LB7 Duramax Swapped K2500

LB7 Duramax swap
Custom adapter for NV4500 transmission
Eaton Truetrac rear differential
Air dog lift pump

This is my 1998 Chevrolet K2500

The truck originally had the GM 6.5L diesel, but that engine finally gave up with 303,000 miles on it. When the original engine went I took the opportunity to replace it with a LB7 Duramax engine from a 2002 Silverado 2500.

I used a harness from DMAX Swap, and used aftermarket motor mounts specifically for this swap. The engine fit better than expected, only a small amount of modification required for clearance at front differential. The hood and intake had to be modified slightly to make the engine fit with no body lift.

I was determined to use the factory NV4500 5 speed manual transmission. A custom bellhousing spacer was made so the NV4500 could be fit using an input shaft from a Cummins transmission. I installed PTO cover passive transmission coolers to prevent transmission temps from getting too high.

I could not fit the LB7 intercooler in the factory core support. So instead of cutting it up, I opted to mount a universal intercooler in place of the front plastic skid guard (between the front bumper and front differential). So far I have had no problems with the low mount intercooler. The radiator is the factory 6.5L diesel radiator with customized radiator hoses.

I rebuilt the factory 14 bolt rear axle with an Eaton Truetrac differential. The differential works phenomenally at balancing drivability with traction and performance.

I am using an air dog lift pump to supply fuel to the LB7. The lift pump was previously installed to be used with the 6.5L diesel, but it was very easy to adjust the pressure regulator to suit the Duramax.

I was able to adapt the factory AC to the new engine using off the shelf components. This was a huge incentive to staying with a GM power plant. Same goes for the power steering/hydro boost system. Everything on the factory instrument cluster functions as it did originally (gauges, CEL, WTS, etc.). Cruise control functions as it did before the swap. Some of these features came as a result of the swap harness, but some I had to investigate and rewrite myself.

There is so much info on the build that it would be nearly impossible to list everything here. I am very proud of this build and could talk about this all day. I may do some updates with more detail if I see interest. Feel free to ask questions or leave comments.