gas to diesel conversion

[DirtyLarry]

Can be done. Unless, you have a 350 with a rod hanging out and a 6.2 burning a hole in your pocket I would suggest looking for a 6.5L. Cummins are nice but $$$ and not a direct bolt in as a 6.2 and 6.5 would be. The 6.2 got a bad reputation long ago...some deserved but some not....

The later 6.5L diesels were not too bad until you get into the electronic injection pump era. If your lucky enought to find a AM General built 6.5L you are even much better off, although those are very rare (GM sold off production rights, tooling, etc to AM General in January 2001).

A couple years ago I yanked a 6.2L out of a late 80’s Suburban and dropped in a brand new AM General 6.5L with a Banks side turbo and late model accessories for a buddy that lives back in Michigan. We thought about using a center mount turbo but the exhaust pipe would not fit between the firewall and engine. Later on in the project, my buddy sent me out some fancy custom tuned injection pump to put on it….and I have to tell you, this Suburban honked pretty good amazingly enough. Between the ball bearing turbo, marine prepped 6.5L and the custom injection pump it pulled like an early Dirtymax. He flew out here to CO and drove it back to Detroit without a single problem and got decent fuel mileage headed home as well.

I was suprised I even got it running without his help being I don't know jack about diesels as I have never had a chance to mess with them. I’d take a 6.5L like this if someone would give it to me. I am a big block guy and I was impressed by the way it ran.

[79GMC_OLDS]

i did


i wouldnt waste my time with a 6.2 or 6.5. a 4bt Cummins would work nice in your application. your stock drivetrain should handle the power easily. adaptors to bolt up to a chevy tranny are quite popular. check out 4btswaps.com they have lots of good info

[mmusmanno]

basically, I dig the truck, so, I want to do it right. i'm not married to a 6.2 or a 6.5, just thought it would be simplest. but, i'm all for a cummins. what would be the best engine/setup for performance? horsepower AND torque? my local mechanic will do the job but he wants me to get a donor vehicle. so, if you guys agree, what vehicle should I get, if not, then what do you think is the best way to get this new powerplant and get it in? thanks.

[79GMC_OLDS]

Originally Posted by mmusmanno

basically, I dig the truck, so, I want to do it right. i'm not married to a 6.2 or a 6.5, just thought it would be simplest. but, i'm all for a cummins. what would be the best engine/setup for performance? horsepower AND torque? my local mechanic will do the job but he wants me to get a donor vehicle. so, if you guys agree, what vehicle should I get, if not, then what do you think is the best way to get this new powerplant and get it in? thanks.

well a 5.9 cummins will give you the most hp and torque the easiest but it will destroy your stock running gear in a hurry. a 3.9 4bt you can get from a p30 stepvan. if you are running a th350 or 400 tranny then find a p30 with a 4bt/th400 combo and you will have the parts to bolt it up. you will need custom motor mounts and plumbing and wiring and exhaust etc. they come with 100-120 hp i believe but also have approx 300ft lbs just off idle. there are lots of things to do to increase power if needed. there are also a couple posts on ck5.com with some guys that have done it.