gas to diesel conversion quest

[crackajacka]

ok i got laid off like a couple of days ago so i have lots of time to study this subject but i need some opinions. i have a 350 crate engine and im wanting to convert to a diesel. isnt the block basically the same as one used for a diesel? if thats true couldnt i just rob the top half of a diesel n the fuse box and swap it out to be a diesel? if thats true if anyone wanted to swap id be willing to. or if they wanted to swap a running diesel(100k or less) for a 350 gas engine(12k w/papers) id be willing for that.

[u2slow]

6.2L diesel heads don't fit the 350 block... its a completely different engine.

Best bet is to find a running diesel parts truck. There's lots of other equipment thats diesel-specific that you will need for a successful swap.

[crackajacka]

ok that solves that question but which one would be better on performance 6.2 or 6.5l?

[u2slow]

The 6.5L has the added bonus of the turbo, but also the headache of increased electronics.

92-93 6.5TD's are handy as they are still fully mechanical.

The 6.5 non-turbo was used in some fullsize vans from 92-95. Also mechanical, but of course, no turbo.

6.2's are cheap by comparison, but lowest on the performance scale.

[crackajacka]

is there the possibility of a mechanical 6.5 with a turbo or twin turbos?

[Russell]

There is if you do the conversion

[grape]

they are the same engine from 82-2000, bore increased 2mm in '92 to become the 6.5. you dont' need two turbos, just one correctly sized one.

[krazy_texan]

best bet would be to find an old military blazer or truck or something along that line that has a diesel as a donor truck because they usually have really rough bodies and can be had for realitivly cheap

[kevinr1970]

If only you were closer........

[Beefcake]

6.2's are very easy to find. There super cheap for 2 reasons. People dont like the low amount of power, and when abused the cranks are known for grenading....

The reason why I pick up every 6.2 I can find is:
depending on the wear, you can upgrade bore/piston to a 6.5. Adding a 6.5 turbo is simple....
also, my 84 suburban gets 22- 28 mpg. -the 6.2 heads are restrictive, but give awesome mpg.

[JustOneTruck]

Originally Posted by Beefcake

6.2's are very easy to find. There super cheap for 2 reasons. People dont like the low amount of power, and when abused the cranks are known for grenading....
The reason why I pick up every 6.2 I can find is:
depending on the wear, you can upgrade bore/piston to a 6.5. Adding a 6.5 turbo is simple....
also, my 84 suburban gets 22- 28 mpg. -the 6.2 heads are restrictive, but give awesome mpg.

I`m new so this maybe just old stuff to you guys. Is this "Grenading" when you over load by towing or heavy loaded that the cranks let go.

I drive mine just to work and back 5 miles{10 total}. But the weekends it gets 30 to 40 miles on it. Im soon to be moving and will be using a inclosed car trailor to move our house hold stuff. I just have to take it easy right.
1984 6.2 automatic 3.43 gears 1/2 ton long bed it says class 5 hitch .But I know I`m not going to be towing 8000 lbs .

Thanks

[lofat]

this is interesting. i have been considering converting my truck to diesel for a while. finding a 350 is easy as it gets, new used rebuilt - but in my limited searches i have come up with not so much.

i would be interested in some links if you got em to rebuilds, or tips outside of finding a donor which i don't have the space to store (apartment living - ain't it grand) or buying new.

thx

[Beefcake]

Grenading: Its my term for when the crank shatters into a billion pieces. Basicly the 6.2 and the 6.5 are prone to it. Reason is the 22:1 compression, and abuse. Abuse means doing neutral slams while under load, overloading, and turning up the IP for more perfomance without other upgrades. Then there is maintenance:

Maintenace on a diesel: #1 most important, make sure your harmonic balancer is in top shape. Id replace it every 100k miles just to be sure. Replace both filters every 3k miles, one is on the intake other is by the fuel tank. Do your regular oil changes... I've heard that putting 50/50 (2 stroke) mix in the gas tank every time you fill up will save your IP. 400k miles on a 6.2/ 6.5 is obtainable. So if your not doing everything right, you should be able to get atleast half that.

Doners can be found in most military vehicles, and 80' and up vehicles. I've bought 2 6.2s one in a suburban, other on ebay. The one on ebay had a broken crank- I bought it for the parts... got it for 100 bucks. Bought the suburban for 400. People dont like these engines cause they really dont have much power.... So just keep your eyes open and you'll find them.

Good luck! - let me know what you guys find.... I sure wish we could have a diesel page on this board.