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6.2 diesel swap, like to hear from people who have done it
So I have two donor vehicles and a 71 blazer just waiting for me to get on with the project. I will be stealing the 700r4 from one of the donors as well. I am currently playing with the donors to determine the best parts for stealing from each one.
This project is a go, no need to debate the merits pro and con, I have done that and am comfortable with my decision. I have read all the threads I could find on this but most all seem to be talking about doing it, not actually doing it. What I am looking for is people I can PM and ask question of during the swap and any unexpected things you ran into while doing it. Things I know: There is an oil pan clearance issue, and read that BBC stands lift it enough to clear. Can anyone verify that? Better solution? I am also aware that I will be changing out the radiator and moving crossbraces around. Driveshafts are a given. Glowplug controller will have to be figured out. May go with a manual setup. Return fuel line. Use the evap line? Post up if you have been through this and are willing to have your brain picked. Thanks! |
Re: 6.2 diesel swap, like to hear from people who have done it
hmmm. Guess I will be the first. The donor is in the garage now getting a little TLC. I will begin pulling and replacing seals and glowplugs soon.
The actual swap won't be until July, I have to have some fun driving in the sun before taking it down for a while! |
Re: 6.2 diesel swap, like to hear from people who have done it
Has anyone ever heard anything good about 6.2 chevy diesels? I think theres a reason why nobody does the swap. Im not trying to discourage you from doing it, but, ok im discouraging you. Its silly and there is way better options if you want to go diesel, like something with a turbo and a heavy duty trans.
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Re: 6.2 diesel swap, like to hear from people who have done it
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Re: 6.2 diesel swap, like to hear from people who have done it
I too have heard more complaints than accolades for the 6.2 diesel. Apparently, it is actually based on a gasoline engine that was modified to a diesel mill. Not designed to be a diesel mill from the get go like the aforementioned 4bt. I like were your head is at, but like the others have said there are better alternatives out there.
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Re: 6.2 diesel swap, like to hear from people who have done it
there are 2 6.2 diesel engines out there, one is an olds 350 that was made into a diesel, the other is a 379cu in motor.
I have had a couple of them. They are not big power houses, but ou can turn up the injection pump for a little more output. My only complaint on them is the 20+ mpg i was getting out of them:lol: The 4bt is a great swap, but those things are loud! and that is comming from a straight piped cummins owner. |
Re: 6.2 diesel swap, like to hear from people who have done it
I know all you are getting is wrenches thrown at you and I hate to add one but isnt there power handling issues with a stock 700r4. Not sure how much torque your diesel set up will put out but I have heard a lot of badmouthing on that trans with lots of power.
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Re: 6.2 diesel swap, like to hear from people who have done it
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As to the rest of the arguments this was not a overnight decision. I read long and hard and talked to quite a few people. I am not after power or turbo. I am after simple and economy. The 4bt is loud, vibrates like hell and is dang hard to come by up here. Is it awesome? Absolutely. Do I want one in my rig. No. The 12V cummins, sweet sure, and likely come close to same economy as the 6.2 but the swap is far more involved and weighs much more than the 6.2. Fully dressed it's twice the weight of the 350. As to the 6.2 people love to hate them for not being a cummins workhorse. Yup, they are not. Do they run many many miles and get great economy doing it, yes they do. Do they have a few known issues, yes but they are minor and easily addressed. To the weight issue, it's 200 lbs more than the 350 in it now. It has new springs in it anyway that barely move no matter how much weight you put in it. My snowplow mount is nearly that and I can tell no difference in how it drives or rides with that on or off. It hardly changes when you pick up the plow for that matter. It's all moot anyway. I have the donor and am committed to the project. I didn't start the thread to hash what direction to go. I would have given it a different title and asked a very different question. Don't get me wrong I appreciate the input but we are not gaining any ground with the tangent discussion. If you wish to continue the 6.2 debate that is fine, but please in another thread. |
Re: 6.2 diesel swap, like to hear from people who have done it
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Also putting power and the 6.2 in same sentence is what has everyone above throwing wrenches. The stock C code is 130hp and peak torque around 250. That can be pushed to around 200hp and 350+ torque with J code and banks turbo. That is a whole other project for some other future. Later if I go with a banks turbo etc. I will have to drop and rebuild/beef up the 700r4 or just bite the bullet and swap to the nv4500. |
Re: 6.2 diesel swap, like to hear from people who have done it
Hey all, I cannot seem to edit my posts. My reply comes off harsher than I mean for it to so please understand I mean no harm. Just trying to clarify some information and the reasons for my choice of swap.
