Turbo Diesel - ProTouring

[Benoit23]

What would it take to make my Pro Touring 1955 Chevy PU a Turbo Diesel? Would this be a good idea for a Pro Touring Truck?



As of now the truck has a '78 Camaro front clip & a '91 Firebird Drivtrain; GM 305 V8, 700R4 Tranny & rear end.



This is the Banks Performance Duramax Diesel - Big Grunt. This diesel mill pounds out 800 lb-ft of torque throughout 3,000 to 4,500 rpm in a pancake-flat power curve. Of course, big torque is no surprise for a diesel, and comparatively smaller horsepower numbers are the norm. But this engine also cranks out 650 hp at 4,300 rpm, an unheard of powerband for a diesel. And Banks' goal is to redline at more than 5,000 rpm.

Your feedback will be greatly appreciated.

[Damn True]

Well I think the biggest negative in this is weight. The engine is heavy, the trans would be REALLY heavy. But your '58 isn't exactly a lightweight to begin with. I think it would be bitchin and certainly different though. If you have the means to do it, I'd sure like to see it.

[MuscleRodz]

What would it take to make my Pro Touring 1955 Chevy PU a Turbo Diesel? Would this be a good idea for a Pro Touring Truck?

As of now the truck has a '78 Camaro front clip & a '91 Firebird Drivtrain; GM 305 V8, 700R4 Tranny & rear end.

This is the Banks Performance Duramax Diesel - Big Grunt. This diesel mill pounds out 800 lb-ft of torque throughout 3,000 to 4,500 rpm in a pancake-flat power curve. Of course, big torque is no surprise for a diesel, and comparatively smaller horsepower numbers are the norm. But this engine also cranks out 650 hp at 4,300 rpm, an unheard of powerband for a diesel. And Banks' goal is to redline at more than 5,000 rpm.

Your feedback will be greatly appreciated.

What does that monster cost? I have plans to do a Durmax project.

Mike

[Benoit23]

I can't find a price on the motor pictured but you can find all the info you need here.
http://www.bankspower.com/

[Benoit23]

This is the test truck for that motor.

[bobbaganoosh]

i hate to admit that I've actually seen the show, but they stuck a Duramax in an Impala on Pimp My Ride a while back. Besides all the ridiculous audio equipment the car didn't look half bad.

[GetMore]

Don't do it! All this speed stuff involving diesels will make them more popular, and the more popular the more people will be driving them. That means there will be more demand for diesel fuel, and I'll have to pay more to fill my car!
Stay away from diesel!

[MonzaRacer]

In one of the more recent Engine Rebuilder magazine they did an article on diesel dragracing and the fact that a lot ofthose guys are turning 6000+ rpms with no problems.
See most people forget there is NO difference between the diesel and our favorite engine but they add bottom end weight to increase inertia weight for pulling,, and they have no distributor or plug wires.
And as for the Duramax, it has aluminum heads and isnt some super duper collosal chunk of cast iron.
Also the diesels have some serious tortional rigidity. Lets talk 7500 rpm, 35 psi boost, 1000to 1500 hp and NO mainbearing or rod bearing issues.
The only ting that is difference is that your engine is waiting till TDC or after top dead center to inject fuel into the cylinder. and with newer electronic fuel injection tuning the power potential is incredible and the bottomends are pretty much bullet proof especially after some of the aftermarket people get into the mix well then let the fun begin,
I know of 3 guys running modded diesels in cars and they are using old 6.5 GM diesels. Heck on one ofthe power tours they had a 1500 hp Cseries with either a 6.2 or 6.5.
I always told my dad that iwanted to run his 95 Powerstroke down the track as it pulled so hard to the redline it would have made a great drag motor, he always told me I was introuble if I did haha. Well wish I had but oh well.
http://www.nhrda.com/DragRacingGallery.htm
http://www.dhraonline.com/
Check these out to see whats going on.

[Benoit23]

Don't do it! All this speed stuff involving diesels will make them more popular, and the more popular the more people will be driving them. That means there will be more demand for diesel fuel, and I'll have to pay more to fill my car!
Stay away from diesel!

