Duramax in a blazer - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

RAB38 · 12-04-2006, 02:55 PM

Has any one looked at putting a duramax diesel in a first gen blazer? I am not sure that the engine would clear the firewall becasue of the crossover tubes and whatnot on the back of the engine. If it would fit it would be a great set up for power and reliability. I am interested to know if any one has done this yet.

cstanley · 12-04-2006, 03:18 PM

i'll be following this one.

Critter · 12-04-2006, 05:13 PM

I have a feeling that a Duramax would be ALOT of work. My guess is that our wheelbase is too short to hold a Duramax/Allison tranny/NVG263 trans case (that is a long drivetrain!). An older 6.5 Detroit would probably be a little easier. I believe the old 6.5 even had the same bell housing arrangement as a SBC. Either way, I would LOVE to see someone accomplish it. Perhaps advanced adapters has a solution…

RAB38 · 12-04-2006, 10:11 PM

I would not use an old detroit because it does not make enough power. I think the Duramax has the same chevy bolt pattern, and you could probably build a turbo 400 to handle the power. Just think you could get 20 mpg and have 500hp and 800ftlbs of torque. Some one must have tried this, because I have seen a Cummins in a first gen suburban some time ago.

gmcman7202 · 12-04-2006, 10:14 PM

the 6.5 and 6.2 do have the same bell housings as the sbc. now the 6.5 can be had to have the same as the duramax stock, but the duramax would be nice, if you have the bank roll to do the duramax, sure, but i seriously been thinking about the 6.5 in my 71' jimmy.

krue · 12-04-2006, 10:15 PM

First I've heard of it. Sure would like to see a write up if you decide to try it.

Critter · 12-05-2006, 12:15 AM

I have enough trouble as it is keeping my stock drivetrain in running condition. I can only imagine trying to retrofit an oilburner! If I did manage to get it running, the torque would probably twist my old body and frame into a pretzel!

earl87gta · 12-05-2006, 02:25 AM

Many have talked about it but I think the stopping point is always the ECM part of it is in the dash or somthing so you have to use the dash from the Dmax truck for the instal. but that may have changed with the gale banks convertion for extram 4x4 in thier urban gorila project but I missed the episode that showed how they did the wiring.

RAB38 · 12-05-2006, 08:33 AM

You would definatley have to reinforce the frame to handle the torque. I also wonder ho heavy it is. I think it is all aluminim but I am not sure

vtblazer · 12-05-2006, 05:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RAB38

Just think you could get 20 mpg

Sure, if you could end up with the same final drive ratio but the th-400 doesn't have the over drive.
If you ran with the same 3:73 gears as the trucks have to get the towing power, you'd loose out on the top end/highway drivability and there goes your 20mpg.

The Allison transmission helps the Duramax be what it is, a really sweet driving/towing combo with 5 speeds and varying shift points, the th-400 would do nothing for you from that aspect.

Most of the improved mileage ratings that fuel injection was praised for was more due to having an O/D transmission than having the FI.

Burt4x4 · 12-05-2006, 06:26 PM

I drive a Duramax/Alison CrewCab everyday, daily driver/towrig. This combo works VERY well together.
Fully loaded I figure my total combind weight is around 18K-19Klbs.
My CrewCab kicksass towing...doesn't matter if the road is not flat it just keeps on towing!

The Duramax has Aluminum heads but the block is cast so it still has ALOT of weight to consider...not to mention the torque, my 05 has 610ftlbs stock.
My 454 in my 72 pushes about 380ftlbs of torque at the rear tires (Dyno specs) and I did add ORD engine mounts w/ORD crossmember too help keep the 454 from twisting on my frame. So far the BBC atays put nicely.

SO I think it can be done...someday someone may doit but I have yet to see it happen. I did see a newer Suburban with a Duramax/Ali swapped into it but that is the only one I have seen so far...YES it will be VERY expensive to put a setup like that in a FirstGen...
A well built 454 is alot of fun in a FirstGen and WAY more affordable.
.02c

LUV2XCLR8 · 12-10-2006, 11:41 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by krue

First I've heard of it. Sure would like to see a write up if you decide to try it.

bad_turbo · 01-10-2007, 05:50 AM

I thought a few years back someone on the board was attempting to put the Duramax/Allison comb in one of our trucks

12-04-2006, 02:55 PM	#1
RAB38 Registered User Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Southern Maryland Posts: 164	Duramax in a blazer Has any one looked at putting a duramax diesel in a first gen blazer? I am not sure that the engine would clear the firewall becasue of the crossover tubes and whatnot on the back of the engine. If it would fit it would be a great set up for power and reliability. I am interested to know if any one has done this yet. __________________ 72 Blazer CST 383 stroker roller, fuel inj, t350,NP205, D60 front, 14b rear, detroit locker, 38 x15.50 mtz's, welds, cross over steering, custom cage,Line X Spray in liner, House of Colors Tangelo Pearl Orange

12-04-2006, 03:18 PM	#2
cstanley Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Austin, TX Posts: 1,229	Re: Duramax in a blazer i'll be following this one. __________________ "Anybody who would paint his truck like this, would go to a minister's funeral dressed in feathers!" - Big Enis Burdett '72 Blazer Restoration Blog: http://sportchicken.blogspot.com/

