LUVTruck.com

I took the diesel engine and 5 speed tranny out of an 86 LUV I have and put it in a 35 Ford pickup. I am getting ready to figure the rear gears (and tire size) I need. Two questions: What is the comfortable cruising RPM of this engine and what is the redline? Also, is the 5 speed overdrive a .70 output or something different? If anyone can help me I'd be most grateful. Many thanks

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always always lots of work to do. . .

I have the '83 Isuzu P'up diesel with a factory tach. It shows the redline at ~4,250 RPM. I have the 5-speed too, and therefore have a 3.73 diff. I don't recall the factory tire size, but I'm running 205/65x15 now, and the speedometer is accurate (according to roadside radar). I can't recall the RPM at a comfortable cruising speed (about 65 mph), but at 85 mph, I'm turning 3,600 RPM.

Hope that helps. By the way, what is an '86 LUV? No such truck in the U.S.

Jack

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'83 Isuzu P'up Diesel LS - Original Owner
JoeIsuzu@IsuzuPup.com
IsuzuPup.com

Many thanks for your imput. Had no idea the engine turned that high of RPM. The engine/tranny I am using were Isuzu Pup/Chevy Luv. Wasn't sure what my donor was--it's missing some badges and had no title--thought it was a LUV, but will take your word on the badging. All my reading points to identical vehicles--different badging and trim. Do you know the overdrive on the 5 speed. I was thinking it was .70.

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always always lots of work to do. . .

Since you say an 86 model it will be an Isuzu PUP. The LUV stopped production in 1982. As for the ratio of 5th gear in the transmission I can tell you that because I have a factory workshop manual that covers the 1982 Chevy LUV. The gear ratio is .86 to 1. Hope this helps and by the way is the cab on the truck you took the engine/tranny out of in any somewhat good shape? Right now I'm looking to find a replacement cab/cab shell for my 82 LUV and have an ad in the Classifieds and Wrecking yards sections of the message board. Where are you located too? Thanks for your reply.

Salvy

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1982 Chevy LUV diesel
2.25" stainless exhaust
w/ MagnaFlow performance muffler

Salvy, Thanks for the info. I was hoping the overdrive was a bit of a lower number than .86 but any little bit helps. I have 2 trucks--one is an 82 LUV and the other is an 86 Isuzu. The Isuzu was burned badly (you could have it, but it's probably more trouble than its worth and it is pretty rusted to boot). The LUV is pretty rusted, but I use it for a shop truck around my place. I have a third motor and tranny out of I thought mid 80's LUV, but am not certain which I have put in the 35 Ford pickup. It'll be cute when wrapped up--hope it will run 70 MPH and 30 MPG.

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always always lots of work to do. . .

Dan, thanks for your reply and it does seem the 86 PUP is more trouble than it's worth exactly like you said. If you do ever come across a straight and mostly rust-free cab/cab shell around your area (in junkyards or wrecking yards) do let me know. It doesn't matter how stripped it may be, I'm just looking for something solid I can install and paint without much headache. I appreciate your help and again where are you located in the US?

Salvy

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1982 Chevy LUV diesel
2.25" stainless exhaust
w/ MagnaFlow performance muffler

I'm in southeast South Dakota. About a day's drive from Chicago, Dallas and Denver. As for rust free, we don't see too much of that, but on occasion I see things that pretty fixable.

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always always lots of work to do. . .