Thinkin' about a 6.2

[1968CHEVYC10]

Here's my current setup, I've got a 68 c10 with a '75 350 and a 3spd on the column. The 350 is pretty worn out, burns oil and could probably use an bottom end rebuild, new pistons and what not. The transmission I'm thinking is on it's last leg, and the clutch doesn't have much left.

Now here's what I want, 6.2 diesel with a banks turbo kit (turbo not totally necessary but it'd be nice) tied to a nv4500. Doesn't really have to be this exact transmission but an overdrive manual is what I want.

So here's what I'm thinking, my current drivetrain is pretty worn out, and my mileage really stinks right now, probably about 8-10, The carb does need rebuilding which I plan on doing but still wont be doing much better'n 12mpg or so. So I'm thinking in the next 6 months I'll be needing to do some major drivetrain overhaul. So instead of rebuilding everything why not spend a little extra and get way better mileage and at least equal power with a 6.2 diesel?

Few questions about the 6.2, are these things mechanically injected? Basically what I'm asking is will I have a mess of a wiring harness to mess with? what other extra costs are there besides the motor? radiators?, exhaust? (currently I have duals with glasspacks), I'm thinking I would keep this, and alter it as necessary to fit? Are there any extra emissions stuff I would need? like cats? I live in TX.

As far as the tranny goes what all will bolt up to the 6.2? If I did decide to keep my 3 spd would it bolt up? and would I be able to keep my mechanical clutch?

Appreciate the help, I'd be really lost without this forum!

oh and here's a pic of the truck, nothin special but she's all mine.

[corvetteman10]

I've been reading up on diesel swaps on this site. I am assuming you are referring to the GM 6.2 diesel. It isn't easy regardless of injection style. They were mechanically injected up to 1993. Factory horsepower and torque numbers are dismal. If you proceed, forced induction is a must. IMO, the swap and headaches that come with, would not be worth it for such horrible power. Use the sites search function to see if there are any similar swaps going on. Someone who is currently doing it, or have done it would be the person to talk to. The only benefits I see with a 6.2 is fuel economy (i have heard of up to 25mpg) and longevity. For power, fuel economy, longevity, and a big smile- check out mosesburbs "the story of a cummins suburban" cummins build. awesome.

[1968CHEVYC10]

Originally Posted by corvetteman10

I've been reading up on diesel swaps on this site. I am assuming you are referring to the GM 6.2 diesel. It isn't easy regardless of injection style. They were mechanically injected up to 1993. Factory horsepower and torque numbers are dismal. If you proceed, forced induction is a must. IMO, the swap and headaches that come with, would not be worth it for such horrible power. Use the sites search function to see if there are any similar swaps going on. Someone who is currently doing it, or have done it would be the person to talk to. The only benefits I see with a 6.2 is fuel economy (i have heard of up to 25mpg) and longevity. For power, fuel economy, longevity, and a big smile- check out mosesburbs "the story of a cummins suburban" cummins build. awesome.

Thanks for the quick response, and yes I am referring to the GM 6.2 diesel, you listed just about all I'm looking for, economy, decent power and longevity.

[SWEET7T]

The 6.2L is mech injected. The 6.5L started out as mechanical injection as well. They had electronic injection pumps starting in '93 or '94.
A turbo and plumbing from a 6.5L will bolt to the 6.2, they are pretty much identical on the exterior. So if you come across just parts you can pick them up.
Typical GM transmission pattern. You can use the Th350/400/700R4/4L60E/4L80E autos or any of the manual trans (NV3500/4500,SM)...
The motors are IDI so they will run a little on the hot side so you will need to have adequate cooling.

I'm planning on running a 6.2/6.5 in my '70 after I get body/paint work taken care of. I plan to back it with a 700R4 and leave my super tall gears. Achieving 20+mpg should be cake and make more power to boot than my wheezy 305.

[1968CHEVYC10]

Originally Posted by SWEET7T

The 6.2L is mech injected. The 6.5L started out as mechanical injection as well. They had electronic injection pumps starting in '93 or '94.
A turbo and plumbing from a 6.5L will bolt to the 6.2, they are pretty much identical on the exterior. So if you come across just parts you can pick them up.
Typical GM transmission pattern. You can use the Th350/400/700R4/4L60E/4L80E autos or any of the manual trans (NV3500/4500,SM)...
The motors are IDI so they will run a little on the hot side so you will need to have adequate cooling.

I'm planning on running a 6.2/6.5 in my '70 after I get body/paint work taken care of. I plan to back it with a 700R4 and leave my super tall gears. Achieving 20+mpg should be cake and make more power to boot than my wheezy 305.

Thanks for the help, 20+ mpg is what I'm hoping for. do you know if these motors need an oil cooler?

[special-K]

It's basically a bolt-in.They don/t need an oil cooler,just a big radiator.A 4-core is what you want.The NV4500 has hydraulic linkage.That can be adapted to your truck.They came with 700r4s if you want automatic o/d.They are 135hp and will get you on down the road just fine.Win a race?No.Cruise all day long at hiway speeds?Yes.You'll need to rig up a dual battery system for starting.Go to www.thedieselpage.com for more info.