[Vwdiesel] Diesel conversions

[pmdolan at sasktel.net]

First of all, Perkins is alive and well, and has a presence in the US market.  I was at the World of Concrete last month and spoke at great length with the people on their stand.  Sorry I don't have their contact information handy (not home), but a quick search should turn them up.  I think you will find the 6-354 a lot easier to support than you fear.

Secondly, there were never any Perkins engines in Dodge pickups.  The time was in the '70s (specifically '77 - '79 I believe) and the engine used was a 4.0 litre Mitsubishi 6 cyl.  It was a fabulously reliable engine, with incredible economy, but being NA, it was also totally gutless and not a good match when the 727 was behind it.  The only one left around here went from one of my friends and forumer business partners to another friend and former partner, and took YEARS to talk friend A (who is in his '80s and hadn't driven the truck in 15 years and kept it parked inside) into selling to friend B, that's how fiercly loyal at least ONE owner is.  I wouldn't sell it if it was mine (but I would add a turbo!).

----- Original Message -----
From: Justin and Michella Bennett <cjb at midrivers.com>
Date: Wednesday, February 28, 2007 10:23 am
Subject: Re: [Vwdiesel] Diesel conversions

> Passed up a 2x4 Chevy crew cab that had a Perkins diesel, 354 I 
> think, 
> and an old Eaton 5 speed.  Turned it down because the the tranny 
> had 
> some noise that suggested the gears were climbing each other.  
> Would 
> have went ahead except I couldn't find any kind of support.  Old 
> UK made 
> truck gearboxes don't get any support, even from Eaton.  Who ever 
> had 
> done the original conversion was a master craftsman.  It looked 
> stock.  
> Same engine was used in Massey tractors, Land Rovers, and some 60 
> vintage Dodge diesel pickups from the factory.  Good engine from 
> everything I have heard.
> Justin
> >
> >   Talked to a guy in Pacific Beach that had heard stories about
> > an older full size that made 50mpg.  He didn't really believe it 
> > until he took a fishing trip or such with the guy and paid for 
> > the fuel.  It DID it!  He said he had a Perkins (don't know what 
> > size) with a std behind that and a two speed I believe, behind 
> > that.  One of these trips we'll have to look the guy up and see 
> > just what all he has and get some straight numbers.  
> >      Loren
> >
> >
> >   
> 
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