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Re: 6.2 diesel swap, like to hear from people who have done it
What was the donor truck? I wish i could be more of a help but when i see an old gm diesel im usualy plugging my nose from the exhaust and im looking for a safe place to pass them. You should post something in the engines section.
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Re: 6.2 diesel swap, like to hear from people who have done it
i didn't take it harshly, dont worry.
i was going to put the 6.2 in my blazer. they are awesome on economy ill give you that. but when we went to put it in the engine was siezed up from sitting to long so i got the 5.3 instead. i had all the research done on it too. it will not be hard for you to put it in if you have your research done and don't mind fabbing up your own stuff. i would way rather have a diesel then a gas, but the 6.2 i had was siezed so i went with a 2002 5.3 so i still have the economy i wanted |
Re: 6.2 diesel swap, like to hear from people who have done it
Cool. Glad I didn't offend.
You know that 5.3 is an attractive option too. My good buddy is building a 72 blazer right now and very nearly went that way. He is holding out for the 6.0 , but his paycheck can handle the gas bill better than mine. That and I take mine exploring for days on end so range is a factor. He wants to go run around with a lead foot and the top off. Both are fun. MustardJimmy. The donor is an 84 suburban 1/2 ton with np208/700r4 combo. Runs really nicely and drives nicely too. Luckily the body is horrid so I will have no guilt tearing it down. In the power dept, I was actually pleasantly surprised that it didn't feel too doggy compared to my 350. Of course the torque numbers are about the same with the 6.2 torque coming in a little lower down which is nice in a truck. Hp well my stocker 350 is only rated 190 off the shelf, so it's not all that different. With the blazer coming in about 1000lbs lighter than the donor hopefully it will feel a little peppier too. But if not I can live it. I really cannot complain I actually picked up two 84 burbs with 6.2's for $500. Both run, one has a shot tranny. I have parts galore I suppose. |
Re: 6.2 diesel swap, like to hear from people who have done it
post some pics of what your working with
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Re: 6.2 diesel swap, like to hear from people who have done it
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My blazer is in driver condition, which is fine because that is what it is. Pretty solid overall with a little body work needed and new paint in the future. http://photos.smugmug.com/photos/959994598_uz4QX-L.jpg http://photos.smugmug.com/photos/692726715_jcybb-L.jpg I will certianly document the swap with plenty of photos. I have some time off coming next week so I may begin the tear down of the burb then. I plan to leave the blazer in tact and driving until the last possible moment. There is plenty of work to do before then. I plan to clean up the 6.2, tranny and t case. Replace seals and glow plugs. Before I pull there is plenty to do with the tape measure as well. |
Re: 6.2 diesel swap, like to hear from people who have done it
There's nothing wrong with a 6.2. It's not the most powerful, but I had one and it was very reliable.
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Re: 6.2 diesel swap, like to hear from people who have done it
Awesome! ....don't let the haters get you down. Either they hate the 6.2/6.5 or it's horrible that you are not putting the "proper" power unit in YOUR truck....:waah: I think the 6.2 is a great motor it's just not a towing power house compared to others and never should have been used in extreme hauling conditions...again just my opinion. I think they really would have caught on in something like a s10 blazer or truck. I think about the only thing I would change is to put a manual in it. That's just a personal bias as all the older auto backed diesels I have driven are dogs.
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Re: 6.2 diesel swap, like to hear from people who have done it
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Re: 6.2 diesel swap, like to hear from people who have done it
Hey thanks for the links. I had read one of them before and know "mr. Beast" from another forum.
To the others thanks for pump up! ha ha. |
Re: 6.2 diesel swap, like to hear from people who have done it
I like the 6.2/6.5 engines, I've put 100k on my diesel chevy van with no issues. I get 16-17 mpg pulling my car trailer and over 20 mpg without. I'm going to look for a diesel pickup or blazer to part for the drivetrain to go in my 71 blazer.
My favorite diesel rig belongs to a guy in British Columbia that put a 6.2 in his 77 corvette. |
Re: 6.2 diesel swap, like to hear from people who have done it
I should update this thread. The swap has begun. I have the donor engine and tranny out and on the stand. I just finished cleaning up the 6.2. What a mess it was. Next up is replacing all the seals, pulleys and harmonic balancer before the installing in the blazer. I was also happy that all the glowplugs came out without issue and I won't need to pull the heads due to a broken tip.
