Winter project, what do you guys think?

[olbuddyjack]

So I'm stumbling through the local pick-n-pull looking for some engine parts for my truck. I look in this old Chevy van and something looks funny, it has an unmolested 5.7 diesel, 125 bucks and they take it out.

So I starts to think'in. "How would that work in my crusier?" Its a 27 foot with an 87 5.7 Cobra, gas.
I think I heard rodbolt talk about folks using these motors round his port.
I know I would have to rebuild it but will my manifolds work? Will the coupler fit the crank flange?

Would it be worth the trouble or would my time be better spent chasing women?

 

[Freedom]

Re: Winter project, what do you guys think?

FYI,

I don't know much about swapping engines but I do have some experience with this diesel engine, I had one in a 1979 Chev pickup. It was GM's attempt at putting a cheap diesel in a pickup truck. The engine was actually a converted 350cuin gas engine. The only problem was that they didn't beefup the bottom end enough to handle the increased compression and torque of a diesel engine. I blew a piston rod through the pan in 3 places and ended up replacing it with a gas engine. I found out later that there apparantly was a class action law suit in the US because of the significantly high failure rate of this engine. For what it's worth.

 

[sumcat1]

Re: Winter project, what do you guys think?

I have a friend who bought a new Oldsmobile sedan in the late 70's. It had a V8 diesel, probably the same engine you're talking about. It broke the crankshaft while on a family vacation in it's 2nd year of use.

 

[Reel Poor]

Re: Winter project, what do you guys think?

It won't bolt up. Different bolt pattern on flywheel housing. Your manifolds wont work either because its an oldsmobile 350 ci block and head design.

Don't try it !!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[Scaaty]

Re: Winter project, what do you guys think?

Makes sense on the weak lower end to me...
Run, Forest, RUN!

 

[thunderroad]

Re: Winter project, what do you guys think?

I'd steer clear of the diesel but would also be cautious with your second choice of a winter project. Sounds a lot more expensive than an old worn-out boat.

 

[180shabah]

Re: Winter project, what do you guys think?

Reel Poor is right, it is an Olds block not a chevy. While sound in design they were plaged by problems in two areas. Weak head and rod bolts that were often reused during rebuilds(making maters worse) and a lack of water seperator, this killed many injection pumps in short order.

Also, this engine was designed to do one thing, get good mileage, therfore power was lacking. The highest power version of this engine only produced 225 Ft.Lbs of torque and 125hp. With such low power output and high weight(it is a big block, Plus a few pounds) it would be a poor choice for any planing hull boat.