Yeah sure....Thanks "GetMore", it sounds like you are playing Devil’s Advocate .......

I not only created this thread for your opinions on Turbo Diesels but, I also created this thread to pick your heads for any strength issues with my frame setup, suspension, brakes, etc.

Thanks, Benoit

[Young Gun]

this sounds like an awsome idea!!! do you have any renderings for the truck? are you gonna run an IFS/ IRS setup? what do the plans entail for this beast?

[GetMore]

Well, there is no way the transmission or the rear will hold up to the torque of the diesel if you get any traction.

[MonzaRacer]

WHY NOT? The only trans that will fit the Duramax is the 4lboe or Allison and both of them are dead strong and can be made even stronger.
Besides if you did it I would use the 5 speed available behind them.AS for a diff so what he can use a S60 from Strange or even mod out a Dana70 or 80 from truck that use it.
They say that the duramax is as light or lighter than a Bigblock and as for holding it up I dont see why not have you ever weighed one of the older 305 V6, that used to be a big swap to make older 50s truck farm useful and they weigh in at something like 1500 lbs engine only.
As for me I would do it if I could source thedrive line and had the truck.
Ill look for the Engine Rebuilder magazine and try to get you some sources for info.
Lee Abel
AFTERMARKET PERFORMANCE

[Benoit23]

WHY NOT? The only trans that will fit the Duramax is the 4lboe or Allison and both of them are dead strong and can be made even stronger.
Besides if you did it I would use the 5 speed available behind them.AS for a diff so what he can use a S60 from Strange or even mod out a Dana70 or 80 from truck that use it.
They say that the duramax is as light or lighter than a Bigblock and as for holding it up I dont see why not have you ever weighed one of the older 305 V6, that used to be a big swap to make older 50s truck farm useful and they weigh in at something like 1500 lbs engine only.
As for me I would do it if I could source thedrive line and had the truck.
Ill look for the Engine Rebuilder magazine and try to get you some sources for info.
Lee Abel
AFTERMARKET PERFORMANCE

Thanks for all the info MonzaRacer, you've been a huge help!

Check out this tread I just found
https://www.pro-touring.com/forum/sh...ad.php?t=31238

This is basically what I want it do to my truck.

[GetMore]

Lee, I meant that there was no way his current trans or rear would hold up. (700-R4/7-something inch rear 10-bolt)

[Benoit23]

Yeah, I don't believe that 700-R4 will hold up nor the 10-bolt rear end. I'm pretty sure I'll have to beaf up the chassis & suspension.

Did you guys check out that Grand National w/ the Duramax motor?http://18to1.com/


.

[s10kool]

there was a guy where i used to live that had a tube chassi grand am with an older car F I GM deeezzzelllll and had a big block chevy in it before

he just put heavier springs and stronger rear and i beleive it was a an auto been back in the mid 90's

i dont see that you would have to do many big changes to make it work

[MonzaRacer]

One the 700R4 wont bolt to it. The diff should hold up as long as it doesnt get super hooked up or try to tow a semi.
We get 400-500 hp engines into S10s and make the 7.5s hold up under the abuse of slicks.
dont get me wrong it wont live forever but it would live.
Again you would need either a 4L80E or Allison automatic to live (ie a modded stock oe trans.).
Lee

[rich-allen]

What does that monster cost? I have plans to do a Durmax project.

Mike

I heard it was $40K

Rich

[gchandler]

http://hotrodhomepage.com/hrhp/2007/...-diesel-power/

[deuce_454]

diesels rule! anyone who has ever driven a mercedes 320 CDI will tell you that..

I built a toyota diesel race truck a few years back and managed to coax 180 Hp from a 2.4 L 4 cyl with mechanical injection and it was an absolute blast to drive, loads or tourque and the most awesome sound.. and 500+ Hp from a duramax or cummins is just a matter of ordering bolt on parts..

i love the idea!.. the exhaust note on a diesel with straight thru exhaust is just mean! and the tourque and mileage you get from them would make it a no brainer.. besides isnt there enough SBC, BBC and LSX chevy PU´s out there.. ???