CNC,
I completely agree with everything you said.
The heavy loads this truck will see will be on very rare occasions. Most of this trucks useful life will be with lighter loads. The truck will be treated more like a super heavy duty one ton.
I used the heavy load example to drive home the idea of how important a really good engine management system would be needed if I did go the 292 turbo path.
I've got a 489 (0.030" overbore, with a 4.25" stroker crankshaft) Big Block Chevy here that would be a better choice if I was needing to haul super heavy loads on a regular basis.
And just to share more information, my project is based on a 1953, 2-Ton GMC, with a 161” wheel base. I will be adapting more modern medium-duty truck disc breaks on all four corners, with an updated rear axle for a more highway friendly gear ratio, and longer leaf springs with shocks on all four corners. All of these updates will be from parts I've taken from a more modern 16,000 GVW medium-duty truck.
The truck will look stock on the outside and inside the cab. If you crawl under the truck or look under the hood, then not so original looking.
My first plan was to use the Big Block Chevy. Because the truck will not see heavy loads for most of it's life, I have rethought this project, and I'm going to try and make this 292 work.
If using the 292 ends up being too much trouble, I have the Big Block to adapt instead.
I hope I don't get banned for mentioning a V8...
David