12-04-2006, 05:13 PM	#3
Critter Future TOTM Winner Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Bulverde, TX Posts: 2,692	Re: Duramax in a blazer I have a feeling that a Duramax would be ALOT of work. My guess is that our wheelbase is too short to hold a Duramax/Allison tranny/NVG263 trans case (that is a long drivetrain!). An older 6.5 Detroit would probably be a little easier. I believe the old 6.5 even had the same bell housing arrangement as a SBC. Either way, I would LOVE to see someone accomplish it. Perhaps advanced adapters has a solution… __________________ 72 Chevy CST K5 HIGHLANDER BLAZER Getting a 6.0,NV4500,NP205,14BFF (Currently laying all over the place in little pieces) 72 Chevy swb step-side "LS" 6.0 Here's a build thread of sorts 2002 HD2500 Crew Cab, 8.1L Allison 4x4 Daily Driver Check it out www.lsdyno.com

12-04-2006, 10:11 PM	#4
RAB38 Registered User Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Southern Maryland Posts: 164	Re: Duramax in a blazer I would not use an old detroit because it does not make enough power. I think the Duramax has the same chevy bolt pattern, and you could probably build a turbo 400 to handle the power. Just think you could get 20 mpg and have 500hp and 800ftlbs of torque. Some one must have tried this, because I have seen a Cummins in a first gen suburban some time ago. __________________ 72 Blazer CST 383 stroker roller, fuel inj, t350,NP205, D60 front, 14b rear, detroit locker, 38 x15.50 mtz's, welds, cross over steering, custom cage,Line X Spray in liner, House of Colors Tangelo Pearl Orange

12-04-2006, 10:14 PM	#5
gmcman7202 Active Member Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: wi Posts: 188	Re: Duramax in a blazer the 6.5 and 6.2 do have the same bell housings as the sbc. now the 6.5 can be had to have the same as the duramax stock, but the duramax would be nice, if you have the bank roll to do the duramax, sure, but i seriously been thinking about the 6.5 in my 71' jimmy.

12-04-2006, 10:15 PM	#6
krue Designated A-hole! Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: South Mississippi Posts: 36,448	Re: Duramax in a blazer First I've heard of it. Sure would like to see a write up if you decide to try it. __________________ "If it ain't broke, fix it 'til it is!" Being stupid ain't illegal. We're Still Debt Free Except for the House!!! www.daveramsey.com 70 GMC SWB Stepside project "Green Booger" soon to be 6.0l/4l80e 93 S-10 "Poppaw's Truck" Last edited by krue; 12-04-2006 at 10:16 PM.

12-05-2006, 12:15 AM	#7
Critter Future TOTM Winner Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Bulverde, TX Posts: 2,692	Re: Duramax in a blazer I have enough trouble as it is keeping my stock drivetrain in running condition. I can only imagine trying to retrofit an oilburner! If I did manage to get it running, the torque would probably twist my old body and frame into a pretzel! __________________ 72 Chevy CST K5 HIGHLANDER BLAZER Getting a 6.0,NV4500,NP205,14BFF (Currently laying all over the place in little pieces) 72 Chevy swb step-side "LS" 6.0 Here's a build thread of sorts 2002 HD2500 Crew Cab, 8.1L Allison 4x4 Daily Driver Check it out www.lsdyno.com Last edited by Critter; 12-05-2006 at 12:16 AM.

12-05-2006, 02:25 AM	#8
earl87gta Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: Kingsport TN Posts: 4,641	Re: Duramax in a blazer Many have talked about it but I think the stopping point is always the ECM part of it is in the dash or somthing so you have to use the dash from the Dmax truck for the instal. but that may have changed with the gale banks convertion for extram 4x4 in thier urban gorila project but I missed the episode that showed how they did the wiring. __________________ Earl 68 2500 4x4 GMC Burb

12-05-2006, 08:33 AM	#9
RAB38 Registered User Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Southern Maryland Posts: 164	Re: Duramax in a blazer You would definatley have to reinforce the frame to handle the torque. I also wonder ho heavy it is. I think it is all aluminim but I am not sure __________________ 72 Blazer CST 383 stroker roller, fuel inj, t350,NP205, D60 front, 14b rear, detroit locker, 38 x15.50 mtz's, welds, cross over steering, custom cage,Line X Spray in liner, House of Colors Tangelo Pearl Orange

12-05-2006, 06:26 PM	#11
Burt4x4 Registered User Join Date: Feb 2000 Location: Modesto, CA Posts: 1,842	Re: Duramax in a blazer I drive a Duramax/Alison CrewCab everyday, daily driver/towrig. This combo works VERY well together. Fully loaded I figure my total combind weight is around 18K-19Klbs. My CrewCab kicksass towing...doesn't matter if the road is not flat it just keeps on towing! The Duramax has Aluminum heads but the block is cast so it still has ALOT of weight to consider...not to mention the torque, my 05 has 610ftlbs stock. My 454 in my 72 pushes about 380ftlbs of torque at the rear tires (Dyno specs) and I did add ORD engine mounts w/ORD crossmember too help keep the 454 from twisting on my frame. So far the BBC atays put nicely. SO I think it can be done...someday someone may doit but I have yet to see it happen. I did see a newer Suburban with a Duramax/Ali swapped into it but that is the only one I have seen so far...YES it will be VERY expensive to put a setup like that in a FirstGen... A well built 454 is alot of fun in a FirstGen and WAY more affordable. .02c __________________ 1972 K5 MPFI454/Sm465/Np205/D60/14FFd/Re-Centerd H1s w/Swamper Iroks

01-10-2007, 05:50 AM	#13
bad_turbo turbo enthusiast Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: carmichael, ca. Posts: 1,826	Re: Duramax in a blazer I thought a few years back someone on the board was attempting to put the Duramax/Allison comb in one of our trucks __________________ "But daddy, I didn't hit them all with a stick"...what my 6 year old tells me when I pick him up from school early for fighting "

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