diesel conversion????

[wade]

hi guys!!!! been out of touch for awhile. my truck has been parked for the winter, and it has a very weak motor, but a new transmission. has anyone ever tried to put a diesel motor in this generation of truck. i have access to both an older 5.7 diesel and the 6.2. might even be able to get a 6.5. will these motors bolt right in? will they match up to a t350 tranny? or is this just too much of a project to even consider? any help here or links to previous discussions on this matter would be great. thanks!!!!!

[Baradium]

All three will bolt right up, motor mounts are the same, bellhousing patterns are the same. I'd say go with a mechanical 6.2 or 6.5. I've considered the same conversion actually with the '70

I think the change might be that you have to find the correct flywheel for teh 6.2/6.5 because I've heard that they are internally balanced or whatever the opposite is for a standard 350 gasser. Since most 6.2s/6.5s seem to be mated to autos it shouldn't be a big deal. Probobly could find one already mated to a tranny in military surplus even too.

[72 CustomCamper]

Hey Wade, when I got my 72 from my uncle it had an 84 6.2 diesel in it. He did have to modify the engine towers to clear the diesel exhaust manifolds and a few other small things. But for the most part it was a bolt in swap. Here's a pic of the engine in the bay...

Chuck

[Baradium]

Oh, and it'd be a good idea to upgrade the transmission.... TH350 might not be up to a bid diesel. And taller gears are better. The '70 has 3.07 which I believe would work great with a diesel (remember, they are low rpm motors).