Posted by C. Garbee on Monday, February 25, 2002 at 10:40AM :
In Reply to: Am I ready for Diesel????? posted by Doug Higgins on Saturday, February 23, 2002 at 10:53PM :
Obviously, a diesel (say a Cummins 4BT/BTA or a GM 6.x) would solve your power problem on the uphill grades. The 1990 Cummins 4BT that I have in my M37 is rated at 105hp, 286lb-ft and is lower than the current ratings for the same engine, but is still a vast improvement over the stock 230.
Considering that my diesel redlines at 2500rpm, I have had to install an overdrive and 4.89 gears to enable me to cruise at highway speeds while maintaining its offroad ability.
If all you want was more power for the uphill portion of your short, local trips, and you want a simple conversion, I'd agree with RDavis about putting in a flathead 251 or 265. For a little more work (and money) you could gain the economy of the diesel (I get 17mpg running down the road at 70mph).