I have a 1993 GMC 3500 that is in extremely nice shape. It has a 4.11 rear diff and a 5 speed standard transmission. I am giving it to my daughter's boyfriend and we plan to replace the 6.5 diesel with another engine. I have told him the easiest option would be to put a new Peninsular 6.5 diesel in it. If we replace the turbo and fuel injection system this will likely cost around 10k. The new engine would be a 2013 6.5 tuned to I believe 300 HP.Option 2 is to purchase a wrecked 2005 Ram with the Cummins in it for $2500. The truck has 155,000 miles on it. I like this option but realize it may be quite a project. Anyone know what all is involved in doing this swap? Some things I am pondering before committing to this project are:The standard GM transmission should bolt up ... what about the clutch?Clutch linkage?Clearance? Will we need to install a lift kit?Will the transmission need to be moved back? Have to cut hole in floor board? Shorten driveshaft. Extend transfer case linkage?What about the after cooler mounting? Accelerator pedal - likely electronic on the Dodge - I guess it will have to be moved and mounted somehow?What about cold start set up? Ignition Switch?

Here is a picture of the truck:

Shop the internet. You will find several companies that sell all the parts to make the Cummins swap. They can answer all your questions. I don't think it's as easy you might think..B.O.

in one of the diesel mags a guy has a suburban or a blazer or whatever with the old diesel and he wrote in to ask about an upgrade. Said its pretty easy chebby to chebby. So that would probably be the best route for ya to go. a cummins change over based on what I have read will run pretty close to $20K once it is all done. Many have estimated $10K, but the ones that reportedly done it give the higher number.

Hank85713 wrote:in one of the diesel mags a guy has a suburban or a blazer or whatever with the old diesel and he wrote in to ask about an upgrade. Said its pretty easy chebby to chebby. So that would probably be the best route for ya to go. a cummins change over based on what I have read will run pretty close to $20K once it is all done. Many have estimated $10K, but the ones that reportedly done it give the higher number.I just phoned and talked to a guy from Montana that did one. He said it was done for around 10k. I am quickly realizing this project could easily become much bigger than I am willing to make it. Are these Peninsular diesels worth considering?

Cheapest route would be to switch it over to a gas engine. They did hundreds of them back in the 80s to get rid of those 5.7 rattlers they used...$10,000 into a $8,000 truck isn't a good idea in my book.B.O.

Motor Swap | Good Sam Community

15 Replies

B_O__Plenty
Explorer II
Oct 21, 2013
Cheapest route would be to switch it over to a gas engine. They did hundreds of them back in the 80s to get rid of those 5.7 rattlers they used...$10,000 into a $8,000 truck isn't a good idea in my book.

B.O.
4x4ord
Explorer III
Oct 21, 2013
Hank85713 wrote:
in one of the diesel mags a guy has a suburban or a blazer or whatever with the old diesel and he wrote in to ask about an upgrade. Said its pretty easy chebby to chebby. So that would probably be the best route for ya to go. a cummins change over based on what I have read will run pretty close to $20K once it is all done. Many have estimated $10K, but the ones that reportedly done it give the higher number.

I just phoned and talked to a guy from Montana that did one. He said it was done for around 10k. I am quickly realizing this project could easily become much bigger than I am willing to make it.

Are these Peninsular diesels worth considering?
Hank85713
Explorer
Oct 21, 2013
in one of the diesel mags a guy has a suburban or a blazer or whatever with the old diesel and he wrote in to ask about an upgrade. Said its pretty easy chebby to chebby. So that would probably be the best route for ya to go. a cummins change over based on what I have read will run pretty close to $20K once it is all done. Many have estimated $10K, but the ones that reportedly done it give the higher number.
B_O__Plenty
Explorer II
Oct 21, 2013
Shop the internet. You will find several companies that sell all the parts to make the Cummins swap. They can answer all your questions. I don't think it's as easy you might think..

B.O.
4x4ord
Explorer III
Oct 21, 2013
Here is a picture of the truck:

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