Lets Debate a Little.... LSX vs Duramax for swap.... - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

6600DURAMAX · 02-15-2019, 11:08 PM

OK Ok this should spark some good conversation

Working on K-30 Crewcab build - Body is in bodyshop and frame is in my garage getting prepped.

I have an internal dilemma/ struggle. I currently have a 2002 Dmax complete drivetrain, everything.... It starts and runs. Not sure of the miles but probably 200K+ is my thoughts. Original plan was to just transplant entire drivetrain over to the 1972 C-30 frame.

Lately I have been contemplating a LSX option or two
One- Buy a Blueprint Performance 427LSX and a 4L80E
Advantages - turn key, warranty, easier engine mounts, simpler fuel delivery, no need for intercooler fitment etc etc.....

Two - Build a LSX 454 - mostly same as above but probably lose the warranty on the motor

DURAMAX - Cant beat a diesel in a big heavy truck BUT - much harder to transplant, more work on fuel, intercooler fitment, standalone harness or use existing, BOTH engine and Tranny will need rebuilt (Not even sure what this cost)

Thoughts or opinions

6600DURAMAX · 02-15-2019, 11:09 PM

couple pics for interest

rjs53 · 02-15-2019, 11:15 PM

Duramax for sure! Add a chip and get another 150hp and tons of torque.

RetiredSquid · 02-15-2019, 11:18 PM

In the middle of an LS7/4L85 swap in a '69 C10 myself.

Since you have a K30, why not keep it beefy and go with the diesel?

6600DURAMAX · 02-15-2019, 11:45 PM

427 LSX is turning 625 HP and 550 Ft LB not to shabby for $11,000.... not sure what rebuild on Duramax would run? Any ideas on cost to freshen the lower end and heads, new High Pressure Fuel, New injectors and rebuild turbo??

Greg58 · 02-16-2019, 02:08 AM

Dmax.
A one ton needs the grunt!

**57taskforce** · 02-16-2019, 02:30 AM

Dirtymaxx for sure

**69GMC2004** · 02-16-2019, 04:11 AM

I would also go Duramax.

**The Rocknrod** · 02-16-2019, 07:27 AM

Duramax, you'd stand out from the crowd.

Andyking1203 · 02-16-2019, 08:25 AM

I think the dmaxx would be a better bang for your buck, reguardless what the buck$$$ is.. plus I think itll last longer,

Orange Crate · 02-16-2019, 09:54 AM

Why not go for an L18. BBC engine mounts and exhaust manifolds will bolt right up.

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=566019

**chevy71super** · 02-16-2019, 09:55 AM

Okay I will go against the grain and say LSX because the install would be less complex and likely less expensive. Long term value with a Duramax may be better though . . . . and you already have a big block beast. The number one question is always what are you going to use it for?

Slowguy · 02-16-2019, 11:10 AM

I have a 2002 duramax. I can’t imagine that engine in a c10. I would guess you’d really want to do something about weight distribution. My lb7 must be pretty heavy. Without weight in the rear you just spin everywhere you go. Posi would definitely help that but you still “feel” the weight up front. I could have torn apart my 02 to throw the diesel in the c10 but the truck still holds more value than that would be worth. I’d imagine also that it would be MUCH more difficult to find a duramax donor for a reasonable price especially when compared to an ls swap. I own one and I think it’s rediculous how they hold the value. I shop around here and the cheapest, beat to sh1t rustbucket duramax doesn’t seem to drop below about 5k. I can do a lot with 5k and just about any other donor engine. You know what kind of power you can make with 5k and an ls? Lots.

So, I decided to get a lq4 truck engine, rebuild it, add some nice stuff like pac springs, polished crank, new gapped rings, arp head and rod cap bolts, a new stall tc, much more. And I’m probably still into it less than just the engine from my duramax. Not to mention, it’ll make 800 hp if I want it to

for now I’m stopping at enough boost to make about 500-550 whp with posi. That should be more than enough for now. That’s got to be more than my basic-tuned duramax is making hp-wise (but probably not more torque)

6600DURAMAX · 02-16-2019, 11:32 AM

It is a tough decision for sure......

like some have said - the LS swap would be a ton easier but if it was easy everyone would do it??

