Duramax Thirdgen Swap
#1
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Mar 2004
Location: Clovis NM
Posts: 773
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Car: 2012 F350 lariot/1991 Camaro RS
Engine: Powerstroke/6.0
Transmission: 6R100/4L80e
Axle/Gears: 3.73/3.42
Duramax Thirdgen Swap
This is not a theoretical or what it this is happening
So the car started off as my highschool car bought it for 4000 back in 97 (looks weird writing the 90s) It had a 305 and auto and I thought it was the fastest thing in the world then I graduate and go into the Airforce my first base it Italy so it stays here in the states and sits and waits
3 years later I get stationed in FL and head off to Iraq a few times and then I figured out what quick is
it got new paint interior wheels and a 383 lt4 with a 6 speed
well then I sold that motor and trans and the car sat again waiting then I get stationed in NM where I am now and it still had no engine then I came across a few deals first one was a 2006 LQ4 that looks brand new complete with everything then a rolled 2003 2500 HD that I had intentions of parting out and making money for my 6.0 well then I go off to Afganistan for 7 months and while there I got a hair up my A** and well decided to go with the Duramax
WHY
Cost I can get 600 hp and 1300 ft tq for a few thousand
No one has done this yet there are alot of 6.0 swaps no 6.6 diesels
I have a goal of getting my car in a magazine some day
I have a goal to run 9s in the 1/4 mile
This will achieve everything I want
I have done all the research it weighs 140 more than a big block and is roughly the same size Height is the issue and I can make modifications for that if need to like remote mount the turbo
This will be fun it will be alot of work and it will be the first and it started today this will not be overnight I do get busy and I have projects to I do for others all the time and powdercoating but I will be doing as much as I can whenever I can
So the car started off as my highschool car bought it for 4000 back in 97 (looks weird writing the 90s) It had a 305 and auto and I thought it was the fastest thing in the world then I graduate and go into the Airforce my first base it Italy so it stays here in the states and sits and waits
3 years later I get stationed in FL and head off to Iraq a few times and then I figured out what quick is
it got new paint interior wheels and a 383 lt4 with a 6 speed
well then I sold that motor and trans and the car sat again waiting then I get stationed in NM where I am now and it still had no engine then I came across a few deals first one was a 2006 LQ4 that looks brand new complete with everything then a rolled 2003 2500 HD that I had intentions of parting out and making money for my 6.0 well then I go off to Afganistan for 7 months and while there I got a hair up my A** and well decided to go with the Duramax
WHY
Cost I can get 600 hp and 1300 ft tq for a few thousand
No one has done this yet there are alot of 6.0 swaps no 6.6 diesels
I have a goal of getting my car in a magazine some day
I have a goal to run 9s in the 1/4 mile
This will achieve everything I want
I have done all the research it weighs 140 more than a big block and is roughly the same size Height is the issue and I can make modifications for that if need to like remote mount the turbo
This will be fun it will be alot of work and it will be the first and it started today this will not be overnight I do get busy and I have projects to I do for others all the time and powdercoating but I will be doing as much as I can whenever I can
#2
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Mar 2004
Location: Clovis NM
Posts: 773
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Car: 2012 F350 lariot/1991 Camaro RS
Engine: Powerstroke/6.0
Transmission: 6R100/4L80e
Axle/Gears: 3.73/3.42
#5
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Mar 2004
Location: Clovis NM
Posts: 773
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Car: 2012 F350 lariot/1991 Camaro RS
Engine: Powerstroke/6.0
Transmission: 6R100/4L80e
Axle/Gears: 3.73/3.42
Re: Duramax Thirdgen Swap
I cant wait to get it done Nitrous express did a 94 mustang with a duramax and did hot rod drag week they averaged 35 mpg between tracks and ran consistent 9.8s I do care what everyone else thinks It will be fun when done ill polish that durmax turd up and it will look good and shut them up at the track
Dare to be different
AND NO it will not smoke the black smoke is from poor tuning or purposefully dumping extra fuel to make it smoke if a diesel is tuned right it will not smoke but maybe for a second of the line
Dare to be different
AND NO it will not smoke the black smoke is from poor tuning or purposefully dumping extra fuel to make it smoke if a diesel is tuned right it will not smoke but maybe for a second of the line
#6
Supreme Member
iTrader: (8)
Join Date: Oct 2001
Location: Il
Posts: 11,696
Received 747 Likes
on
506 Posts
Car: 1989-92 FORMULA350 305 92 Hawkclone
Engine: 4++,350 & 305 CIs
Transmission: 700R4 4800 vig 18th700R4 t56 ZF6 T5
Axle/Gears: 3.70 9"ford alum chunk,dana44,9bolt
Re: Duramax Thirdgen Swap
A guy did it with a mustang. He took it on Drag Week and it did very well. His was modded to beat the band.. Lots of money in his set up buuut I thought it was cool!
