1993 Chevrolet C3500 Crew Cab Restoration/Cummins Build

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rolla711

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So long overdue update. Quite a bit has happened since the last update.

Aside from everything going on with the CCSB frame on the 94, managed to keep plugging away at this. Got everything hooked up, except fuel lines.



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Found a deal on a flexplate/adapter/starter on one of the diesel swap pages.

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Discovered a few things that nobody seems to tell you.. NOT REALLY A BOLT ON and go type deal.... First, the starter doesn't fit so you have to trim it. You're tossing a starter core charge away when you do it, but outside of that no big deal. Then go to put the starter on, clunk. Hits the block, supposedly you have to TRIM THE BLOCK? Uh... no. Something nobody seemed to share with me. Also a few guys had issues with the torque converter fitting very tight eating away that front seal. Supposedly certain converters work, others don't. Downpipe clearance is tight with the GM adapter (starter on the passenger side) but it will work.

Overall, finding out this i said forget it. I'm not going to hack up a bunch of things just to make it all work. Sold the adapter for what i paid, luckily didn't lose anymore than my cost to ship it.

Leaving NV4500 and dodge auto as the remaining options. I really don't want a manual (in this particular truck), so i'm going to go with a built 47RH or built 47RE with a billet single disc converter.

After throwing up in my mouth a little with the idea of using a dodge tranny. I came to the realization, it's just the better route. Cheaper too. I can always swap to a NV4500 later if i ever feel there is a need, but ultimately i just don't want to hack up a bunch of things just to make the GM adapter work... the 4L80E and the 47RE are somewhat comparable anyways. Using the dodge stuff also allows me to do the swap without use of conversion parts.

Some people might not have a problem doing all of that to make it work with the GM trans, I'm just not one of them.

Just felt this was worth sharing, kinda disappointing really.. these are the type of things i like this thread to be able to share.
Smart idea. I have done the research and cost savings on just sticking with the dodge type transmission or going manual is absurd. You also are able to intertwine electronics easier. The main thing people get hung up on is the transmission. I told my self if I find a deal on a Cummins I'm going manual. The 47rh isn't a bad trans. You can build it to take A beating. And all you have to do now is have one end of the driveshaft mated to the dodge trans and one to the chevy rear end.

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JScott23

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Smart idea. I have done the research and cost savings on just sticking with the dodge type transmission or going manual is absurd. You also are able to intertwine electronics easier. The main thing people get hung up on is the transmission. I told my self if I find a deal on a Cummins I'm going manual. The 47rh isn't a bad trans. You can build it to take A beating. And all you have to do now is have one end of the driveshaft mated to the dodge trans and one to the chevy rear end.

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Yeah, i was somewhat willing to take a hit on the cost of keeping it GM. But knowing that you pretty much have to hack it together to keep it GM, nah. i'm good.

As far as the rest, it just becomes the choice on whether or not you want to shift gears or not. I personally don't want to build this truck for cruising and enjoying to have to shift gears all the time. I'm going to put it to work, but on a regular enough basis where i want the manual trans.

A built 47RH/RE will work out just fine and save me a boatload of money.
 

rolla711

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Yeah, i was somewhat willing to take a hit on the cost of keeping it GM. But knowing that you pretty much have to hack it together to keep it GM, nah. i'm good.

As far as the rest, it just becomes the choice on whether or not you want to shift gears or not. I personally don't want to build this truck for cruising and enjoying to have to shift gears all the time. I'm going to put it to work, but on a regular enough basis where i want the manual trans.

A built 47RH/RE will work out just fine and save me a boatload of money.
Very true. It speeds up the process for ya. Glad to see one hurdle passed for ya.

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JScott23

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Very true. It speeds up the process for ya. Glad to see one hurdle passed for ya.

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Yep, actually i've got a good used 47RE lined up for really cheap. And a single disc converter, both from a trustworthy friend of mine. Pretty much will run that one til it goes, feel out the 47RE then i can "build it" down the road. Pretty happy about going this route, going to speed up the process big time.
 

rolla711

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Hell yea!! I just thought about it, you don't have to buy that standalone computer for the trans

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JScott23

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Hell yea!! I just thought about it, you don't have to buy that standalone computer for the trans

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Meh, you still do.

1996+: 47RE - Firepunk Anteater - $850
1994-1995: 47RH - Compushift Mini - $350
 

JScott23

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No pictures with this update...

But, I used the money from the sale of the GM adapter plate to buy a good used 47RE, a billet single disc converter, dodge intermediate driveshaft, flexplate, intake tube, and fan shroud.

Only items left are:
- Firepunk Anteater 47RE controller (really cool product)
- Exhaust (GMT400 4" diamond eye kit, 4" first gen downpipe)
- Gauges (Autometer GM factory match w/ green lights to match.
- Trans Cooler
- Throttle Cable


Then a little work here and there and it's ready to run/drive.
 

JScott23

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Do you see the light??

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Yep, Finally starting to see it...

Lots of little ends to get done first before i can start it. need to get those things done while i'm waiting on the trans stuff. Gonna take a couple weeks to get here.
 
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