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Old 09-18-2015, 08:30 PM   #1
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454 to Cummins

Ok, I've been looking for days for the thread of someone converting a 345 home from a 454 gas to a Cummins diesel. Where the heck is it????
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Old 09-18-2015, 08:36 PM   #2
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I do know of a 310 that was converted but I don't know if a write up on its conversion was placed on the forum. I wouldn't limit your search to just 345 but search Classic Cummins conversion.

http://www.airforums.com/forums/f311...-mh-26956.html

http://www.airforums.com/forums/f311...ns-129817.html

Cheers
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Old 09-24-2015, 03:11 PM   #3
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So, in the line of: How you get that thing out of there?

Has anyone had the fun of removing the leveler pump and preserver from it's spot above the transmission? I need to get that think out to work on it.

Looks like the tranny must come out:<(
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Old 09-24-2015, 05:53 PM   #4
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So, in the line of: How you get that thing out of there?

Has anyone had the fun of removing the leveler pump and preserver from it's spot above the transmission? I need to get that think out to work on it.

Looks like the tranny must come out:<(
Leveler pump and preserver?????????? Air you talking about the air compressor?
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Old 09-25-2015, 06:04 AM   #5
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Tony, I think Mel meant the leveler pump and reservoir. Sometimes these spell checkers can wreck havoc with mis-spells!

When I dismantled the 345 I think I removed the engine and transmission before I got around to removing that pump and reservoir. That would really suck if you have to pull the transmission just to work on the pump. Hopefully someone will chime in with a way to get it out of there without pulling the transmission.

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Old 09-25-2015, 06:46 AM   #6
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How true on the spellcheck, Brad, and I can't speell spell.

In the Silver Bullet, I'll call it the hydraulic pump/tank, sits about an inch above the top of the transmission. When I get it out of there, think it'll find a new home to go back to.
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Old 09-25-2015, 07:07 AM   #7
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How true on the spellcheck, Brad, and I can't speell spell.

In the Silver Bullet, I'll call it the hydraulic pump/tank, sits about an inch above the top of the transmission. When I get it out of there, think it'll find a new home to go back to.
I'm guessing Airstream installed the pump/tank on the chassis prior to laying down the floor grid work. Not the best planning on their part if that's the case.

On my old 310 the pump/tank was located in front of the radiator sitting on the chassis front extensions just behind the grille.

I can post some pictures if you would like.

Brad
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Old 09-25-2015, 05:59 PM   #8
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I got it out today. Had to drop the tranny to get to it. Damn heavy! All I could do to get in on the floor w/o dropping it on my head! Think it will go back into the front wheel well after I get the motor rebuilt.
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Old 09-26-2015, 06:10 AM   #9
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I'm guessing that's one more reason NOT to go with the stock HWH system and go with the Quadra Bigfoot, with each pump having its own preserver.

Cheers
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Old 09-28-2015, 03:57 PM   #10
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Yep, had to drop the transmission to get it out of there. Let me tell that is one heavy piece of iron!

May see if it'll fix in the back of the drivers wheel well

Oh well, I needed to pull the tranny out and wash it off.... NOT!
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Old 09-28-2015, 05:36 PM   #11
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Mel, while you have the tranny out go ahead and pull the engine and drop a cummins back in it's place...
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Old 09-28-2015, 05:59 PM   #12
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I remember there was a thread about a conversion to a Duramax about 2 or 3 years ago. Somewhere in the southeast. It all seemed to be going well with a lot of nice pictures, but then seemed to disappear. The DM seemed a very tight fit.

The problem to me about a Cummins, excellent engine though it is, is noise level. Whenever I say that, there's an indignant roar of "Oh, the old ones were noisy, but the new ones are quiet." The trouble is that for the last 20 years or so Cummins enthusiasts have been telling me that, but "the new ones" always sound just as noisy to me. I can only think that when you've driven a Cummins around for a while, everything gets really quiet..... birds stop singing, the TV sound has to be turned right up, and everyone seems to be talking to you in very low tones, even though they look like they are shouting.
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Old 09-28-2015, 06:18 PM   #13
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I was pulled up beside a "newer" cummings and it sounds, to me, like the older ones as well.

Now the new ford 6.7L diesel.. you would have to look at the logo on side of truck to know for sure it as diesel and not a gasser.. what is the world coming too...

my '03 7.3L is quieter since doing the fuel lines and some other mods.. even the wife noticed when we were driving around and I had not said a word.
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Old 09-28-2015, 06:29 PM   #14
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The newer cummins are quiet,the conversion cost would be prohibitive in my view.....
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Old 09-28-2015, 06:47 PM   #15
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the newer cummins are quiet,the conversion cost would be prohibitive in my view.....
...
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Old 09-29-2015, 07:35 AM   #16
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Mel, while you have the tranny out go ahead and pull the engine and drop a cummins back in it's place...

Humm??? Maybe it's time to pull the diesel trigger! I'd use 12 valve Cummins if I did. No computer, can re-program the 4L80e TCI for a diesel. Just put it in, hook up the throttle, fuel line, starter... Now don't that sound easy! I've got a notebook with all the 'what is needed' written in it somewhere around here.

Some years back I had every intention of doing a diesel. Almost bought a school bus. Went and looked that this school bus with money in pocket. As I looked at it and measured to see if it'd fit, I got cold feet and went home w/o. Think that was about the time I put the TBI system on the 454 and MPG went from 4 to 7.

I think I'm dreaming again.
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Old 09-29-2015, 07:40 AM   #17
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........... everything gets really quiet..... birds stop singing, the TV sound has to be turned right up, and everyone seems to be talking to you in very low tones, even though they look like they are shouting.
All I need to do is take my hearing aids out and all the above is true.
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Old 09-29-2015, 08:18 AM   #18
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Humm??? Maybe it's time to pull the diesel trigger! I'd use 12 valve Cummins if I did. No computer, can re-program the 4L80e TCI for a diesel. Just put it in, hook up the throttle, fuel line, starter... Now don't that sound easy!
There are some knock-on effects. Mainly rear axle ratio. 4.56:1 as opposed to usually something like 3.5 or 3.73:1 for most diesel trucks. You are removing an engine that likes to run at 2800 to 3500 rpm and inserting one that really prefers to be around the 2000 to 2500 rpm mark.

Then there is that gasoline-powered generator.......
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Old 09-29-2015, 08:34 AM   #19
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Not to mention all the little things like accessories including power Steering pump, AC compressor and alternator that have to be sourced/adapted. Like most jobs like this... It looks simple till you dig a little deeper into it. It's one reason a lot of "projects" get scrapped before they're completed.

I've thought about an 8.1L conversion in mine. Then I woke up and realized it just isn't going to happen. If I can find the right 345 Classic I might reconsider.
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Old 09-29-2015, 09:20 AM   #20
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...... and a vacuum pump, if you have the vacuum operated HVAC controls, which I think you would.
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