Diesel Conversion

peter e mark · Post by **peter e mark** » Mon Jul 21, 2008 6:20 am

Hello troopers, And todays diesel conversion question concerns a M37 presently for sale on e-bay, using a DETROIT # 353 , 2 cycle motor from a gama goat. with General Motors # SM 420 4 speed synchro gear box, and 4:89 axles. Please advise me as to the wisdom of investing in such a conversion...Thank you, Peter ( i love diesel ) mark

Lifer · Post by **Lifer** » Mon Jul 21, 2008 8:13 am

I don't know diddley about gamma goat diesels, but I caqn say with certainty that given enough time, money, determination, and engineering skills, you can put any engine into any vehicle. Some swaps are more practical than others, of course.

In this country, we tend to take out puny little engines and install the biggest, hairiest, baddest engines we can lay our hands on. While stationed in Korea, however, I saw an ex-USAF International Loadstar 2 1/2 ton stake truck with a 4-cylinder Toyota car engine in it. It wasn't fast, but it got the job done for its owner.

k8icu · Post by **k8icu** » Mon Jul 21, 2008 8:56 am

I've seen this conversion done and I remember in the late 80's or early 90s someone even wrote an article in Army Motors about it....It takes the full engine compartment. The advantage of it is you can keep the 24V system because the starter is 24V the senders are 24V and it has the millitary altinator on it. The disadvantage is top speed is 65-70 and it is loud as hell!

MSeriesRebuild · Post by **MSeriesRebuild** » Mon Jul 21, 2008 2:49 pm

I'd invest in most anything before I would a 2 cycle detroit in a vehicle application. Just not the best choice.