for a 500 Cadillac would be a pretty trick swap (kind of like that K-series flatbed with the 4 cylinder Isuzu diesel I just read about on here).
I'd say for simplicity sake, ability to keep your front axle, ability to keep your TH400, and less frame/crossmember modification, and coolness factor, throw a big huge caddy motor in there and call it a day! (then later on you could get really wild and crazy and top that with a Weiand and a big aggressive cam! and nitrous while you're at it! haha I'll stop now!).
Anyway good luck with the swap, I'll read what others have to say here in a sec.
superbuickguy
Explorer
it's for hauling my race car, it'll never be confused for my race car (though, it was a kick several years ago doing the race, tow truck challenge at Pacific Raceways)... honestly, though, if it were a 12,000 GVW race over Snoqualmie v. your suburban - I'd have time for lunch waiting for you.
compared to other diesels, they'd have time to kill and prepare their lunch waiting for me.... ah well, my bank account looks better with its additional 50,000 dollars in it (and the sniping goes on and on and on and on)
superbuickguy
Explorer
Let's be clear before I tell the story - there are times when I'm a real stinker... this could be one of those times.
anyway, Most transit busses have Detroit diesel motors for power plants. The 6.2 and 6.5 diesels are detroit diesels and sound very similar to bus engines. Which, as anyone who's ever waited for a bus will attest is enough to get them to walk out of the rain-soaked bus shelter to catch the bus. we all know that bus drivers will go blowing by a stop if they can say "didn't see them" (not all mind, you, there are some nice ones as well).... so the patron must step out.... they look up the street with a hopeful smile that the bus (now 30 minutes late) is finally here. It takes couple seconds for them to realize it's just a diesel truck driving down the street that sounds like a bus. Most will slog back into their bus shelter, some with a dirty look towards the offending truck. Me, I just laugh.
... and the 300 Tdi is better? to me it sounds like tea and crumpets. tasty, but in a bland way
) )
superbuickguy
Explorer
they do all have their signature sounds