Please tell me I have gone insane...

Well I was out working on the Olds in the drive way and my neighbor across the street came over to talk a bit. We got talking about the car and he noticed the diesel hood ornament and asked if it was really a diesel. I told it had been originally but now had a gas motor in it though that had to be swapped out. He then asked if I was going to put a diesel back in. I said no I have a 350 on its way with a 4spd trans. We talked for a bit longer and went on our ways.

Well I was out driving later and a Duramax diesel truck drove past me and caught my eye. It got me thinking what if I found a modern turbo diesel and put in the Olds? There are a couple 2001 and up diesels in my local yard that would have the 6.6 LB7 ~300HP and ~520 lb-ft of torque. I have not yet asked how much said engine would run and I'm kinda scared to because if its reasonable I may do something stupid and end up with a diesel Olds

If I do decide to check out of reality what transmission would you put behind this thing? I can only imagine what it would do to my stock 7.5 inch rear so that would have to go. Anyone know how heavy these beasts would weigh? I have heard it would weigh more than a big block Chevy though so did the original Olds Diesel.

I'm insane right?

I dunno about being insane but in Germany it was a pretty popular swap to replace the 350 diesel with the GMC 6.3l diesel engine (no idea what that is in ci, sorry). At least it was back when you could take the rear seats out of an Olds station wagon and register it as a truck so you'd only have to pay car taxes based on weight and not on engine displacement as you have to do with a car.

A Duramax Cutlass wagon sounds more fun.

John Brown wrote: A mid-engined Duramax Cutlass wagon sounds more fun.

Fixed

I don't really remember all of the details, engine wise, but there was a badass diesel GN clone floating around the web within the last couple of years.

what is not to like? Classic olds looks, great Gas miliage, AND reliable stump pulling power?

mad_machine wrote: what is not to like? Classic olds looks, great Gas miliage, AND [enough] pulling power to tow Rhode Island across the US.

Fixxorred

and with a computer flash, injectors, big intercooler, and a large exhaust... 1000 ft/lbs is not too far off!

Yes, you are insane and to hang around this lot of enablers is just .....perfect

http://www.popularhotrodding.com/features/0906phr_1970_chevy_chevelle_turbo_diesel/index.html

John Brown wrote:

mad_machine wrote: what is not to like? Classic olds looks, great FUEL miliage, AND [enough] pulling power to tow Rhode Island across the US.

Fixxorred

fixed again.

go for it

Ah nuts I forgot about the enabling...

I remember the GN clone using the Duramax oddly enough that clone was built off of a...wait for it...Olds Cutlass diesel . So that shows me its possible to stick one in with some work. I had not seen that Chevelle though, very nice. The power and mileage would be just plain awesome.

I have a 350 and 4spd coming in the next week or two (whenever I clean out my shop) to at least get the car on the road and moving over the winter. I was going to start saving up for a new crate motor but maybe this should be the new direction?

Doesn't one of those NPR Izusu Diesels bolt up the same as a SBC?

mistanfo wrote:

John Brown wrote:

mad_machine wrote: what is not to like? Classic olds looks, great FUEL MILEAGE, AND [enough] pulling power to tow Rhode Island across the US.

Fixxorred

fixed again.

Fixed again again.

Here's the Duramax "Grand National".

and a video as well.

I'd take one in a heartbeat. :)

I can't provide much info, but there's a local guy with a turbo 4 cyl. Cummins in something like a G body. I haven't seen it in a while, but I know it's still out there. I found it on the YouTubes once, maybe somebody with mad skillz can find it again for me.

Mmmm 4BT cummins.... I have a drivetrain-free E30 I've been trying to decide what to do with. I wonder....

ps- You have gone insane.

But I'm only telling you that since you said "please" first.

Really, though, I do not believe that you are insane. Nor do I have the training to make that medical claim.

I do have the male chromosone, which tells me that this will be awesome!

Insane? maybe....

But you've come to the wrong site if you expect any of us to talk you out of it.

I think they did this on Pimp My Ride. I believe it was a DuraMax in an Impala. It worked.

Alright so say I decide this REALLY must be done. Would the Duramax be the best choice? Is there another turbo diesel that might be more budget friendly and can get similar power?

I was originally planning on putting in a Ford 9 inch rear, which is what was put in the GNX clone so I guess it will just be a matter of making sure the internals are up to the task. What about the transmission? What would be my choices? Would I be stuck with an auto as my only viable option or is there a manual I could use that would work well for the car platform vs truck?

Suspension wise my front end was already beefed up for the original Olds diesel and I plan on doing more though and do have the stiff racing springs that were in the trunk. I think much larger brakes will be needed as well. Hmmm

the reason you are insane is because any of the diesels you've been talking about (power stroke, cummins, duramax) with the appropriate transmissions weigh upwards of 1000 lbs.

You are looking at an extremely nose heavy, frame breaking type beast.

DoctorBlade wrote: Here's the Duramax "Grand National". and a video as well. I'd take one in a heartbeat. :)

there is so much WIN in this car...

Dr. Hess wrote: Doesn't one of those NPR Izusu Diesels bolt up the same as a SBC?

I don't think so. Those are Cummins 4BTs, IIRC. However, the 6.2 diesel shares motor mounts with the SBC.

My only advice is browse the internet. I know most swaps seems to bring the excellent allison transmission along for the ride. Which will lead to some transmission tunnel adaptation.

Psst: One more before I shut up. BMW e30 TurboDiesel (875 HP)