Diesel to gas?

[rs74]

Throwing around the idea of taking the 6.2 out of the 84 shortbed and going back with a 350. The 6.2 runs pretty good but smokes like a freight train. While I like the 20 mpg when I drive it I think I would like driving a gas short bed again better. Other than flushing the fuel tanks and lines out I don't think I would have to change much with the fuel system. I believe the engine frame mounts are the same but not sure what I would run into on the wiring harness. If I were to make the switch I would make sure it had the AC put back on. Can I use the Diesel harness or do I need to do something different? The truck has a 700r4 so I think I could change the converter and the governor and be good. Anything else I need to think about?

[mongocanfly]

May need front springs with the weight loss...

[kazoocruiser]

I don't know what your emission requirements are in your state, but it might lock the vehicle in the state with emissions that are non-compliant. How many miles are on the motor now?

Are you planning to go fuel injection, which might not give you the mileage you are getting now, or a regular carb, which will definitely not give you better that what you now have.

[67_C-30]

You pretty much have it covered. If you are going run a standard non-computer HEI distributor, you can run the power wire going to the injection pump to the distributor and all of the other sensors would work. In addition to the converter, you'll need the correct bracket and TV cable to control shifting of the 700R4.

All that said - If you haven't totally made up your mind - smoking is a 6.2L usually either injectors or the IP going south. I have 2 truck that are running turbo'd 6.2's and they both have at least as much power as a normal stockish 4 barrel 350, a lot more torque, and of course way better fuel mileage. They are a whole 'nother thing with a little tuning and turbo. Plus, they sound so cool!


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vsvn9zB3f9M&t=12s

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A1iHKarTFK0

[rs74]

Originally Posted by 67_C-30

All that said - If you haven't totally made up your mind - smoking is a 6.2L usually either injectors or the IP going south. I have 2 truck that are running turbo'd 6.2's and they both have at least as much power as a normal stockish 4 barrel 350, a lot more torque, and of course way better fuel mileage. They are a whole 'nother thing with a little tuning and turbo. Plus, they sound so cool!


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vsvn9zB3f9M&t=12s

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A1iHKarTFK0

Not sure what the deal is with this 6.2 but I have noticed going down the highway and also when climbing highway hills at highway speed it puts out alot of what looks to be black smoke. Also after it sits for a good while (months) it smokes pretty bad. Until you put what seems 10-20 miles on it to burn out some oil it is a smoke bomb. I started it and drove it for the first time yesterday after sitting all winter. If you get into the throttle it will smoke so much you can't see behind you until you let off. More of a bluish white smoke. Nothing coolant related since it is always full. Also for resale purposes I would think a gas would sell better but that is just my opinion.

[jbristo67]

If I was going to go through all the trouble of switching it why not go with a 5.3

[74CustomK20]

If it's freight training that bad, likely just injectors.

[rs74]

Originally Posted by jbristo67

If I was going to go through all the trouble of switching it why not go with a 5.3

I do have a LM7 sitting in a parts truck that needs the transmission rebuilt. I don't think I am looking to get into that much with the truck at this time.

[rs74]

Originally Posted by 74CustomK20

If it's freight training that bad, likely just injectors.

I don't know a whole lot about the diesels. I know it runs pretty good other than it smoking. I will have to look into what injectors will cost for it.

[82Diesel]

You'll regret it... sbc's get the worst mpg ive ever seen

[74CustomK20]

Roy, shouldn't be more than 600 dollars for a set of good reman or even new Bosch's. New glow plugs wouldn't hurt as well. Glow plugs please use only acdelco. Parts store house brands are not gonna last, as i sit here pulling a head in a 7.3 because an autolite broke off. Both of those are easy to change out. Also if you're getting 20 mpg now, you'll get better since you won't be putting out unburnt fuel.