Project Cetane

[cetane4]

I am in the process os restoring a 1969 chevy c10 2wd longbox. I wanna put a duramax in it. any suggestions on what motor i was thinking of an old LB7. also wondering if anyone knows what mods need to be done to the frame? and drivetrain? as fas as beefing em up? all the help would be great comments as well thanks :thumb:

 

[SmokeShow]

What's your goals for the truck? That'll depict what you need to do to the drivetrain. Personally, I wouldn't use an LB7 because of hassle swapping injectors when they fail. Granted, it's not that often even if it's every 100k miles but I'd just rather not.

There are several options on getting wiring harness for stand alone. There are multiple options for the trans depending on power goals.

No idea about specifics of the mounting but the frames on the pre-87 era trucks are much less stiff compared to modern trucks so some tactful bracing may be desirable. I'd prolly use BBC coil springs up front if you're keeping stock style front suspension. The trailing arm rear can be setup well.

As anyone knows the aftermarket support for everything for those trucks is very plentiful!

 

[cetane4]

well my goals for the truck, i would like to mildly build the motor possiby EFI live a bigger turbo, injectors, you know nothing crazy, and if not an LB7 what would you use? and yeah i thought about putting airbags in the front, to help support the extra weight, any suggestions on a good trans/rearend set up? i wanna use the ally but im sure if i put a bigger turbo, injectors and EFI live the stock ally wont hold neither will the stock 12 bolt. thanks need all the help i can get. :thumb:

 

[Rockin C Racing]

I believe the concensus on the engine is a LBZ. That seems to be the best, pre dpf era but all the best upgrades from the beginning of the LB7. As for the trans, I would still go with the allison but perform some upgrades. I would think that a 12 bolt would be just fine. Frame strengthening is a great suggestion as I think it will be needed for that project. Just my $0.02

 

[SmokeShow]

Find a 2wd donor truck & go at it! 2wd Allison & AAM rear.

There's everything imaginable available for front suspension those trucks stock upgrades, mustang II, corvette, bags, etc. Just be sure whatever setup you go with is at least suitable for a BBC so it'll handle the Dmax weight.

I'd try to go LBZ but being near means it'll be more expensive, most likely, for a donor. Really, any year will be fine. Just if I had option of lb7 or any other for same $$, I'd pick the other. If you find a deal on lb7 though, don't be afraid of it. Just know the possibility of injector replacement sometime down the line. That isn't cheap or easy any way you slice it.

 

[cetane4]

Thanks for all the help, all is needed and yeah i think i will go with the lbz if i can get a good deal on one and how much power can a stock chevy 12 bolt handle? rough figure? cuz i know its not as strong as a 9 inch. any suggestions on what to do for mods on the motor? and any thoughts on the fleece cheetah turbos? herd they are fairly good turbos. :thumb:

 

[SmokeShow]

It seams the torque is what you need to think of in terms of driveline strength. The 12 bolt has gone VERY fast in camaros & such but they're a LOT lighter & not near as torquey. I don't know really on their longevity behind a stout street Dmax making 1000rwtq or so. Run it til it breaks the upgrade it?

I know if you get a complete donor truck, the aam seems to last really well on street trucks without any strength mods.

 

[THEFERMANATOR]

The 9.5" 14 bolt semi-floater has proven to be able to hold up to the DURAMAX even tuned pretty heavily as that is what is in the dieselpage's truck with 3.42 gears and he is dyno'ing at over 600HP to the wheels and drag racing it with it. The ALLISON is a good option, but do you plan on lowering teh truck? If so keep this in mind as the ALLSION's pan does hang down lower than teh oil pan for the engine.

 

[cetane4]

i am assuming thats a GM rear end? and with a 3.42 gear is that more low end or high end? ah the truck is lowered in the rear only 2" and i dont plan on lowering it anymore so the alli should clear, am i gonna have to beef up the trans at all though? thanks for your help fermanator! :thumb:

 

[GeneralTJI]

The 6 speed Allisons are tougher than the 5 speeds, you might get away with a TC upgrade / trans go jr on a 6 speed.. for a while. The lighter vehicle should help, but once you move beyond 450ish whp there is a good chance it will need some internal help. It's still probably the most affordable route tranny wise unless you go manual (zf6 6 speed).

Any pictures of the truck? sounds like a cool project!

 

[McRat]

The problem with starting out LB7, is the injector issue. They are "hidden" and hard to replace, and there is a fairly high failure rate on them.

Injectors are VERY expensive for our trucks, so this is a significant issue when buying a used engine.