Posted by Charlie on February 02, 1999 at 23:40:37:
In Reply to: diesel conversion??? posted by Ben Aylesworth on February 02, 1999 at 22:02:05:
there are no true bolt-in diesel conversions. But I am finishing a Hercules DT3.7 conversion into a 48 B1PW. If you're interested in diesel re-powers, call me at 907-349-8673 after 7PM Alaska time or on weekends.
Forget about 6s and V8s, there's barely room for a four. The "best" in terms of adequate power, size, availability are (not in any order) Cummins 4BT, Perkins 4.236/4.236T, and Hercules DT3.7. But any 3.7-4.1L 4cyl with 2500-3200 or more rpm might do fine. A 5 speed with 5th overdrive is best, but a 4spd might be necessary due to space considerations behind the motor. Usually 4.89 gears are advisable, with tires at least 36" tall: Michelin 9.00R16 or 36" radial Swampers, or bigger. Gear Vendors in El Cajon, Calif. make a overdrive that fits onto the rear output of the transfer case that works only in 2WD, the ratio is 0.78:1 in OD, giving 4.54:1 final drive with 5.83s, thus giving 2450 rpm at 60 mph with 11.00R16s (38.7" tall).
If you desire as much of a bolt-in as possible, the Hercules with the M37 block adapter will bolt directly to the Power Wagon bellhousing, thus leaving the crash box and PTO in the identical location. The front motor mounts are 1/2 to 1" off if you use the M37 motor mount brackets. The DT3.7 puts out 108HP@2800rpm, 231 ft-lb@1800. The intercooled version is 15% more, but good luck with the plumbing; I think it can be done with the hoses running below the radiator.
Charles Aarons
Anchorage, Alaska
52m37@alaska.net