#7
Supreme Member
iTrader: (33)
Join Date: Jul 2000
Location: Boosted Land
Posts: 5,945
Likes: 0
Received 1 Like
on
1 Post
Car: 92 Z28
Engine: Boosted LSX
Re: Duramax Thirdgen Swap
I cant wait to get it done Nitrous express did a 94 mustang with a duramax and did hot rod drag week they averaged 35 mpg between tracks and ran consistent 9.8s I do care what everyone else thinks It will be fun when done ill polish that durmax turd up and it will look good and shut them up at the track
Dare to be different
AND NO it will not smoke the black smoke is from poor tuning or purposefully dumping extra fuel to make it smoke if a diesel is tuned right it will not smoke but maybe for a second of the line
Dare to be different
AND NO it will not smoke the black smoke is from poor tuning or purposefully dumping extra fuel to make it smoke if a diesel is tuned right it will not smoke but maybe for a second of the line
Stick to your plan. Love to see it done.
Trending Topics
#8
Supreme Member
iTrader: (14)
Join Date: Aug 2006
Location: Central NJ
Posts: 12,650
Likes: 0
Received 44 Likes
on
42 Posts
Car: 86 Trans Am, 92 Firebird
Engine: 408 sbc, 3.1L of raw power
Transmission: TKO600, T5
Axle/Gears: Moser 9", 3:70 trutac, 3:23 torsion
Re: Duramax Thirdgen Swap
i would love to see this finished! The added front end weight sucks, but it will still be totally badass. Be sure to properly reinforce the chassis.
#9
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Mar 2004
Location: Clovis NM
Posts: 773
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Car: 2012 F350 lariot/1991 Camaro RS
Engine: Powerstroke/6.0
Transmission: 6R100/4L80e
Axle/Gears: 3.73/3.42
Re: Duramax Thirdgen Swap
I will be building my own beefy subframe and 6 point cage weight isnt an issue when you have 1300 ft tq
#10
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Mar 2004
Location: Clovis NM
Posts: 773
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Car: 2012 F350 lariot/1991 Camaro RS
Engine: Powerstroke/6.0
Transmission: 6R100/4L80e
Axle/Gears: 3.73/3.42
Re: Duramax Thirdgen Swap
I got the motor out of the truck separated from huge allison it must have been taken out before because 3 of the bolts were very loose
then onto the camaro
I just wanted to set it in there to see where and what to start with and it actually fit better than I thought it would
1-- need to relocate the huge oil filter housing setup
2-- build K member with clearance for the oil pan the stock one does clear but the steering bar hits the front pan but I will be making a rack and pinion setup with the K member I found a rack that will work that has the same throw as stock after some modification
3-- will need to trim the firewall lip to clear the turbo I think I will run it smooth and get rid of the whole lip and I have an idea with using a blazer/S10 wiper box and relocating it to behind the firewall and get rid of the huge steering box
4-- the turbo exhaust will not work good in its current routing so im thinking of going straight left (from looking at the enginebay) then down and through the outside the frame rail .. dont know exactly yet but will figure out
then onto the camaro
I just wanted to set it in there to see where and what to start with and it actually fit better than I thought it would
1-- need to relocate the huge oil filter housing setup
