going from a 350 to a 6.2?

[84 400]

I have googled and searched on here and come up with very little on this swap so If someone has some good links I would really appreciate it.

I have a 1977 K10 that I use as a trail truck / weekend driver.. Most of the spots we go wheeling at are a good distance away and the fuel millage of the 350 is getting old. I would like to swap to a 6.2 for better millage and not have to deal with the cab on angles. Also I want to swap out the current 350 in my 56 willys for this much better 350 that is in my 77. Power is not a major concern to me. At the same time I will be doing the auto to sm465 swap so no worries about that.

Any info would be great! I can get a 6.2 for around 300.00 or I think i would be better off getting a donor truck so I could upgrade to 1 ton running gear at the same time.

I know i will need the 6.2 flywheel, harness, fuel filter, auxilery battery tray, hydroboost, rad, among other things

I have heard that the motor mounts are the same?

Again thanks for any input/ info

[gchemist]

Why not install a Cummings 12 valve diesel? More power, turbo, and loud!!

[84 400]

Originally Posted by gchemist

Why not install a Cummings 12 valve diesel? More power, turbo, and loud!!

Time, Money, and Tools!

[rcbildr]

A donor truck would be nice because it will have all the other little things you would need... The motor mounts are the same.

[Russell]

The frames on these trucks don't like the 6BT engines much anyways

That said, a naturally aspirated 6.2L is nearly a bolt in for you. The engine mounts are the same, and your existing gasoline fuel system is set up perfectly for the diesel.

I'd definitely suggest buying a donor truck if you can, there are always little things that you need, particularly when it comes to things like the idiot light pod in the dash, 6.2L specific wiring harness within the cab, the lenses for the idiot lights in the instrument cluster etc.

You will have some fun fabricating mounts for the rad to fit into your 77's core support, but it is doable with a bit of thinking and basic fab skills. The exhaust from your current 350 should bolt right up to the 6.2L as well. I might suggest you skip the SM465 however. The gear ratios are a bit too wide for a diesel engine, you'll go from revving it out in one gear to bogging it real bad in the next one. An NV3500 is a better choice IMO. The overdrive will allow you to run better gears which will improve upon the engine's seat of the pants feeling (not very impressive naturally aspirated) and the gear spacing is very good for a diesel engine. I know lots of guys panic about the strength of the transmissions, but if you are not doing clutch drops or towing lots of weight, it'll hold up just fine.

My K5 has an NV4500 behind the 6.2L right now, and I am about to list it for sale in favour of an NV3500 I have sitting in the shop at the moment.

[rcbildr]

Originally Posted by Russell

.... I might suggest you skip the SM465 however. The gear ratios are a bit too wide for a diesel engine, you'll go from revving it out in one gear to bogging it real bad in the next one. An NV3500 is a better choice IMO. The overdrive will allow you to run better gears which will improve upon the engine's seat of the pants feeling (not very impressive naturally aspirated) and the gear spacing is very good for a diesel engine. I know lots of guys panic about the strength of the transmissions, but if you are not doing clutch drops or towing lots of weight, it'll hold up just fine.

My K5 has an NV4500 behind the 6.2L right now, and I am about to list it for sale in favour of an NV3500 I have sitting in the shop at the moment.

I think that would depend on his rear gearing. I had an SM-465 in my diesel burb for a while and with the 4.10 gears and 33" tires and that seemed to me the perfect combo. The only reason I converted back to an automatic on my burb was so my girlfriend could drive it. She has arthritis real bad in her ankle and knee and the 12" clutch would be too much.

[84 400]

grreat info guys. I would like to go OD trans but depends on funds. This is a mainly off road truck so it needs to be stout. I don't have any experience with the nv3500. As far as gear ratio that is open right now. Currently the truck has 308's but they will be changed out. Max tire size is 35-37 Has 34's right now.

basically I am looking to finish the build with
6.2
Manual transmission
Dana 60 front with crossover (maybe hydro assist)
14ff or Dana 70
H1 8 lug beadlocks (maybe reentered maybe not depending on dually or srw axles)

Thanks again for all the input i got more reading to do and funds to save up. Definatly looks like a rotted k30 would be the best way to go!

[gchemist]

Here is an interesting modification for a stock 6.2.
http://www.thedieselpage.com/features/leefilt.htm

[C-10 simplex]

Here's a good link. You have to pay, but i think it would be worth it:

http://www.62-65-dieselpage.com/


Now for my input(because i'm always thinking numbers, mpg etc.):

This is just my opinion, but i think i have some good points;

The easiest, cheapest way to get more mpg with these trucks as far as engine swapping is to go to the 4.3 (or even smaller) v-6. This way you're sticking with gas---no need to do anything with the fuel system, saves time. Also, no need to modify any of the electrical system--also saves time. the mounts may be different, but it's a matter of getting them and bolting in.

The radiator hoses are probably different, but these are simple replacements at the parts store with specific part #'s. The fan shroud is probably different and there may be issues here, but i'm thinking this would be the same deal if you went diesel.

The only other major thing may be exhaust, but there are companies such as walker that have complete systems for these trucks(and really any vehicle), so it's pretty much a bolt in affair.

This is not to say that the 6.2 is overly difficult, and if you're really into it, then by all means proceed. However, i'm seriously thinking about the v-6 (or even smaller) gas swap.

[Chevcity]

I heard many bad things about the 6.2/6.5 diesels, but i never had any problems.
if you go with a small V-6... weight to horsepower ratio: that engines going to work for the rest of its life, and you have literally no torque unless you build it up.
I have a 6.2 "J Model" no EGR or anything. naturally aspirated with the stock injection pump. its in a 1983 Chevy 3/4 ton 4x4 long box. and i have more torque and power than the truck needs. on highway going about 55 or so i get 25-30 mpg with no load AFTER i put 3" dual exhaust and opened up the intake (they cant breathe). if you can get the donor truck its way easyer to swap over.

[Chevcity]

talking about number$. the V6 is cheaper to put in

[Benelli]

Originally Posted by Chevcity

I heard many bad things about the 6.2/6.5 diesels, but i never had any problems.
if you go with a small V-6... weight to horsepower ratio: that engines going to work for the rest of its life, and you have literally no torque unless you build it up.
I have a 6.2 "J Model" no EGR or anything. naturally aspirated with the stock injection pump. its in a 1983 Chevy 3/4 ton 4x4 long box. and i have more torque and power than the truck needs. on highway going about 55 or so i get 25-30 mpg with no load AFTER i put 3" dual exhaust and opened up the intake (they cant breathe). if you can get the donor truck its way easyer to swap over.

How did you "open up the intake"?

[Chevcity]

took off the stock filter and air restrictor off and cut it open and put a bigger filter on is all. anything more just get a turbo.

[Manbearpig]

I thought you were talking about the L92/S3 6.2's