I like the 8.1L option - I considered it in the past but really forgot about it, might have to relook at that

**57taskforce** · 02-16-2019, 12:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 6600DURAMAX

It is a tough decision for sure......

like some have said - the LS swap would be a ton easier but if it was easy everyone would do it??

I like the 8.1L option - I considered it in the past but really forgot about it, might have to relook at that

The 8.1 is a beast as well. I’ve had a couple of them. I actually got rid of my 8.1 2500 suburban last fall after I bought my Camaro. The suburban had 260,000 on it original motor and trans both. Pretty stout setup in my opinion. I’d still say duramax though. You just don’t seem to see that swap much and you already got the foundation for it in the rebuilable engine and trans.

trac209 · 02-16-2019, 12:40 PM

Go with the diesel imho. Way stronger and will have tons of low end torque the LS can’t even touch.

**71blksuper4x4** · 02-16-2019, 01:32 PM

You know what I am doing.

Coley · 02-16-2019, 05:12 PM

Good choice!
....think about the fuel mileage advantage too with the Diesel vs. the towing ability.

Those gas engines will need you to pick up a part time job....lol.

All good
Coley

Hubscrub · 02-17-2019, 04:56 PM

Im not a big ls fan, but i would do it over a diesal any day.

Sparky dave · 02-17-2019, 08:27 PM

Diesel for work petrol for play that’s where I’m at love them both

67 chevelle · 02-18-2019, 08:46 AM

C3o crew = duramax for sure

Mike C · 02-18-2019, 08:55 AM

Rebuilding the Duramax an the Allison would probably cost about the same as buying the LSX and 4L80. This would be a no-brainer to me if you could just pull the driveline from the Diesel truck and use it, but having to rebuild all that expensive stuff? No.

I like the idea of repowering using complete running/driving setup. For your crew cab project I think I would look for either a wrecked D-max with good condition driveline or a donor 8.1/4L80E truck. Suburban would be ideal as they are typically beat on a LOT less than a truck would be.

BlueChev72 · 02-18-2019, 02:40 PM

Duramax all the way. It's a one ton truck, it needs the grunt. It'd also be more unique- there are tons of LS swapped 67-72's, but there aren't just a whole lot with a duramax

062500hd · 02-18-2019, 03:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 71blksuper4x4

You know what I am doing.

Where did you have emblem done?

Slowguy · 02-18-2019, 07:01 PM

How common are the 8.1’s? In addition to my duramax (that I don’t think it would make sense to rip apart as a donor), I do actually have a 99 lift truck that has an 8.1 in it as well as a 99 3500 van with (I think it has) a 5.7. Other than the obvious popularity of the ls or duramax swap I don’t know how common or desireable it would be to swap in one of these other engines/trans

02-15-2019, 11:08 PM	#1
6600DURAMAX Registered User Join Date: Nov 2000 Location: Wheatfield IN, USA Posts: 1,124	Lets Debate a Little.... LSX vs Duramax for swap.... OK Ok this should spark some good conversation Working on K-30 Crewcab build - Body is in bodyshop and frame is in my garage getting prepped. I have an internal dilemma/ struggle. I currently have a 2002 Dmax complete drivetrain, everything.... It starts and runs. Not sure of the miles but probably 200K+ is my thoughts. Original plan was to just transplant entire drivetrain over to the 1972 C-30 frame. Lately I have been contemplating a LSX option or two One- Buy a Blueprint Performance 427LSX and a 4L80E Advantages - turn key, warranty, easier engine mounts, simpler fuel delivery, no need for intercooler fitment etc etc..... Two - Build a LSX 454 - mostly same as above but probably lose the warranty on the motor DURAMAX - Cant beat a diesel in a big heavy truck BUT - much harder to transplant, more work on fuel, intercooler fitment, standalone harness or use existing, BOTH engine and Tranny will need rebuilt (Not even sure what this cost) Thoughts or opinions __________________ 1972 K5 - LS3/408 (595Hp) -6L80e-One Tons with 4.56, 20'' Beadlocks with 37'' rubber, full TMI interior, JL Audio ..... 1971 CREWMAX Build.....at body shop for couple more years