2-- build K member with clearance for the oil pan the stock one does clear but the steering bar hits the front pan but I will be making a rack and pinion setup with the K member I found a rack that will work that has the same throw as stock after some modification
3-- will need to trim the firewall lip to clear the turbo I think I will run it smooth and get rid of the whole lip and I have an idea with using a blazer/S10 wiper box and relocating it to behind the firewall and get rid of the huge steering box
4-- the turbo exhaust will not work good in its current routing so im thinking of going straight left (from looking at the enginebay) then down and through the outside the frame rail .. dont know exactly yet but will figure out
#11
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Mar 2004
Location: Clovis NM
Posts: 773
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Car: 2012 F350 lariot/1991 Camaro RS
Engine: Powerstroke/6.0
Transmission: 6R100/4L80e
Axle/Gears: 3.73/3.42
#12
Senior Member
iTrader: (2)
Join Date: May 2006
Location: Elk City OK
Posts: 580
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Car: 92 25th anv z28
Engine: 346 TC78 Turbo
Transmission: 4L80E
Axle/Gears: 3.25 9"Nodular, Strange axles
Re: Duramax Thirdgen Swap
Hell yea! I give you props for thinking outside the box. Dunno how well it will fit but have fun. I'll be watching. Hit it with some soap and water first! Make it a little more plesant to work with.
#13
Supreme Member
iTrader: (1)
Join Date: May 2003
Location: Evansville, IN
Posts: 2,023
Likes: 0
Received 3 Likes
on
3 Posts
Car: 1992 Camaro RS 25th Anniversary
Engine: 3.4L v6 with a t3/t4 Turbo
Transmission: T-5 Conversion
Axle/Gears: 3.23 SLP Limited Slip
Re: Duramax Thirdgen Swap
this reminds me of the ecotech in a thirdgen....both cool swaps in their own respect. subscribed
#14
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Mar 2004
Location: Clovis NM
Posts: 773
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Car: 2012 F350 lariot/1991 Camaro RS
Engine: Powerstroke/6.0
Transmission: 6R100/4L80e
Axle/Gears: 3.73/3.42
Re: Duramax Thirdgen Swap
it will get cleaned up and powdercoated just getting an initial test fit to see what has to be addressed
#15
Junior Member
Join Date: Nov 2011
Location: ky
Posts: 83
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Car: 1989 Trans am
Engine: LB9
Transmission: auto
Axle/Gears: 2.75
Re: Duramax Thirdgen Swap
Very cool idea. I would do that my self if I had enough guts to cut stuff up so that it would ffit. Like you said you will be making a lot of torque so make sure you get a good suspension set up and tires after all horse power and torque doesn't mean crap if you can't get it to the ground
#16
Senior Member
iTrader: (1)
Join Date: Mar 2005
Location: Springfield,Mo
Posts: 696
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Car: 87 Berlinetta,work in progress
Engine: 468 BB,still in the build process
Transmission: TH350,3500 stall
Axle/Gears: 9" Ford,learning how to live under
Re: Duramax Thirdgen Swap
I personally know the guy who built the Chevy II wagon in the current HotRod mag with a Duramax.He's a super nice guy,PM me for his # if you'd like,I'm sure he would tell you anything he could that would help.
#18
Supreme Member
iTrader: (2)
Join Date: Jan 2002
Location: Moorestown, NJ
Posts: 9,962
Likes: 0
Received 3 Likes
on
3 Posts
Car: 88 Camaro SC
Engine: SFI'd 350
Transmission: TKO 500
Axle/Gears: 9-bolt w/ 3.23's
Re: Duramax Thirdgen Swap
Man, someone stole my idea, lol. I was thinking of trying this swap next summer...
