best old diesel

[mjbtexas]

Im wanting to have a project truck. It will be a 4x4, diesel for work and play. I was wondering GS option of a good, solid engine to put in it. The truck itself remains to be designed, and it will most likely be a mutt, so purest leave your pride at the door.

So any where from old to recent, what say you on a good, diesel engine that can be found used or perhaps bought crate? What are its perks and pitfalls?

[Dirtymike]

diesel... only one answer, Cummins

[Antlers86]

Powerstroke 7.3L

[JSF]

12 valve Cummins with mechanical injection pump

[drwilliams]

12 valve be my first choice then a 7.3

[Electrican]

Here I will play...6.6 duramax. Good luck with build!

[Scooby]

12 valve cummins for a low tech build. No computer

[91cavgt]

12 valve cummins for a low tech build. No computer

My thoughts as well. Loads of low end torque, easily tuned to get more power, and VERY reliable. At it's lowest rating, a 5.9 12 valve put out 160 hp and 440 ft lbs of torque. Just a little tuning and that can be over 250 hp and knocking on 550 ft lbs!

[River Rider]

12 valve Cummins or 7.3 International Both are pretty solid.

[Gummi Bear]

Depending on the size of the truck, a 4BT Cummins can be a great option. If it's a ¾ or 1 ton, go ahead with a 6BT (12 valve) Cummins.

They are easy to work on, parts are readily available, and they don't require a computer to run.

You can put any number of transmissions behind them as well.

I have a friend who put a 4BT in his 68 Bronco with a NV4500 transmission. It is pretty freakin sweet. Another fella I know, is working on putting a 4BT in his M37, which he intends to use as a tow vehicle.

I have fantasized about putting a 6BT into an old International Travelall, and putting it on 1 ton axles. I think that would make for a pretty sweet, and bombproof vehicle, that will still get decent mileage, and have a super high zoot factor. The only thing holding me back, is money.

[CBHunter]

12 valve Cummins or 7.3 International Both are pretty solid.

Yes

[bigdip]

12 Valve cummins for sure

[TXhoghunter94]

12 valve Cummins or 7.3 International Both are pretty solid.

X2

[BTGuard]

I've gotta go cummins, although if I recall correctly Cat has some pretty good smaller motors.

[jkg2003]

Love the old 6.5 l Chevy diesels