02-15-2019, 11:09 PM	#2
6600DURAMAX Registered User Join Date: Nov 2000 Location: Wheatfield IN, USA Posts: 1,124	Re: Lets Debate a Little.... LSX vs Duramax for swap.... couple pics for interest Attached Images __________________ 1972 K5 - LS3/408 (595Hp) -6L80e-One Tons with 4.56, 20'' Beadlocks with 37'' rubber, full TMI interior, JL Audio ..... 1971 CREWMAX Build.....at body shop for couple more years

02-15-2019, 11:15 PM	#3
rjs53 Registered User Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: nevada Posts: 649	Re: Lets Debate a Little.... LSX vs Duramax for swap.... Duramax for sure! Add a chip and get another 150hp and tons of torque. __________________ 2003 Dodge 2500 1969 C10 2014 Camaro SS/RS/1LE

02-15-2019, 11:18 PM	#4
RetiredSquid Registered User Join Date: Aug 2017 Location: Lexington Park, Maryland Posts: 17	Re: Lets Debate a Little.... LSX vs Duramax for swap.... In the middle of an LS7/4L85 swap in a '69 C10 myself. Since you have a K30, why not keep it beefy and go with the diesel?

02-15-2019, 11:45 PM	#5
6600DURAMAX Registered User Join Date: Nov 2000 Location: Wheatfield IN, USA Posts: 1,124	Re: Lets Debate a Little.... LSX vs Duramax for swap.... 427 LSX is turning 625 HP and 550 Ft LB not to shabby for $11,000.... not sure what rebuild on Duramax would run? Any ideas on cost to freshen the lower end and heads, new High Pressure Fuel, New injectors and rebuild turbo?? __________________ 1972 K5 - LS3/408 (595Hp) -6L80e-One Tons with 4.56, 20'' Beadlocks with 37'' rubber, full TMI interior, JL Audio ..... 1971 CREWMAX Build.....at body shop for couple more years

02-16-2019, 02:08 AM	#6
Greg58 Registered User Join Date: Jan 2017 Location: Valley, NE. Posts: 1,023	Re: Lets Debate a Little.... LSX vs Duramax for swap.... Dmax. A one ton needs the grunt! __________________ ________________ 1970 GMC Sierra Grande, 2500 133" wb, 402, 4spd. 2007 GMC 3500 SRW 4x4, Crew cab, Duramax/Allison. (Sold} 1987 Chevy Suburban 2500, Silverado, 2wd, 454, t-400 2023 Chevy Silverado LT 3500, crew cab, longbox, 4x4 Z-71 Duramax.

02-16-2019, 02:30 AM	#7
57taskforce All about them K’s Join Date: Jun 2014 Location: Land of Entrapment Posts: 6,512	Re: Lets Debate a Little.... LSX vs Duramax for swap.... Dirtymaxx for sure __________________ Tyler '57 3100 http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=813888 '72 K20 Cheyenne: 5” lift, 35’s, front dana 60 blah blah blah… http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=662879 ‘69 K10 SWB: 4” lift 33”s… in a million pieces http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=805206 '98 Silverado LT K2500HD ECLB Vortec 454/4l80E: 6" lift 35x12.5x20’s

02-16-2019, 04:11 AM	#8
69GMC2004 Active Member Join Date: Nov 2018 Location: SHERWOOD PARK, AB Posts: 113	Re: Lets Debate a Little.... LSX vs Duramax for swap.... I would also go Duramax.

02-16-2019, 07:27 AM	#9
The Rocknrod Moderator Join Date: Aug 2011 Location: China Spring, TX Posts: 7,280	Re: Lets Debate a Little.... LSX vs Duramax for swap.... Duramax, you'd stand out from the crowd. __________________ Master Chief, US Navy, Retired 1964 C10 Step-side Short Bed - In Progress 2009 2500HD Duramax LTZ 1948 GMC Panel 1956 Big Window Stepside 1953 5 Window Chevy Stepside 1932 Coupe New Seat Foam for Bench Seats?

