Diesel swap ideas

Disclaimer: Links on this page pointing to Amazon, eBay and other sites may include affiliate code. If you click them and make a purchase, we may earn a small commission.

86chevyk20

Full Access Member
Joined
May 10, 2011
Posts
341
Reaction score
0
Location
Buffalo
First Name
Liam
Truck Year
1986
Truck Model
K20
Engine Size
355
Sooo the idea has been going through my head lateyl for a diesel swap in my k20. but i do not want a cummins, everyone does a cummins swap.

So what can you guys think of that would be a different but practical diesel swap for my 86k20?

Ideas and pics welcome!!
 

kleedus

Full Access Member
Joined
Jan 25, 2012
Posts
1,726
Reaction score
149
Location
wyo
First Name
Ray
Truck Year
1960 threw 91
Truck Model
c10 to k30
Engine Size
350 threw 454
duramax
 

Green79Scottsdale

Full Access Member
Joined
Aug 8, 2010
Posts
2,834
Reaction score
7,483
Location
G.R. - MI
First Name
Bob
Truck Year
1979
Truck Model
K20
Engine Size
400
I am with kleedus... D-max. Eventually I would like to build a square crew tow rig with a D-max/Allison combo. Most people do the Cummins swap because it is easy and the Cummins really is a good motor.
 

Bender Paul

Junior Member
Joined
Dec 10, 2013
Posts
1
Reaction score
0
Location
china
First Name
dan
Truck Year
2006
Truck Model
c30.
Engine Size
dsgvv
I was wondering if anyone could help me make heads or tails of all the different engines and weather i should hunt down a toyota diesel to swap in or figure out how to mate up a 4bt or some other unkown diesel that would fit inside of my engine compartment.
 

Driver4r

Full Access Member
Joined
Jun 21, 2012
Posts
3,087
Reaction score
40
Location
Nebraska
First Name
Trevor
Truck Year
76,74
Truck Model
k10,c20
Engine Size
355/th350/np203, 454/th350/ff-rear
I met a guy that put a 4bti in a square. Its the izuzu 4Cyl. (btw, for those of you that DONT know, Dmax Is made by Izuzu.)
 

Stroked

Full Access Member
Joined
Dec 26, 2011
Posts
2,248
Reaction score
88
Location
Beloit, Kansas
First Name
Jared
Truck Year
1984
Truck Model
K10
Engine Size
305
I met a guy that put a 4bti in a square. Its the izuzu 4Cyl. (btw, for those of you that DONT know, Dmax Is made by Izuzu.)

Now that would be a cool swap. I'm gonna have to look into that
 

kleedus

Full Access Member
Joined
Jan 25, 2012
Posts
1,726
Reaction score
149
Location
wyo
First Name
Ray
Truck Year
1960 threw 91
Truck Model
c10 to k30
Engine Size
350 threw 454
I would not do a diesel swap other than a cummins or a duramax

I was considering the duramax swap for my crew cab but I would not use it to its potential. and the noise and extra cost for maint. is why I decided not to swap to a diesel.


and a 4bt would not be enough for the work it would take in my opinion.
but I have heard that the cummins 6bt adapter for the tranny will work for the cummins 4bt
 

Driver4r

Full Access Member
Joined
Jun 21, 2012
Posts
3,087
Reaction score
40
Location
Nebraska
First Name
Trevor
Truck Year
76,74
Truck Model
k10,c20
Engine Size
355/th350/np203, 454/th350/ff-rear
Now that would be a cool swap. I'm gonna have to look into that

Here you go, all the info you need.

http://www.4btswaps.com/forum/showthread.php?3635-STICKY-Isuzu-4BD1T-4BD2T-Reference

And also:


The 4BD1T is a turbocharged version of the 3.9 L 4BD1, it was produced from 1985 and was fitted to Isuzu NPR trucks from 1986 and sold in the US. OEM diesel in Australian specifications Land Rover Perentie 6X6 models from 1989 to 1992. Different versions feature power ratings ranging from 90 to 100kW (120-135 PS), peak torque ranges from 314 to 330 Nm at 1,800 rpm, also use in jeepneys built in Batangas.

The 4BD2T is an indirect injection version of the 4BD1T that was also intercooled, it replaced the 4BD1T in the US market until about 1994. Bore x Stroke 102 mm x 118 mm Displacement: 3,856 cc (235.3 cu in). Power was 100kW (135 SAE Gross HP) at 3000 rpm, torque was 345Nm (255 Ft-lbs SAE) at 2000 rpm.
 
Last edited:

Stroked

Full Access Member
Joined
Dec 26, 2011
Posts
2,248
Reaction score
88
Location
Beloit, Kansas
First Name
Jared
Truck Year
1984
Truck Model
K10
Engine Size
305
I would not do a diesel swap other than a cummins or a duramax

I was considering the duramax swap for my crew cab but I would not use it to its potential. and the noise and extra cost for maint. is why I decided not to swap to a diesel.


and a 4bt would not be enough for the work it would take in my opinion.
but I have heard that the cummins 6bt adapter for the tranny will work for the cummins 4bt

That's the thing, for the money it would cost to do most of these swaps, I could just buy a brand new Optimizer 6.5 which would swap in easy. I'm not in it for monster power.

A Duramax swap would be cool though :drool:
 

tranzman

Junior Member
Joined
Jul 28, 2012
Posts
18
Reaction score
0
Location
azusa,ca
First Name
ron
Truck Year
1983
Truck Model
k20
Engine Size
CUMMINS 4BTA
a mild tuned 4BT moves my big heavy truck no problem , lots of room in the engine compartment & 22+ MPG's
 

Stroked

Full Access Member
Joined
Dec 26, 2011
Posts
2,248
Reaction score
88
Location
Beloit, Kansas
First Name
Jared
Truck Year
1984
Truck Model
K10
Engine Size
305
a mild tuned 4BT moves my big heavy truck no problem , lots of room in the engine compartment & 22+ MPG's

Can't beat that. I figure if they'll move heavy arse swathers and tractors around, they can surely move a 1/2 ton pickup ok.
 

GreaseDog

Full Access Member
Joined
Aug 8, 2010
Posts
1,189
Reaction score
33
Location
Elkhart, IN
First Name
Jeremy
Truck Year
1977 K20
Truck Model
1980 K2500
Engine Size
350
Actually looked into a Powerstroke 7.3 swap into my 90 K3500 (I have a 5 speed from a 7.3 truck, and a transfer case sitting in the shop). Same with the Duramax, it's a very complicated swap electrically. Keep it simple, and use a mechanical diesel engine. Have also looked into using a Detroit 4 or 6 cyl. Parts availability is the big plus, Cummins wins hands down. If you're set on being "different" hang a pair of twins or a set of triplets on it, and call it a day.

Since we're only dealing with a K20, I can only assume it won't see a lot of heavy towing, so why not look into a 6.2 swap? 6.5 turbo stuff bolts right on, the get great fuel economy (if you gear them properly for your tire size, and drive it properly) and it's a direct bolt in.
 
Last edited:

Forum statistics

Threads
42,165
Posts
910,441
Members
33,660
Latest member
1987R10Man
Top