At this time I am still undecided about going with the 205 or the 208 T case. I prefer to keep my 205 (for various reasons) and the tape measure says I can make it fit without moving it. The truth is I won't know until I try it. The plan is to set the engine in place and see how much wiggle room I really do have. If not enough then I will tackle the 208 and all new drivelines etc. I've been taking some photos and will post a build thread of sorts when it's done. |
Re: 6.2 diesel swap, like to hear from people who have done it
I look forward to your progress, I will give me an idea on what isuues I'll be running into. I have a line on a non turbo 6.5. but I'd like to find a whole truck so I'll have the glow plug timer, harness and all the mounts. I look forward to seeing your posts.
Ralph |
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I am hoping to eliminate the first issue by keeping my 205 in place, I already have a double cardon shaft installed and spent quite a bit of time getting my angles to line up. Hate to start over as the tail of the 208 is like 9 inches long which really doesn't help anything. However if the 205 has to be moved I will likely go with the 208 for the lower gearing and easy mate up to the tranny. |
Re: 6.2 diesel swap, like to hear from people who have done it
[QUOTE=AlaskaMatt;5383273]Not to be a jerk but this is wrong. It's also a very common mis-conception. The 6.2 is a Detroit diesel. It was designed to be a diesel from the ground up. You are confusing it with the 350 diesel from olds. [QUOTE]
I too like the 6.2/6.5's. Not Cummins power but very reliable. Good luck with your project. Keep us up to date with pics please! Yea the 6.2 or 6.5 is a designed and built Detriot Diesel (GM used to own) the 5.7 or "350 diesel" wasn't a converted gas engine either. As a cost saving measure on the assembly it was made to be able to be on the same engine assembly line as the gassers and take some of the same parts such as valve covers, oil pans, ect. It was never converted but rather made with some of the same dementions as the gassers to share parts and easily dropped into the same cars without a special line just for the diesels. |
Re: 6.2 diesel swap, like to hear from people who have done it
[quote=superduty_59;5519130][QUOTE=AlaskaMatt;5383273]Not to be a jerk but this is wrong. It's also a very common mis-conception. The 6.2 is a Detroit diesel. It was designed to be a diesel from the ground up. You are confusing it with the 350 diesel from olds.
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Re: 6.2 diesel swap, like to hear from people who have done it
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Re: 6.2 diesel swap, like to hear from people who have done it
That's a lot of fish. I find it hard to get forward movement on my projects when I'm out playing. By the way, you blazer looks geat on the beach with the background.
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Re: 6.2 diesel swap, like to hear from people who have done it
350 out. 700r4 in. Need to button up a couple things on the diesel before I test fit. Also need to cut and weld the engine mounts a bit. The crossmember from the donor fits between the rails but the engine mounts (the stands not the rubber part on the block) are too tall. I'll have to cut them down to fit inside the frame rails. Right now it appears that the mounts need only to move forward 1.5". Mount face of both engines to center of engine mounts is the same. The block of the diesel is about an inch longer than the 350. Total forward movement of less than 3".
Next up will be a test fit up and adding the front clip to see how it all fits. Then it's on to radiator and brake systems. And wiring, and and and. Posted via Mobile Device |
Re: 6.2 diesel swap, like to hear from people who have done it
I have bought 83 to 85 surbans got 25 mpg loved them why dont they have them anymore but a 350 would be a direct replacement bolt right up same motor supports just better cooling hd
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Re: 6.2 diesel swap, like to hear from people who have done it
I've thought about the same swap because I love to drive my Blazer but the gas mileage and range issues limit me. The one concern I have is noise. I like to drive around all summer with the top off. I'll be interested to hear how loud the 6.2 is in the Blazer.
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Re: 6.2 diesel swap, like to hear from people who have done it
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RLong, not sure I follow you. I'm dropping in a 6.2 and 700r4 in place of a 350/350 combo. The mounts on the 6.2 are different than the 350. Location would be the same (without the tranny swap). I hope you were right about the mpg you were getting as that is the whole point of this. I like to go on journey's with my blazer and disappear for a week at a time into less charted territory. Range and efficiency are my goals. |
Re: 6.2 diesel swap, like to hear from people who have done it
You will love the conversion, I put a 6.5 in my old 71 two wheel drive truck and it always got over 20mpg and on a 300 mile trip got over 35mpg. And don't worry about power, if you ever get to that point a turbo and upping the fuel will do the trick. My truck was putting out around 500 ft/lbs of torque on a dino. I don't know about a 4wd but on my 2wd the only thing I had to modify was the engine mounts on the truck. I had to cut the top of them and put a flat piece of metal where they were rounded so the manifolds would clear, but it is still very close. Hood clearance was also a thing for me, but with a body lift like yours has it shouldn't be a big deal. And for the return line I just soldered in a nipple on the tank. And the 700 will hold fine, I had one behind mine for a long time. But after you turn it up if you ever do, it NEEDS to be beefed up. I went through 5 after I started putting out as much power as I did. Just FYI.
