It's interesting to read the comments, particularly from those who've "been there, done that" with regard to the v8 swaps.
One of the things I've been careful to consider is to not upset the vehicles original dynamics, or rather, to use the benefit of 30+ years of engineering evolution to improve the vehicle in the areas where it is by modern standards 'particularly weak' - and that is power to weight ratio, weight distribution and torque curve.
Braking performance is another area, and believe it or not, at least in my RRC the transmission and transfer case are actually quite efficient, with their archilles heel being only the torque handling design limit.
So as I slowly accumulate all the necessary for my particular application, I note with interest the various engine swaps and their attributes, both positive and negative.
It's interesting to note a couple of things regarding the chev diesel - weight and cooling, being the most prevalent negative comment, then the fuel/power comments, before moving on to other issues of a lesser conjecture.
Of course, we all love to be armchair experts when it comes to opinions, but in reality, only those who perform these conversions / swaps really understand the limitations of what they have to work with versus the cost to 'make it work' versus what it'd cost to 'make it perfect'... and I think that the big issue is in those different statements.
Not everyone has an unlimited budget to work with. Some people happen to have something suitable on-hand, which means zero net cost.
Others yet have the necessary fabrication skills to DIY, while others have more money than brains and will throw endless amounts of cash at something just to prove a point.
How effective or sensible all these variants are in combination are actually a moot point.
From my previous experiences, the only way to achieve a successful outcome it so do the absolute best with what you have available to you, and if it is well planned, the cost will not be absurd and the results surprisingly good.
But, at the end of the day, you cannot make a silk purse from a sow's ear.
So ideally, you choose something that is overall an improvement in every aspect than what currently exists in-situ.
Which is why I casually smile when I read all the comments. It's reaffirming to read from others direct experiences what works and what doesn't.
It's not to say good idea or bad idea..... it's purely information provided to alert those who undertake such projects to the areas requiring attention to make the overall conversion process a rewarding effort, and not a constant battle.
Roads?.. Where we're going, we don't need roads...
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