My 88 chevy has a 7.4L gas motor now. I had the chance to buy a complete 7.3 turbo powerstroke w/harness and transmission but passed it up cause I didnt know if it would fit and if it would get much better economy...I know people have swapped cummins into chevys before but the 7.3 is a lot more common and cheaper to get around here... Whats the weight diff? Size diff? (Not displacement but block size?) Any particular problems?
And whats a 6bt??? I tried to search but no real tips for a diesel newb like me. People seem to think they're tough and simple. I like that.
Cummins 6BT is heavier than the Powerstroke, by about 200lbs IIRC, maybe a little less. The 6BT is a sturdier engine than the PSD but it doesn't matter much because the rest of the truck will be in bad shape by the time either engine needs an in frame. The inline six cummins just barely is short enough to fit in the Chevies, but width wise it is nice and narrow and leaves plenty of room for twins, compressors, etc under the hood. I'm sure the 7.3PSD would fit but wiring it all in and making everything work correctly would be a chore. BTW, the PSD will get much better mileage than your 454, by twice as much.
