Hello,
i recently bought a step van that originally had a 6.2 but i think a new engine was put in a some point, and i am trying to determine exacly when, and whether it was a 6.2 or a 6.5. This is not a turbo and it has the mechanical injection pump.
One person with considerable mechanical experience told me that the fuel injectors come in at a different angle on a 6.5 than the 6.2, is this true?
The people at GM told me to look for a machined pad near the front of the engine on the passenger side where the head meets the block, and there should be some stamped letters there that i could give to GM and they would know the date from them, but i can not find this.
Any advice out there?
thanks!
Paul

All engines built after 1992 have the injectors angled differently than the earlier engines. All 6.2's built before 1990 will have 6.2D cast into the flat spot on the front passenger side of the block. Now for the confusing part, later model 6.2's and 6.5's used the same block with 6.2's being under bored. Their is no way to tell them apart that I am aware of unless the factor gm goodwrench sticker is still on the valve cover. The late model 6.2 blocks are highly desireable as they can be safely bored to a 6.5 at a later date. They also share the same crank as a 6.5 and use a one piece rear main seal. Hope this is clear as mud.:eek: :cool2:

Can you see what model the injection pump is? If your step van is like the Grumman vans than removing the doghouse and the air box should make it visible with a mirror, may need a screwdriver to scrape the nameplate a little to see the model #. a 6.2 pump will say DB2 829 - ****, a 6.5 will say DB2 831 - ****. But thats not to say that someone didn't upgrade the motor to a 6.5 and use the old 6.2 pump, but if its a 6.5 pump you can be pretty sure its a 6.5 motor.

Most 6.5s are turbocharged.

hey thanks for the replies! I am new here but learning fast...
There is also a casting number on the engine, on the passenger side right where the transmission bolts on, that says D149. The previous owner told me (and i called GM and they confirmed it) that D means the month it was cast (4th month, April), 14 is the day of the month, and 9 is second digit of the year (89 or 99).
Now, being that this is a 1987 step van, AND the injectors have the angle of the newer ones built after 1992, wouldn't that mean that this engine was made 04/14/99? Which means it must be a 6.5 replacement because they were not making 6.2 anymore.
Is my logic correct here? thanks,
Paul

Most 6.5s are turbocharged.
In pickups yes, most all are, but this is a stepvan, where all the one's I've seen are Naturally Aspirated. Even '94/'95 Vans with electronic pumps come N/A.