Getting the trans to fit will be an interesting experience. That thing is HUGE. Turbo piping will be fun, too.
Whats the total weight of the engine and trans? 1200 lbs or so?
Getting the trans to fit will be an interesting experience. That thing is HUGE. Turbo piping will be fun, too.
Whats the total weight of the engine and trans? 1200 lbs or so?
#19
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Mar 2004
Location: Clovis NM
Posts: 773
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Car: 2012 F350 lariot/1991 Camaro RS
Engine: Powerstroke/6.0
Transmission: 6R100/4L80e
Axle/Gears: 3.73/3.42
Re: Duramax Thirdgen Swap
the engine is 840 fully dressed im going with a 4l80 which is around 180 200 the allison weighs around 350 so im sitting at 1000 engine and trans and will be loose some weight off the motor like no ac
right now just trying to track down some DOM 1.5 tubing to build the K member
right now just trying to track down some DOM 1.5 tubing to build the K member
#20
Supreme Member
iTrader: (30)
Join Date: Sep 2005
Location: O'Fallon, MO
Posts: 6,258
Likes: 0
Received 4 Likes
on
4 Posts
Car: 1991 Z28 convertible built 3/1/1990
Engine: Cammed 6.0L LSX
Transmission: T56
Axle/Gears: custom Ford 8.8", 4.10 gears
Re: Duramax Thirdgen Swap
Is there an aftermarket oil pan you could use for it? The oil pan on it looks like it would easily catch something on the ground and ruin your day.
#21
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Mar 2004
Location: Clovis NM
Posts: 773
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Car: 2012 F350 lariot/1991 Camaro RS
Engine: Powerstroke/6.0
Transmission: 6R100/4L80e
Axle/Gears: 3.73/3.42
Re: Duramax Thirdgen Swap
there is a dry sump pan but its big money I am going to cut and wing the bottom to gain clearance and keep capacity kinda make it like a circle track pan
#22
Supreme Member
iTrader: (30)
Join Date: Sep 2005
Location: O'Fallon, MO
Posts: 6,258
Likes: 0
Received 4 Likes
on
4 Posts
Car: 1991 Z28 convertible built 3/1/1990
Engine: Cammed 6.0L LSX
Transmission: T56
Axle/Gears: custom Ford 8.8", 4.10 gears
Re: Duramax Thirdgen Swap
That's cool. Good luck with it, it's definitely unique and should turn some heads when done. Should be wicked fast too.
#23
Member
Join Date: Mar 2004
Posts: 408
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Car: 1984 Camaro
Engine: LS1
Transmission: T56
Axle/Gears: Ford 9"/4.30
Re: Duramax Thirdgen Swap
I found myself rooting for you as I read the thread. Good luck man, I hope you can get it done.
I was fortunate to see the Duramax Chevy II in person on the Power Tour, man that thing sounded great with those turbos whistling. Heads turning to look everywhere he went, by sound alone.
I was fortunate to see the Duramax Chevy II in person on the Power Tour, man that thing sounded great with those turbos whistling. Heads turning to look everywhere he went, by sound alone.
#24
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Mar 2004
Location: Clovis NM
Posts: 773
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Car: 2012 F350 lariot/1991 Camaro RS
Engine: Powerstroke/6.0
Transmission: 6R100/4L80e
Axle/Gears: 3.73/3.42
Re: Duramax Thirdgen Swap
im fabing some up pipes and manifolds and a new turbo horn if I can place it right it will line up perfect with the SS hood scoop and it will be loud you will hear the turbo like it was outside lol
#27
Senior Member
iTrader: (1)
Join Date: Mar 2005
Location: Springfield,Mo
Posts: 696
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Car: 87 Berlinetta,work in progress
Engine: 468 BB,still in the build process
Transmission: TH350,3500 stall
Axle/Gears: 9" Ford,learning how to live under
Re: Duramax Thirdgen Swap
Blake used the 4180 on the ChevyII,and used smaller twin turbos,mostly for clearance reasons.