02-16-2019, 08:25 AM	#10
Andyking1203 Registered User Join Date: Apr 2018 Location: Sabattus, maine Posts: 209	Re: Lets Debate a Little.... LSX vs Duramax for swap.... I think the dmaxx would be a better bang for your buck, reguardless what the buck$$$ is.. plus I think itll last longer,

02-16-2019, 09:54 AM	#11
Orange Crate Registered User Join Date: Feb 2011 Location: Under the Truck Dreaming Posts: 757	Re: Lets Debate a Little.... LSX vs Duramax for swap.... Why not go for an L18. BBC engine mounts and exhaust manifolds will bolt right up. http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=566019 __________________ 72 K20 Custom Camper, D60, 14BFF, full roller 406 TPI w custom built ECU and yes..it has tow hooks...and a 5 speed

02-16-2019, 09:55 AM	#12
chevy71super Registered User Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: So Cal Posts: 658	Re: Lets Debate a Little.... LSX vs Duramax for swap.... Okay I will go against the grain and say LSX because the install would be less complex and likely less expensive. Long term value with a Duramax may be better though . . . . and you already have a big block beast. The number one question is always what are you going to use it for? __________________ 71 Cheyenne Super 4X4 SB 72 Cheyenne Super 4X4 SB 72 Cheyenne 4X4 SB

02-16-2019, 11:10 AM	#13
Slowguy Registered User Join Date: Aug 2017 Location: Chicago,il Posts: 361	Re: Lets Debate a Little.... LSX vs Duramax for swap.... I have a 2002 duramax. I can’t imagine that engine in a c10. I would guess you’d really want to do something about weight distribution. My lb7 must be pretty heavy. Without weight in the rear you just spin everywhere you go. Posi would definitely help that but you still “feel” the weight up front. I could have torn apart my 02 to throw the diesel in the c10 but the truck still holds more value than that would be worth. I’d imagine also that it would be MUCH more difficult to find a duramax donor for a reasonable price especially when compared to an ls swap. I own one and I think it’s rediculous how they hold the value. I shop around here and the cheapest, beat to sh1t rustbucket duramax doesn’t seem to drop below about 5k. I can do a lot with 5k and just about any other donor engine. You know what kind of power you can make with 5k and an ls? Lots. So, I decided to get a lq4 truck engine, rebuild it, add some nice stuff like pac springs, polished crank, new gapped rings, arp head and rod cap bolts, a new stall tc, much more. And I’m probably still into it less than just the engine from my duramax. Not to mention, it’ll make 800 hp if I want it to for now I’m stopping at enough boost to make about 500-550 whp with posi. That should be more than enough for now. That’s got to be more than my basic-tuned duramax is making hp-wise (but probably not more torque)

02-16-2019, 11:32 AM	#14
6600DURAMAX Registered User Join Date: Nov 2000 Location: Wheatfield IN, USA Posts: 1,124	Re: Lets Debate a Little.... LSX vs Duramax for swap.... It is a tough decision for sure...... like some have said - the LS swap would be a ton easier but if it was easy everyone would do it?? I like the 8.1L option - I considered it in the past but really forgot about it, might have to relook at that __________________ 1972 K5 - LS3/408 (595Hp) -6L80e-One Tons with 4.56, 20'' Beadlocks with 37'' rubber, full TMI interior, JL Audio ..... 1971 CREWMAX Build.....at body shop for couple more years

02-16-2019, 12:40 PM	#16
trac209 Registered User Join Date: Dec 2011 Location: winnipeg Posts: 1,107	Re: Lets Debate a Little.... LSX vs Duramax for swap.... Go with the diesel imho. Way stronger and will have tons of low end torque the LS can’t even touch.



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02-16-2019, 01:32 PM	#17
71blksuper4x4 SWB 4x4 Collector Join Date: Jun 2001 Location: Osage City, KS Posts: 5,156	Re: Lets Debate a Little.... LSX vs Duramax for swap.... You know what I am doing. Attached Images __________________ TREVOR 1970 CST swb 4x4 (speedwarning,cruise,tilt,tach,8track, original red shoulder belts,tow hooks) 1972 Jimmy (soon to be Hickey cloned) 1971 Cheyenne Super 4x4 swb (tilt,tach,buckets, original blue shoulder belts,am/fm,cruise,tow hooks, dealer 8 track) 1972 Cheyenne Super K20 4x4 Custom Camper (tilt, tach, am/fm, tow hooks, bed toolbox, aux gas tank 1972 Cheyenne Super Crew Cab K30 4x4 Duramax, Allison, np205, buckets, tow hooks (CURRENT PROJECT) http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=624819 1989 V3500 Crew Cab (454tbi, NV4500, np205) 1970 Chevelle SS (LS5 454,th400,8track,buckets,tach) :2004 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon (daily driver) WTB: 1968-70 Cruise Control Lever

