Originally Posted by
Wingnut8282
I would like to convert my 1952 Buick Super to diesel. It currently has a straight 8 and is all original. Should I swap the engine, or swap the body onto an existing vehicle, and which would be easiest and what would be the best match?
Maybe not the easiest but the most cool would be a 6BT 5.9 Cummins with the VE pump. It's a straight 6 engine so it would have a similar profile to your straight 8. Also, you'll get excellent fuel economy like around 30 mpg and tons of power and with the VE pump, it'll be quiet. It's interesting to note that my 1990 Suburban with the VE pump 5.9 Cummins is slightly more quiet than my 82 6.2 diesel Suburban. However, the issues you'll have with this engine are engine heigth and engine weight so the front end and frame will have to be able to handle the weight. But it would be extremely cool and at the same time, very fast.
1990 ¾ ton 4x4 Chevy Suburban
-Cummins Diesel - 12 valve - factory rebuilt
-6 speed bullet proof manual transmission - NV5600
-Gear Vendors Overdrive
-Upgraded Holset HX-35 turbo
-NP205 iron transfer case
-3.73 gears
1982 ½ ton Chevy Suburban
-6.2L diesel - high nickle crack free 1982 block
-Stans headers
-Ported heads
-Timing gear
-4 speed automatic
-3.08 gears
-30 mpg on freeway