'58 Chevy Step Van Project, 4cyl Detroit Diesel

[scuncio]

I've seen a few of these resto-modded, and they are quite cool. This one is the most unmolested examples I've seen in years - they are usually pretty rough after a hard life of service - although I'm pretty confident these only came with the I-6 so the Diesel must be a swap. I guess I've spent $6500 in less productive ways...not a terrible price, but not a phenomenal deal either.

Link to 1958 Chevrolet Step Van eBay auction (https://www.ebay.com/itm/165818610051?hash=item269b8f3183:g:aMMAAOSw9jJjj7s a&amdata=enc%3AAQAHAAAAkAZYiiIeLIKtU5HhdpY2L118DsRzl tBYu7qMDa7z57ZtlTPY%2BsDlvs43cl8md8OQORJSjClSKtBwX 2fyzFcSc0E%2FplGgq7YCczcxvTD42z5tq8TuDydRfbphkCCeM F3HLUqYdB773wzWXvOSIhUkVjoF2PbOTDVcg4pUF82B6KjYEVs hZJkG9ICfrb%2F5k8xNWw%3D%3D%7Ctkp%3ABk9SR-6ukqmdYQ&mkcid=1&mkrid=711-53200-19255-0&siteid=0&campid=5337538513&customid=&toolid=10001&mkevt=1)

https://i.ebayimg.com/images/g/aMMAAOSw9jJjj7sa/s-l1600.jpg

https://i.ebayimg.com/images/g/AFEAAOSwX4Zjj7ui/s-l1600.jpg

https://i.ebayimg.com/images/g/hKYAAOSw3ZFjj7vW/s-l1600.jpg

https://i.ebayimg.com/images/g/eB0AAOSwqS5jj7qN/s-l1600.jpg

[Too Many Projects]

I don't know that I've ever seen one of these trucks. That diesel looks like it's been in there for a very long time and fits the opening. I wouldn't doubt that it was an original offering. Detroit 2 cycle was a popular engine in trucks back then. I'd like to see better pics of the engine. It has to have a blower somewhere.

[Too Many Projects]

Researching the engine, there are many configurations for different applications. This one appears to be about right, with the air filter at the rear of the block.
https://www.yenko.net/forum/cache.php?img=https%3A%2F%2Fi.pinimg.com%2Forigina ls%2Faf%2F9f%2F0e%2Faf9f0e209d7b751bcaf0bf034740a9 ae.jpg


That is a 4 cylinder, the vans had a 3 cylinder and an option starting in 1967, so it is a transplant. The alternator should have been a clue for me, as '58 was a generator... The two-stroke (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Two-stroke_diesel_engine), 159-cubic-inch (2.6 L) Detroit Diesel (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Detroit_Diesel) 3-53N three-cylinder engine was available in 1967; it produced peak power of 82 hp (61 kW) at 2,500 rpm and 193 lb⋅ft (262 N⋅m) of torque at 1,500 rpm. wikipedia



https://www.yenko.net/forum/cache.php?img=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.dieselenginetrader .com%2Fpictures%2F105195_1.jpg