#28
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Mar 2004
Location: Clovis NM
Posts: 773
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Car: 2012 F350 lariot/1991 Camaro RS
Engine: Powerstroke/6.0
Transmission: 6R100/4L80e
Axle/Gears: 3.73/3.42
Re: Duramax Thirdgen Swap
the allison is a beast the 4l80 fits and will work good
#30
Member
Join Date: Jan 2007
Location: Lawrenceville Ga
Posts: 371
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Car: 1986 BBC Iroc
Engine: 454
Transmission: th400
Axle/Gears: 3.42
Re: Duramax Thirdgen Swap
couple questions and a little info . which year duramax is that half way through 04 they went to a different motor it has better injectors than the previous years. I like the idea of a duramax they will ppull down a house my father has a 04 2500 hd my uncle works for Gm at the pontiac michigan tech building can't remember the name of the building. but he works with the motors and dynos and wiring harnesses. the duramax motor is a isuzu motor for isuzu box trucks GM owns isuzu so they took the motor and changed teh intake wireing and tune for there trucks so for the oil pan you might want to look to see if any isuzu truck pans are shorter or different.
#31
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Mar 2004
Location: Clovis NM
Posts: 773
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Car: 2012 F350 lariot/1991 Camaro RS
Engine: Powerstroke/6.0
Transmission: 6R100/4L80e
Axle/Gears: 3.73/3.42
Re: Duramax Thirdgen Swap
04.5 they changed motors i thing the lly i have the LB7 the injectors arent faulty just on the lly they made it easier to change them out the injectors in the motor i got only have 20k on them so they are good Ill look into the oil pans the pan on the duramx is a 2 piece too so i only have to modify the aft pan sump should be easy
GM paired with izuzu and a bit of more info for you toyota bought controlling interest in izuzu therefor buying the rights to the dmax so gm owns the name decided to remake the DMax there are alot of design changes in the newest model to make them more gm and they made the 4.5 dmax that they NEED to start producing same power as a 6.6 30 plus mpg in a half ton and smaller and weighs the same as a 350
COME ON GM MAKE THE DAMN MOTOR
GM paired with izuzu and a bit of more info for you toyota bought controlling interest in izuzu therefor buying the rights to the dmax so gm owns the name decided to remake the DMax there are alot of design changes in the newest model to make them more gm and they made the 4.5 dmax that they NEED to start producing same power as a 6.6 30 plus mpg in a half ton and smaller and weighs the same as a 350
COME ON GM MAKE THE DAMN MOTOR
#33
Member
Join Date: Nov 2011
Location: Milford,Ohio
Posts: 162
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Car: 1991 camaro RS convertible
Engine: EFI 383 150shot nitrous.
Transmission: 700r4
Axle/Gears: 2:73...
Re: Duramax Thirdgen Swap
how do you subscribe? i wanna see this thing go i swapped my 305 in my first 91 for a 355 out of a pull truck but thats nothing like this
#34
Supreme Member
iTrader: (1)
Join Date: Mar 2007
Location: Arlington, Tx
Posts: 3,525
Likes: 0
Received 6 Likes
on
5 Posts
Car: 91 Camaro RS
Engine: empty bay (for now)
Transmission: Built T-56
Axle/Gears: 3.42 stock posi disc
Re: Duramax Thirdgen Swap
you just did. posting in a thread automatically subscribes you to it. you can also use the "thread tools" menu at the top of the thread to subscribe without posting.
