COE What do you guys with diesels think?

I'm wondering if the diesel boys are happy that they went that route with their trucks? I hadn't thought about it before but my uncle suggested I consider an oil burner swap instead of say a big block or something similar. If I still have my 56 when I finish my current project (64 chevelle wagon) then I will start on it. I'd like to start plotting and keeping my eye out for donor vehicle, etc.
Anything special that I should know that's different than a standard swap. Thanks- fourspeed

 

Look at the mechanical ***mins 5.9 Can make monster horse power with them. One wire hook up. If I could afford it this is the way I would go.

-Donn-

 

DT466 pre-electronic is another good one.
JML

 

I wish there were more opinions on this.

I haven't really started any of my Ford COE projects yet, but am still looking at donor vehicles for sale.

Chevy 1/2 ton with single wheels or one ton dually?
Original frame and Astro front sub?
Ford truck or van?
Small block TBI? Big block TBI?
Carb or EFI?
460, 5.8 or 300/6? Maybe a 5.4?
Ford 7.3 or ***mins? Turbo or non?
I'm not a diesel mechanic, but I suppose I could learn a little on a older one.

Lots of choices and I would like to make mine a daily driver...

Alot of people mention what they used, but not alot of what not to use or where something went wrong. Of course alot of different models and years of COE's out there too.

In the end, I guess I would rather spend a bit more to get a nicer driver.
If towing, I'm sure I'd rather have the oil burner.

 

I am leaning towards the diesel when I do my 39 GMC. I want to tow a fifth wheel when I retire. I would like to go with a later model Chevy with the Duramax. I know this will take a lot of research and creativity but I think it is possible. It will be expensive though.

 

I'm kind of at the same stage as you guys. I took a few cursory measurements to find that my 1999 Dakota's outside tire dimension is only a couple inches wider than the one on my 1941 Ford COE project. And the length of the extended cab Dak ch***is is about right for what I want. I'd wager you later model 50's guys might be wider.

I plan to move the engine midship and thought about a diesel, but it adds another level of complexity for me. I've done lots of g***er motor swaps, but no diesels. I haven't even worked on them extensively, just small stuff on a little VW TDI.

Current plan at the top of the list is late model Dakota salvage, maybe a rollover. The 2008+ upped the HP to 330. Since this will be a daily driver, I definately want late model, low mileage, turn-key-and-go. I know it won't be cheap, although I do not know yet how high for a donor like this.

My other thought is 1997+ Dakota ch***is (Track is a couple inches wider than 1996-, but you get the offbeat 6 lug wheels) and Ford power. There are lots of 302s around and lots of performance parts for them. This route does bring up other issues, however, like piecing this together instead of having a complete donor.