Diesel conversion, yay or nay?

[Jeff0115]

So here's my dilemma. My 2005 H2 is getting up there in mileage (195k to be exact). I've heard these engines are good for about 240k miles if you are lucky. I average 30k miles a year so she is going to need a new engine sooner or later and this is where i am confused about which direction to go. I've heard of the diesel conversion with the duramax engines which sounds really appealing to me but i don't know what the pitfalls and drawbacks are. Is anyone familiar with it? And also your opinions on a supercharger.

 

[Mb30sdl]

Diesel conv. 30K+ depending on HP level u desire (1000+ is possible). SC is 5+ plus new engine.

 

[SuperBuickGuy]

It really depends on your skill level as far as cost to convert. If you do it yourself, and buy an 05 Duramax truck that's been wrecked - you could save yourself some money. As there really is nothing comparable to your H2, if you love the vehicle, I'd say do it.

 

[abearden]

Agreed, main pitfall is expense. Particularly if you're not doing the work. Minimum, you'll have to replace the engine and transmission (4L65 is not rated for Duramax power). That said, diesel engines are awesome; if I had the money when I was replacing the engine in my K2500 I would've dropped a modern diesel in.

Superchargers are good if you need/want the torque. Generally a nice level increase across the board.

 

[chad]

i say do it and you can get it done under 20k, also look at mash motors, as for draw backs i see none except for initial cost, they say you can get 25mpg average with diesel and you got better power for pulling trailers and the truck itself along with better engine life with no sparkplugs, and you can even make your own bio-diesel, i'm gonna do it one of these days, my motor has 91k so i want to at least get my moneys worth out of it first.

 

[Mb30sdl]

U in San Diego go to PREDATOR motorsports in Vista(i think) they do swaps all day long. Its easier to pay some one with this experience to do this right first time that get stuck with unfinished project for months with no end insight.
[video=youtube;xLJS2UCuFto]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xLJS2UCuFto[/video]
[video=youtube;uYCMdzQ-Nw8]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uYCMdzQ-Nw8[/video]

 

[Peep]

Diesel all the way

 

[Jeff0115]

So i have spoken with predator and i'm prepared to spend the money, being that i don't see myself ever getting rid of the rig. I have however heard that the conversion can be a hustle with the DMV and the gentleman i spoke with at predator regarding this concern got very impatient with me about my line of questioning regarding this issue. That in turn has made me skeptical about going forward with conversion since i can't get a straight answer from predator. So does any of you know what the implications of the conversion are regarding the DMV are? The boss-lady will not be happy me if we drop all that money and aren't able to register the vehicle. I barely convinced her it was a great idea. I need this to go smoothly. Hehe.

 

[Mb30sdl]

U need to check with DMV first, as far as i know you can only install engines that were available in that model from factory.

other option may be registering truck in a different state with less restrictive emissions.

 

[3Hummers]

Predator has done a ton of conversions but they aren't cheap. I also believe that you need to touch base with DMV on a conversion. You can't just drop any diesel into your truck.

 

[abearden]

So i have spoken with predator and i'm prepared to spend the money, being that i don't see myself ever getting rid of the rig. I have however heard that the conversion can be a hustle with the DMV and the gentleman i spoke with at predator regarding this concern got very impatient with me about my line of questioning regarding this issue. That in turn has made me skeptical about going forward with conversion since i can't get a straight answer from predator. So does any of you know what the implications of the conversion are regarding the DMV are? The boss-lady will not be happy me if we drop all that money and aren't able to register the vehicle. I barely convinced her it was a great idea. I need this to go smoothly. Hehe.

Sorry, I missed that you were in CA. Yeah, Mb30sdl is right. You can't get the green light from the DMV with anything but a stock motor and with a post-'73 gas registration you're stuck with smog check-ins every 2 years. It might be possible to register it as a "custom build" vehicle, but that's a crap shoot (http://www.dmv.org/ca-california/custom-built-cars.php).

 

[alrock]

At least you're fortunate to not be far from Predator as they seem to be a leader in this category.

 

[Jeff0115]

Thanks guys, you've all been a great help. I',m feeling a little disappointed as it looking more bleak for my chances of having a successful conversion. I will check with the DMV on Monday and let you all know my findings. Thanks again for your input.

 

[High Five H2]

hell yay, i mean yes to the diesel conversion. a duramax H2 would be awesome.

 

[autumn walker]

I'd be doing one if it were not for the up-front cost. I am hoping for a long life from my 6.0L, but a Duramax would be ideal for the H2.

 

[Cajun_Tiger_Hummer]

That has to suck, to have such strict emissions standards. Getting a inspection sticker in Louisiana takes seconds, as long as you vehicle has 4 wheels on the road almost any shop will pass it. And if they don't, you slip em a bill.

 

[Hans3T]

Jeff, what did you ever find out?

Posted via Integrated Brain Wave Chip

 

[WillieMo]

I want this sooooo bad... no rules in Florida just need the $$$$$$

 

[Savethereef]

You can do it in California as long as you know some one who will pass your smog for a bill . My H2 has 117k on it when I get it up there I will be swapping out to diesel

 

[Mb30sdl]

Check changing rules for smog. New machines will be reading VIN# so it will be a lot harder to slip a bill :huh:.

 

[USMC_315]

Yay for sure, that diesel engine will outlive you, like everyone has been saying if you got the money to drop into it, go with Predator. Theyre experienced and know what they do, you'd be kicking yourself in the ass if you messed up your truck, I know I would

 

[Cajun_Tiger_Hummer]

Check changing rules for smog. New machines will be reading VIN# so it will be a lot harder to slip a bill :huh:.

Seeing that he is based out of California, I could see that being a problem. LOL

 

[Jeff0115]

Sorry Hans, had a death in the family and so I haven't had time to look into it. But I'll find out for sure in next couple of days. I have a place in NV and I'm hoping they have different emissions laws there as well since CA doesn't look feasible. If they do, I'll be registering the rig out of NV and doing it that way.

 

[HUMMERDAD]

California is not going to be an option for a diesel swap unless your truck comes from the factory as an option with it. your **** out of luck when comes to cali standards it's just the way they've been for years. One of the many reasons I moved that and to many damn people there now days. anyway California is the leader in smog regulations and has been long stetting the standards for the rest of the Nation to follow off and make there own variation of.

 

[Cajun_Tiger_Hummer]

He can always move to the south. No strict emissions or gun laws