534 replacement
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534 replacement
I would like to replace the 534 in my 64 c900 with a diesel. I would like to keep the gas mileage to a maximum. What would fit? What would need to be considered to do this swap? What would bolt up to the 5 speed that is in it now? Would something newer with an alison automatic fit between the rails?
Post Fiend
Joined: Jan 2003
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From: Iowa
What would fit?
I think most anything would physically fit in there. SD 534's are HUGE engines.
What would need to be considered?
How handy you are with a welder.
What would bolt up?
Probably nothing short of another SD.
Would an alison auto fit?
Probably. Again, get the welder.
If I may make a suggestion. If it were me, I'd build up a nice 390 to put in there. What I'd do, is start with a early to mid '70's junkyard F250 with a 390 2-barrel and a C6. I'd then rebuild the 390 with the help of the FE forum, and have a transmission shop rebuild the C6. Mounting it in there you're on your own, but I'm sure it'd fit right in there. Not a bolt up, but with the perches and motor mounts from the F250 you'd probably be able to figure something out in short order. You might even go look for a big truck with an FT engine to get mounts from, that should make it a bolt in. The 390 is a very versatile engine, and can make loads of torque, comparable to a 534, when built properly. Gas mileage should significantly improve over the 534.
JMHO.
I think most anything would physically fit in there. SD 534's are HUGE engines.
What would need to be considered?
How handy you are with a welder.
What would bolt up?
Probably nothing short of another SD.
Would an alison auto fit?
Probably. Again, get the welder.
If I may make a suggestion. If it were me, I'd build up a nice 390 to put in there. What I'd do, is start with a early to mid '70's junkyard F250 with a 390 2-barrel and a C6. I'd then rebuild the 390 with the help of the FE forum, and have a transmission shop rebuild the C6. Mounting it in there you're on your own, but I'm sure it'd fit right in there. Not a bolt up, but with the perches and motor mounts from the F250 you'd probably be able to figure something out in short order. You might even go look for a big truck with an FT engine to get mounts from, that should make it a bolt in. The 390 is a very versatile engine, and can make loads of torque, comparable to a 534, when built properly. Gas mileage should significantly improve over the 534.
JMHO.
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Thank you for the sugestions. I thought that the 390 was a medieum duty engine - I wasn't aware that it came in the light duty trucks. Currently I have a 21 foot chassies, however I will shortening it and building a 8 to 10 foot flatbed dump with under belly boxes.
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Jul 2004
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Not all medium duty diesels will fit easily in a C series cabover. The low cab floor pretty much limits you to some sort of V-8. The best bet would be a Caterpillar 3208, and a great number of C series trucks were built with just that diesel. The easiest thing to do would be to find a C-8000 with a 3208, and swap over all the brackets, mounts, ect.. A lot had Allison MT's in them, too. The 3208 isn't much bigger or heavier than a 534 either.
Post Fiend
Joined: Jan 2003
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From: Iowa
Originally Posted by marspenc
Thank you for the sugestions. I thought that the 390 was a medieum duty engine - I wasn't aware that it came in the light duty trucks.
Senior User
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 113
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From: central ohio
hello; you could order a 390 in a pickup from 65 to 75 but it would have had a 4bbl carb. they never offered a 2bbl 390 in a pickup. they have more power and get better mileage than a 360 2bbl.wayne.
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To swap a diesel into the truck you are looking at a good chunk of change is the truck really worth it. Not many people around here even deal with the 70s stuff anymore its not worth it.
Your cheapest option is try find a 429 out of a 80s or newer F-700 F-800 it will get you better fuel mileage up to 6 mpg instead of the 1 mpg you are getting now.
Like I said diesel trucks a dime a dozen go out and buy a diesel truck if you are looking for fuel mileage. You figure your going to spend 5-6 grand converting the truck you got I don't see the point.
Your cheapest option is try find a 429 out of a 80s or newer F-700 F-800 it will get you better fuel mileage up to 6 mpg instead of the 1 mpg you are getting now.
Like I said diesel trucks a dime a dozen go out and buy a diesel truck if you are looking for fuel mileage. You figure your going to spend 5-6 grand converting the truck you got I don't see the point.
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I am not trying to put this truck back into service, but make a custom hauler for other projects. I have always loved the Ford cabover design and am making a comfortable rig to haul in. For this I am converting it to power steering and would like to put a power plant in that doesn't require a ton of fabrication to install, and will get beter gas milage. I have considered the 460 in a fuel injected version, but it is something like 7 inches narrower then the 534 and would require custome mounts. That is why I am considering a diesel, as those trucks later on, came with that combo, so finding mounts and other things would be esier. To be honest I also love diesel engines. I got the truck for nothing and the 534 has only 6000 actual miles on it. Does anyone know of a good place to advertise it for sale. Whee would I find interest in that huge beast.
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I would recommend advertising the engine anywhere in the agricultural sector. There are a lot of old grain haulers that might be looking for that motor. There are a lot of ag. classifieds online. Don't know which specific one to recommend though.
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