1976 C30 swap from LS to 6.5TD

[DirtyC30]

Hello all, here’s my 76 C30 CC I recently got a hold of. It was ugly as sun when I got it and the previous owner did an LS swap very poorly. I’ve been fixing it up as I drive it but my goal is to yank the LS and stuff a 6.5 diesel in it soon. Luckily it already has an NV4500 swapped as well so I already have a good starting point. Found a 6.5 that was in rough shape and now I’m out looking for a good block and rotating assembly. Once I find one I’ll be posting updates on my progress for anyone who’s interested. Have any questions feel free to ask! Thanks!

 

[DirtyC30]

I’d also like to mention it was spray painted when I got it, I did not do that. I’ve already spent about 11 hours wetsanding the black off and still have some more to do

 

[DirtyC30]

Found a good ‘82 6.2 short block. Main webs look perfect, will be getting new pistons, bearings and all the gaskets/seals. I plan to run the 6.5 top end and turbo set up on this bottom end and block so once I get it to the machine shop for hot tank, hone and deck block/surface heads I’ll get to start assembly!!!

 

[Will L.]

Nice. Since buying new pistons, are you staying with the high compression or dropping compression so you can run a better turbo and ease the pressures?

 

[DirtyC30]

Nice. Since buying new pistons, are you staying with the high compression or dropping compression so you can run a better turbo and ease the pressures?

I’m planning to stick with stock compression and run a little thicker head gasket with studs. Found a set of Hyper-eutectic pistons on eBay for a good price, I’m gonna have them coated as well. I don’t want to run major boost, just an HX40 turbo and keep it set at a decent pressure.

 

[ak diesel driver]

Some of the aftermarket pistons don't have the metal under the ring groove to reinforce it like the stock ones do

 

[Will L.]

If it is an all aluminum one without the steel ring- maybe it could be diamondeze treated?

 

[DirtyC30]

Some of the aftermarket pistons don't have the metal under the ring groove to reinforce it like the stock ones do

That’s good info, I will definitely pay attention to that when I go to find pistons then. Thank you

 

[DirtyC30]

If it is an all aluminum one without the steel ring- maybe it could be diamondeze treated?

I was planning to have TSP coat them but I will look up the diamondeze treatment you mentioned and go from there. I’m still fairly new to this engine platform so I want to do it right, I appreciate any input I get from y’all

 

[Will L.]

He is who to talk to about it. Idk if gettin diamondeze is worth not having metal land grooves- but they can’t do it on the one with the steel land grooves in them.

 

[Big Ray]

...I miss my 6.2. I need to get it running again.

 

[jrsavoie]

...I miss my 6.2. I need to get it running again.

Same with my 1994. I'd hire someone, if I could find someone to hire

 

[MrMarty51]

Same with my 1994. I'd hire someone, if I could find someone to hire

I’m for hire, most anything mechanical.

 

[jrsavoie]

I’m for hire, most anything mechanical.

Travel could be an issue.
I'm wide open if you're interested. When I get tired I have to quit or I get even less done

 

[MrMarty51]

Travel could be an issue.
I'm wide open if you're interested. When I get tired I have to quit or I get even less done

Yup. I take a couple hours a day catching up on some badly needed sleeping. Maybe after the back is totally healed and the pain subsides I’ll be able to withstand more intense kinds of labors.