6.2 into 79

[1969k10stepside]

I've had the 79 4wd for years.The original 350 in it is worn out..It's running on about 5 cylinders.I'm looking at buying a 84 Military Blazer for the motor.It's a 6.2 diesel.I'll have to use the torque convertor from the diesel,right?Will I have to do anything else to the tranny from the 79?The radiator is different,isn't it? Will the radiator from the 84 work in the 79 core support?

[BIGCHEVYMAN]

Originally Posted by 1969k10stepside

I've had the 79 4wd for years.The original 350 in it is worn out..It's running on about 5 cylinders.I'm looking at buying a 84 Military Blazer for the motor.It's a 6.2 diesel.I'll have to use the torque convertor from the diesel,right?Will I have to do anything else to the tranny from the 79?The radiator is different,isn't it? Will the radiator from the 84 work in the 79 core support?

yes swapping the torque convertor is nessary, other that that you will not need to modify the trans any.It has the same bellhousing pattern as your 350.
You will need to use the diesel radiator it is much larger that the gas radiator.
I'm pretty sure that the diesel radiator will fit the 79 core support.

[Russell]

You will need to swap the rad over, which involves a bit of fabrication, and also switch out to a big block fan shroud, but otherwise the 6.2L will bolt straight in.

As mentioned, you'll need to swap over the torque converter, but you'll also need to change the governor on the transmission as well. If you have a transmission with a vacuum canister on it, you'll need to find and install a vacuum regulator on the injection pump so it will vary the level of vacuum delivered to the canister.

If your truck has AC, you'll also need to hook up the vacuum pump to actuate the flappers etc.

Since a diesel produces next to no vacuum at an idle, you'll also need to switch the hydroboost brakes from the K5 over as well. It is a bolt up swap, but you will need to move over the pedals as well, since the hydroboost brake pedal has the stud in a different position.

Wiring can be bolted straight into the stock junction block on the firewall, all the wiring switches straight over. It may be a good idea to install the diesel's instrument cluster, since it will have a much higher pressure oil gauge (6.2L should make closer to 70 PSI of oil pressure cold, over-ranges the stock 60 PSI gauge), and you will have to swap over the glow plug controller wiring.

You don't have to use the bezel from the newer truck, just pop the glow plug light housing out, and cut a rectangle into your older bezel to pop it into. The wiring that goes to the light should be independent from the rest of the truck's harness.

Of course, you'll need to change the fuel system up a bit to run the filters etc.

[arveetek]

All good info given above.

Regarding the vacuum brakes vs. hydroboost, you can use the stock vacuum brakes if you have a vacuum pump in REALLY good shape, and if you add a secondary vacuum canisiter. I've been running the stock vacuum brakes on my '81 since 1996 when I converted to diesel.

I still would suggest converting to the hydroboost if you can. It will work much better. The best thing to do is buy the entire diesel vehicle, so you'll have all the parts needed to swap over. It's all the little parts that nickle and dime you to death.

Also, the alternator and power steering pumps are different than the gasser.

Casey

[GM72K10]

You also have to remember that the military K5 runs with a 24 volt starter and the glow plug setup is different than a civilian truck set up. Probably easiest to get a 12 volt starter and engine bay harness from a non military diesel truck.

[1969k10stepside]

Thanks for all the info.I was planning on buying the whole truck but it sold for more than it would cost to completly rebuild the stock 350 and add some goodies to it so I guess I'll just rebuild the 350.