8.2 or 4-53 detroit swap for my chevy c60

A

anderson

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Jun 5, 2018
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as per the title which would you choose

engine is going into a 85 chev c60 tow truck with a allison at540. i have a sae 2 to 3 adaptor already
currently has a gas 350 which is a dismal choice , will be using that as a boat anchor this summer
just undecided as to which to choose.

what says you ?



DETROIT_453N_Engine-Assembly_3887617_1_54805_1.webp


DETROIT_8.2T_Engine-Assembly_3887617_1_54647_1.webp
 
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The 4-53 is good for around 150 HP and 280 Ft/lbs of torque. It’s a 2-cycle 4-pot.

The 8.2 is an open deck motor which kind of gets dubious reviews on other sites, but supposedly the parts availability is decent. Assuming turbo, it’s around 230 hp and double that in torque. You can’t bore it out much if it’s worn, per the webs.

The 4-53 is probably the better engine but dang it’s old. The sound will bring back memories but an 7000 wrecker (?) with a 5,000 lb SUV on the back isn’t going to move quickly with 282 foot/lbs of torque.

The 8.2 may be better in the truck with better output, but it sounds like there are better choices. Are you sure you want to use either of these?
 
Some ancient history here. Do you know the accumulated miles/hours on these engines?
The 8.2/Allison was popular in school buses in the 80s.
53 series was in a lot of industrial applications and military.
 
Neither. The 8.2 V8 was Detroit's failed attempt at a 4 stroke small, light Diesel. The 53 series was Detroit's failed attempt at an economical, small, light weight, wet liner Diesel. The only Detroit's worth considering are the 71 and 92 series, the 71's being a very mature engine. Detroit did make a 4-71 that's worth looking into.

The 8.2 was plagued with head gasket and general reliability issues. Good luck finding parts. The 53 series were temperamental and with wet liner seal leaks.

The I.H. DT-466 started out as a problem child. Crank and bearings were weak but was later worked out and became a reliable engine. But quiet long for your application.

Coming from a mechanic that started out in the 70's working on Detroit's. When the EPA killed them off in the 80's, I chose another career path.
 
nascarnation said:
Some ancient history here. Do you know the accumulated miles/hours on these engines?
The 8.2/Allison was popular in school buses in the 80s.
53 series was in a lot of industrial applications and military.
Click to expand...
several bajillion i would presume. they both have wicked blowby but run great
i have rebuild kits for both , so that is of no concern.
meep said:
The 4-53 is good for around 150 HP and 280 Ft/lbs of torque. It’s a 2-cycle 4-pot.

The 8.2 is an open deck motor which kind of gets dubious reviews on other sites, but supposedly the parts availability is decent. Assuming turbo, it’s around 230 hp and double that in torque. You can’t bore it out much if it’s worn, per the webs.

The 4-53 is probably the better engine but dang it’s old. The sound will bring back memories but an 7000 wrecker (?) with a 5,000 lb SUV on the back isn’t going to move quickly with 282 foot/lbs of torque.

The 8.2 may be better in the truck with better output, but it sounds like there are better choices. Are you sure you want to use either of these?
Click to expand...
both are non turbo and considering i am running 350 2 barrel in it currently anything is better then that.

my main semi is a 1955 white with a na j series cummins , old is of no concern haha
 
anderson said:
as per the title which would you choose

engine is going into a 85 chev c60 tow truck with a allison at540. i have a sae 2 to 3 adaptor already
currently has a gas 350 which is a dismal choice , will be using that as a boat anchor this summer
just undecided as to which to choose.

what says you ?



View attachment 258251

View attachment 258252
Click to expand...
I have no opinion on the engine you have listed......i see a dead horse with gold plated parts. I have a friend with a c60, it has the Chevy 355, and has a bunch of power. If you already have a 350 there, a 383 would have a bunch of "cool factor".........cool factor is up to you, and not of the opinion of anyone else.

The stink of an old diesel is not different than a carbed gasser......but the gasser sounds better.

But if you have access to either of the diesels in your pics, and cost is not a concern, go with the one that makes most sense for you, and fit the best in the truck.
 
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