V10 to Diesel Conversion

[JShepherd]

Has anybody out there done this conversion? I couldn't pass up the deal on a '98 2500 4X4 Long Bed with the V10 mated to the automatic. I have a first generation diesel with less than 100,000 miles on the truck. The donor truck is a '90 2500 2WD with the auto (no overdrive).



I understand that the Diesel will bolt directly to the transmission but I will need to change torque converters and the like, but can I get away with simply putting an O. D. Lockout Switch on it to allow me to lock Overdrive in at the lower RPM than what it is programmed for for the gas engine?



Any thoughts or suggestions would be appreciated.



Thanks,



J

 

[Bob Beauchaine]

You are probably going to run into emissions issues by useing a '90 nengine in a 98 truck. As far as the swap itself goes it should go fairly easily.



Bob

 

[RShipp]

You will need a lower stall converter, emissions shouldn't be a problem because the 12V didn't have emissions.

 

[MShaheen]

You will need a lower stall converter, emissions shouldn't be a problem because the 12V didn't have emissions.

You can not legally in some states place an engine out of an older vehicle into a newer vehicle. It would be ok to put a 98 12v or newer year engine. However the 98's had the 12v in them before the mid year change and i doubt the emissions monkey will notice the difference of a VE pump to a p7100.

 

[JShepherd]

Any ideas on the computer for the transmission? I installed a lock-up on my dad's '94 to help him with heavy towing. Will that help or even eliminate the computer issues? THANKS!

 

[RShipp]

Oh, good point. No computer on the 12V. I'm guessing you will be able to swap in a diesel governor and you will need the cable acutated madulating valve.

 

[peobryant]

From the original post, it sounds as though he wants to put the transmission from the '98 into his '90. Is that what the plan is, or does he want to swap the 12 Valve into the '98?

 

[sdstriper]

After 95' the transmission is electronic controlled, PCM etc. You would have to go full manual valve body to use it without PCM interface etc. Not sure on switches for the OD and lockup on an RE transmission. As far as the concerns with the State regulations etc. What State are you in?

 

[cerberusiam]

Has anybody out there done this conversion? I couldn't pass up the deal on a '98 2500 4X4 Long Bed with the V10 mated to the automatic. I have a first generation diesel with less than 100,000 miles on the truck. The donor truck is a '90 2500 2WD with the auto (no overdrive).



I understand that the Diesel will bolt directly to the transmission but I will need to change torque converters and the like, but can I get away with simply putting an O. D. Lockout Switch on it to allow me to lock Overdrive in at the lower RPM than what it is programmed for for the gas engine?



Any thoughts or suggestions would be appreciated.



Thanks,



J

You will need the second gen engine adapter, starter, etc, to get it to bolt to the transmission. You should be bale to source the mounts in slavage yard somewhere but a lot will depend on the cross member difference between gas and diesel.



The 98 should already have an OD lockout and you will probbaly have to go into the VB to change the shift points.



The pain point will be if you can get the 98 ECM to NOT throw codes that will effect the trans controller unit. That may take some work to figure out what is monitored and what you can fool with resistors.



If people can drop these engines into late model suburbans and get them to work I am sure it will be a aworth while project. Go for it and post progress/questions.

 

[mysteryman]

The 90 doner motor will not pass 98 emissions requirements . The DMV will always think your truck is a v10 by the serial # also... check your local regulations before you buy

You will need the second gen engine adapter, starter, etc, to get it to bolt to the transmission. You should be bale to source the mounts in slavage yard somewhere but a lot will depend on the cross member difference between gas and diesel.



The 98 should already have an OD lockout and you will probbaly have to go into the VB to change the shift points.



The pain point will be if you can get the 98 ECM to NOT throw codes that will effect the trans controller unit. That may take some work to figure out what is monitored and what you can fool with resistors.



If people can drop these engines into late model suburbans and get them to work I am sure it will be a aworth while project. Go for it and post progress/questions.

 

[JShepherd]

Thanks for the thoughts and suggestions. LUCKILY emissions isn't an issue in my home state, that is why I was even considering this. I am getting the '98 this week and will start looking at all the issues for the conversion to get the '90 Cummins in it.

I will keep notes, take pics and document my progress (and setbacks) so the next guy will have something to work from.

Any other thoughts or comments regarding this conversion be sure to post!



Thanks,



J

 

[TBurow]

i did the same thing to my first 96. wasnt that bad, i had to rebuild the trans(it was bad anyway) and ust a manual valvebody shift kit from trans-go. i had to use 2 switches for 4th and lockup. there is a company selling a stand alone computer for the 47re. or you could get a 47rh and have 1st-3rd auto shifts and 2 switches for 4th and lockup. dont use the v10 tork converter it will fit but will have too high stall speed. you will need a 3nd gen trans adapter plate, flywheel and starter th hook the auto up to. the 1st gen adapter is not as deep as the 2nd gen and the trans will not fit flush to the adapter. the wiring was fairly easy, the temp sender on mine was a different resistance and the gauge was way off, but a 2nd gen sender fixed that. all parts are available on ebay. if you have any questions pm me and i will give you my phone number. i may have a few parts from my first truck i did the conversion on i will have to look.

 

[Andy Morrison]

How many miles are on that V10.