02-16-2019, 05:12 PM	#18
Coley Registered User Join Date: Oct 2011 Location: Victoria, B.C Posts: 3,794	Re: Lets Debate a Little.... LSX vs Duramax for swap.... Good choice! ....think about the fuel mileage advantage too with the Diesel vs. the towing ability. Those gas engines will need you to pick up a part time job....lol. All good Coley __________________ ....for some men, there is experience, skill and effort....for the others...there is visa and UPS LOL 1966 Chevy 1/2 ton (Florida- Red/white) 1972 Chevy 1/2 ton (California- Blue/white) 2005 Chevy Silverado HD2500/Duramax 2000 Dodge Ram 1500

02-17-2019, 04:56 PM	#19
Hubscrub Cruzin Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: on the road Posts: 2,835	Re: Lets Debate a Little.... LSX vs Duramax for swap.... Im not a big ls fan, but i would do it over a diesal any day. __________________ Lime Wife's 67https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=...wZEMODaS2d94u8 Back to the Fifties 59 https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=...NAeStpydfrcj_U Proverbs 3:5,6 "Thanks to the Interstate Highway System, it is now possible to travel across the country from coast to coast without seeing anything."Charles Kuralt In memory of our first baby daughter, daddy and mommy love you. Danica Grace 6/26/14

02-17-2019, 08:27 PM	#20
Sparky dave Registered User Join Date: Nov 2017 Location: Leeds west yorkshire Posts: 307	Re: Lets Debate a Little.... LSX vs Duramax for swap.... Diesel for work petrol for play that’s where I’m at love them both

02-18-2019, 08:46 AM	#21
67 chevelle Registered User Join Date: May 2013 Location: WEST PALM FLORIDA Posts: 1,174	Re: Lets Debate a Little.... LSX vs Duramax for swap.... C3o crew = duramax for sure __________________ 68 Long Fleet , ly6 , turbo 350 , 3-5 drop , original paint , front discs 67 Small window , 7 foot bed , tweaked 6.0 LSX 2004R Medium Olive 58 Apache fleet , 235 , offy intake , dual exhaust , 4 on the floor , red/white 69 Long Fleet , Custom , 6.0, 4l60 , AC , Medium Olive

02-18-2019, 08:55 AM	#22
Mike C Registered User Join Date: Dec 1999 Location: Austin, TX, USA Posts: 7,728	Re: Lets Debate a Little.... LSX vs Duramax for swap.... Rebuilding the Duramax an the Allison would probably cost about the same as buying the LSX and 4L80. This would be a no-brainer to me if you could just pull the driveline from the Diesel truck and use it, but having to rebuild all that expensive stuff? No. I like the idea of repowering using complete running/driving setup. For your crew cab project I think I would look for either a wrecked D-max with good condition driveline or a donor 8.1/4L80E truck. Suburban would be ideal as they are typically beat on a LOT less than a truck would be. __________________ 44 Willys MB 52 M38A1 64 Corvette Coupe 68 Camaro 'vert LT1 & TH700 69 Z/28 355 12.6's @110 69 Chevy Short Step 4 1/2"/7" drop 72 Jimmy 4WD 4spd 4" & 35's 02 GMC 2500HD 4x4 Duramax

02-18-2019, 02:40 PM	#23
BlueChev72 Registered User Join Date: Jan 2018 Location: Little Rock, AR Posts: 66	Re: Lets Debate a Little.... LSX vs Duramax for swap.... Duramax all the way. It's a one ton truck, it needs the grunt. It'd also be more unique- there are tons of LS swapped 67-72's, but there aren't just a whole lot with a duramax __________________ 72 C20 Custom, Long Bed, 350 / 4 Speed Manual. "Trash Truck"

02-18-2019, 07:01 PM	#25
Slowguy Registered User Join Date: Aug 2017 Location: Chicago,il Posts: 361	Re: Lets Debate a Little.... LSX vs Duramax for swap.... How common are the 8.1’s? In addition to my duramax (that I don’t think it would make sense to rip apart as a donor), I do actually have a 99 lift truck that has an 8.1 in it as well as a 99 3500 van with (I think it has) a 5.7. Other than the obvious popularity of the ls or duramax swap I don’t know how common or desireable it would be to swap in one of these other engines/trans

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