Posted by Gil Justiss on Thursday, September 06, 2007 at 00:25:17 :
In Reply to: detroit diesel question posted by DoDgE BoY - MaDe in the USA on Wednesday, September 05, 2007 at 23:23:28 :
I think that you would be much happier with the 3-53, especially if you hunted up or built a 3-53T. They are significantly lighter than a 3-71 and more compact, especially in height. They were around the 140hp range if I recall. I just sold one a year ago that I built 20 years ago for a 71 GMC 1 ton and then never put it back in. I had jake brakes on it too (1/2 of a 6V53 set - You can't get that sound with a Cummins!)If you can, buy a core turbo model rather than changing one over. I went the change over route as I already had the engine. For starters it requires a different cam, rods, cyl kits, valves, different seals in the blower, bigger injectors (N60's I want to think for 140hp). Plus you have to find the turbo and manifolds. Also the natural aspirated 3-53 is very loud in the exhaust. I once talked with a Donalson muffler rep in the 80's that told me that this engine was possibly the worst production diesel engine they had dealt with to muffle. The turbo definately helps here. When mine was in the truck in it's natural state I used to carry ear plugs in the glove box and it had a 48" case muffler on it with a verticle stack! You also have lots of accessory drive options for this engine ie vacuum pumps, hydraulic pumps, belt drives etc. Mine had the standard GM light truck flywheel housing and used the 1 ton 4 speed. Many other flywheel housings were available though. Have fun.