I have a 1980 chevy 1 ton 2wd. i want to put a cummins in it. i've heard that the 5.9 inline 6 is the best but i would really like to have the crash course on what trans/motor and any other details on this project. thanks!

 

Might get better responses if this was in the Diesel Conversion forum

 

Someone wanna move this over.....

Easiest route in my opinion is to buy a complete donor truck and use the engine and tranny out of the truck. If you go this route, you will most likely have most of the parts you need to do the swap, versus buying an engine (and/or tranny) alone. If you dont use the tranny behind the Cummins already, odds are you will have to buy an adapter plate which can be expensive.

A 12v Cummins (mechanical, non-electronic engine) would be the best bet for your swap. They were made from 89-98 (early 98's), and basically do not require any wiring unlike the 24v or commonrail.

Is your truck an auto or standard already?

 

its a 4 speed already.
would a 4wd be better or a 2wd? this ones a 2wd but i dont know if that cummins will be too heavy for that suspension

 

My factory 2wd 1/2 ton suspension is holding it just fine so I dont think you'll have problem there

Well I would stick with a standard then. If you get an 89-93 it will have the rotary VE injection pump, may or may not be intercooled, and will have a Getrag 5 speed standard. If you bump up to a 94-98 12v, it will have the inline P7100 IP and an NV4500 5 speed. The 2nd gen 12v's are generally more sought after because the P-pump is capable of making much more power than the VE and the NV4500 is a much, much better tranny than the Getrag.

 

I'm building one as we speak. Take a look in the conversion forum under my name

 

thanks! that helps but im still looking for a donor truck though. if yall have any info on one, let me know

 

Check craigslist, that where I found mine.

 

This is pretty much the only place i've found donors.

 

ok ill look there. one more question, do i need to make drastic changes to the motor mounts?