#36
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Mar 2004
Location: Clovis NM
Posts: 773
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Car: 2012 F350 lariot/1991 Camaro RS
Engine: Powerstroke/6.0
Transmission: 6R100/4L80e
Axle/Gears: 3.73/3.42
Re: Duramax Thirdgen Swap
had some free time today and went through and cleaned up the motor get all the gunk and grime out pulled all the connectors so everything will get cleaned up some while im waiting on my tubing tomorrow after eating im going to get my front end off and start building the jig
not so ugly with all the crap off of it
not so ugly with all the crap off of it
#37
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Mar 2004
Location: Clovis NM
Posts: 773
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Car: 2012 F350 lariot/1991 Camaro RS
Engine: Powerstroke/6.0
Transmission: 6R100/4L80e
Axle/Gears: 3.73/3.42
#38
Supreme Member
iTrader: (1)
Join Date: May 2003
Location: Evansville, IN
Posts: 2,023
Likes: 0
Received 3 Likes
on
3 Posts
Car: 1992 Camaro RS 25th Anniversary
Engine: 3.4L v6 with a t3/t4 Turbo
Transmission: T-5 Conversion
Axle/Gears: 3.23 SLP Limited Slip
Re: Duramax Thirdgen Swap
id keep it as low as possible even with those items...just incase
#39
Member
Join Date: Apr 2010
Location: Montrose, Co
Posts: 116
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Car: 85 z28
Engine: 305 TPI
Transmission: 700r4
Re: Duramax Thirdgen Swap
Subscribed!! Cant wait to see the progress! I knew it was just a matter of time before someone did this.
#40
Member
Join Date: Jan 2011
Location: Dayton Ohio
Posts: 121
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Car: 87 ws6 trans am
Engine: 305sbc
Transmission: Auto
Re: Duramax Thirdgen Swap
hell ya man, i say go for it, it would be sweet! i had a buddy that tryed putting a 12 valve cummins out of a 2nd gen dodge into a 4th gen camaro, it wouldnt fit without major modifications. So they just gave up, wish they wouldve done it, woulda been sweet
#41
Member
Join Date: Nov 2011
Location: Milford,Ohio
Posts: 162
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Car: 1991 camaro RS convertible
Engine: EFI 383 150shot nitrous.
Transmission: 700r4
Axle/Gears: 2:73...
Re: Duramax Thirdgen Swap
there is a 70-72 monty on youtube with a cummins swap
and a 84 vette with a chevy/volvo diesel
and a 84 vette with a chevy/volvo diesel
#42
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Mar 2004
Location: Clovis NM
Posts: 773
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Car: 2012 F350 lariot/1991 Camaro RS
Engine: Powerstroke/6.0
Transmission: 6R100/4L80e
Axle/Gears: 3.73/3.42
Re: Duramax Thirdgen Swap
got the front cross member off start building the jig tomorrow but I have to put new brakes on the wifes car and a wheel bearing on a friend bmw but after that I should have time
#43
Member
iTrader: (1)
Join Date: Mar 2011
Location: Friendswood, TX
Posts: 130
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Car: 1987 IROC Z / 1999 Suburban 2WD
Engine: Lingenfelter 383 / Vortec 350
Transmission: 700R4 / Built 4L65E
Axle/Gears: Stock / 4.56 Locker
Re: Duramax Thirdgen Swap
Awesome project. Subscribed.
#46
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Mar 2004
Location: Clovis NM
Posts: 773
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Car: 2012 F350 lariot/1991 Camaro RS
Engine: Powerstroke/6.0
Transmission: 6R100/4L80e
Axle/Gears: 3.73/3.42
Re: Duramax Thirdgen Swap
didnt do much today it was windy as hell and cold out but decided to strip some of the paint in the engine bay have to wait till monday to get some steel for the jig and some sheet metal to start patching and smoothing firewall
#50
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Mar 2004
Location: Clovis NM
Posts: 773
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Car: 2012 F350 lariot/1991 Camaro RS
Engine: Powerstroke/6.0
Transmission: 6R100/4L80e
Axle/Gears: 3.73/3.42