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Re: 6.2 diesel swap, like to hear from people who have done it
Glad to hear that as I am almost done. Doing the wiring now, then off to the exhaust shop.
I ran into some things here and there and cut the mounts just like you did. 4x4 presents some challenges in the tranny clearance area. But I think I beat them. Hope to be on the road in a week or so. Ill do a write up once its all done and actually on the road. Posted via Mobile Device |
Re: 6.2 diesel swap, like to hear from people who have done it
Can't wait to see pics!
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Re: 6.2 diesel swap, like to hear from people who have done it
To clear up the 6.2 in the 81 to 87's a 350 was a direct replacement i am pretty sure even the motor mounts were same with exhaust the same . I am sure the older 69-72 are different though. I use to by sale trucks would buy a 6.2 blown cheap buy salvage yard 350 and swap it out worked great most people back then would rather have the 350. I remember the 6.2 transmissions were usually 400 turbo and extra heavy duty cooling made a great swap then gas was cheap.
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Re: 6.2 diesel swap, like to hear from people who have done it
Love the thread, beginning my 6.2 swap soon. Picked up the donor 83 K20 today and going to swap motor and maybe tranny and transfer case to my 60 K20. MPG is the goal, not drag racing......
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Re: 6.2 diesel swap, like to hear from people who have done it
Hey just came across your questions about the 6.2 diesel and I think it sounds like a great idea.
I can't believe all the neg comments from some people. AND by people that show in their comments that they obviously know absolutely nothing about GM diesels. I don't know why people want to blast your idea when they really don't know what they are talking about.....at all! I have one main comment to make and that is to become a member thedieselpage.com, if you have not already done that. You will get nothing but positive feedback and support on their forums for your efforts. I have owned and worked on several of these engines. Compared to the number of diesel engines that were made for GM trucks there have been relatively few failures and generally that is because in many cases people abuse the hell out of them like they would a gas engine. Anyone that is a truck driver or heavy duty mechanic knows that you can't do that. There have been plenty of these engines that are still going after 500,000 miles because they have been taken care of. Try finding a a chevy/ford/dodge gas engine that has 500,000 on it. The GM diesels were not built for the abuse of a gas engine, they were built first off for economy and under the right circumstances can get 30-40 mpg in a half ton. But they need to be well cared for. Secondly they are very easy to get parts for and very inexpensive and easy to fix. The most expensive thing you could do to this engine would be to buy a new banks turbo system for it, so shop around for a used one or adapt a 6.5 turbo setup. I currently drive an 86 GMC with a 88 6.2 diesel that has 250k-300k kilometers on it and I have used it to haul 7500lbs loads with no problem. I have several 6.2 engines in my garage and have toyed with the idea of putting one in my 1965 K20 4x4 Although I am really into the original 292 cyl as well. The 6.2 diesel can be very well built and powered up considerably for good power and still maintain good economy. Just check out thedieselpage.com . It's a great engine that is fun to build and fun to run, I think they are great. My 3/4 ton 4x4 gets over 20mpg on the highway and about 15mpg with a big heavy trailer. |
Re: 6.2 diesel swap, like to hear from people who have done it
I hear you, I have a 91 diesel van with 280k miles. It is a great rig, I have been pulling my car trailer with it for 12 years and 100k miles. It is not fast up the hills but it cranks out on the flat. It gets 16-17 mpg pulling the trailer and 20 mpg without. The 6.2/6.5 is a great engine in my book.
I do get asked all the time wheither it is the "converted gas engine". You can then tell, they don't know too much about the gm diesel. Now I just bought another, a 1985 k20 silverado, 6.2, turbo 400, 4.10 gears. It should make a real good winter trailer puller. It is rough but great running gear. |
Re: 6.2 diesel swap, like to hear from people who have done it
Yeah sure do like these motors, dollar for dollar they are the best value. I am very impressed with the towing ability considering the power rating of the engine. And of course I love the sound of it!
Mine is also TH400 with 410's and 31" tires. I have 700R4 I would like to build for it eventually and I think I will go up to 33" tire next time I need tires. |
Re: 6.2 diesel swap, like to hear from people who have done it
Did you end up doing manual glows or are you using the stock controller? I converted my 83 K5 to manual control with 60G plugs. I've never plugged it in, just burn the plugs longer when its cold. I've started it down to -10 degrees.
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