'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

[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.



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, 159-cubic-inch (2.6 L) 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