Alternative m109 engines

Hey guys,
Proud to be a new member here, this is my first post.
I am looking into doing the whole m109 restoration process but my research led me into a couple problems.
1. The engine is LOUD
2. m109's can supposedly only go 55mph
3. Gas mileage

So here is the BIG question- Is there a more silent, efficient, faster engine I could swap out for the original m109 engine?

Any help will be greatly appreciated.
Thanks,
jaws

Lots of options, only limit is time and money. Plenty of re-power threads to search and read through.

Welcome aboard, as far as repowering your truck start here:

Deuce Modification and Hot-Rodding - Steel Soldiers::Military Vehicles Supersite

1.) Most diesel engines are going to be pretty loud and that is going to be your only option. A gasoline motor is NOT going to be an option if fuel economy is of concern. Only the new, common rail diesel engines are quiet, and that is a cost/electronics nightmare to retrofit. However, there are quieter motors out there, even a noisy 12V Cummins is quieter than stock.

2.) The problem is it isn't the engine holding you back. Its everything else too. The tires are only rated for 55MPH, the brakes can only handle so much, and even if you had a rev happy engine you are still going to spin the drivetrain very fast, it doesn't hold up well like that.

3.) These trucks don't get bad fuel economy AT ALL for a 15K pound truck, considering it has 10 tires, three axles, and tons of drive train loss. You should expect about 10MPG. However, with a properly set up diesel swap I don't think 1up to 5MPG would be out of the question.

If it were YOUR money I was spending I would:

1.) Ouverson 4.90 Diff Gears (Around $1000-1200 Per Axle)
2.) Cummins 12V 5.9 Diesel Engine (Proven/Reliable/Efficient)
3.) Sound Insulation
4.) Michelin 11.00R20 XL Tires (Rated for 65MPH)

You could cruise at 60MPH @ 1800RPM. It would be quiet, and efficient at those RPM. It would significantly lower drivetrain RPM by re-gearing the axles.

I wouldn't want to cruise at anything more than 60 in one of these trucks.

My $0.02

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