6.2L Conversion [Archive] - Diesel Place : Chevrolet and GMC Diesel Truck Forums

: 6.2L Conversion


Gearstix
08-30-2008, 08:47 PM
Hello guys, I registered here after a friend sent me a link to High Sierra 2500 (http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/member.php?u=26419)'s post about putting in a 4.3L V6 S-Series transmission behind his 6.2.. got me thinkin..

I was on another forum, The Diesel Page, and asked about a smaller diesel engine that would replace my four cylinder gas. They suggest a 6.2..:rolleyes: so I've found one. I haven't recieved it yet, and I'm not in no rush for it.
Its a '82 6.2, J-code, 40,000 miles.
I was considering a toyota 1L or 2L but wanted something with a bit more juice.
My truck is a 1994 GMC Sonoma Regular Cab... Fleetside short bed.
I got it for free, its got 222,801 kms. Its in ok condition, nothing I can't fix. I plan to totally redo the truck, do all the bodywork, paint it, clean up the frame, paint it, pretty much "restore it".

Its got a 2.2L 134 ci four cylinder engine mated to a Borg-Warner T-5. It has a 3.73 rear.

As far as I know the 6.2 uses the same kinda mount as a 350, so I think I'm going to use V8 conversion mounts and just move the passenger side one ahead to clear the starter..

I was not sure about what transmission. I asked earlier on a s series forum about using the NV3500 when I was considering doing a SBC gas motor. They said I'd break it but I've been told differently.

So I think my best bet transmission wise is to use a NV3500 since they werw already installed factory in a S Series truck. I'm wondering what I'd have to do to get it to work in my truck. Its a 5 speed T-5 truck now.

The engine is not complete so I'm going to need some parts.
I'm looking for a balance of fuel economy and performance, and have something better than the 88whp four banger.

I'm looking for any input and help. Here to educate myself. Just figured I'd let you guys know my project.

I'll be postin pics when I find them.

bbbadboy
08-31-2008, 03:15 AM
Hello guys, I registered here after a friend sent me a link to High Sierra 2500 (http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/member.php?u=26419)'s post about putting in a 4.3L V6 S-Series transmission behind his 6.2.. got me thinkin..

I was on another forum, The Diesel Page, and asked about a smaller diesel engine that would replace my four cylinder gas. They suggest a 6.2..:rolleyes: so I've found one. I haven't recieved it yet, and I'm not in no rush for it.
Its a '82 6.2, J-code, 40,000 miles.
I was considering a toyota 1L or 2L but wanted something with a bit more juice.
My truck is a 1994 GMC Sonoma Regular Cab... Fleetside short bed.
I got it for free, its got 222,801 kms. Its in ok condition, nothing I can't fix. I plan to totally redo the truck, do all the bodywork, paint it, clean up the frame, paint it, pretty much "restore it".

Its got a 2.2L 134 ci four cylinder engine mated to a Borg-Warner T-5. It has a 3.73 rear.

As far as I know the 6.2 uses the same kinda mount as a 350, so I think I'm going to use V8 conversion mounts and just move the passenger side one ahead to clear the starter..

I was not sure about what transmission. I asked earlier on a s series forum about using the NV3500 when I was considering doing a SBC gas motor. They said I'd break it but I've been told differently.

So I think my best bet transmission wise is to use a NV3500 since they werw already installed factory in a S Series truck. I'm wondering what I'd have to do to get it to work in my truck. Its a 5 speed T-5 truck now.

The engine is not complete so I'm going to need some parts.
I'm looking for a balance of fuel economy and performance, and have something better than the 88whp four banger.

I'm looking for any input and help. Here to educate myself. Just figured I'd let you guys know my project.

I'll be postin pics when I find them.
Wow, I don't know if I'd change anything as far as the engine goes. Should have enough power for that little thing and fuel economy, fuel economy.

msdz
08-31-2008, 11:25 AM
The NV3500 should handle the power and torque from the 6.2L with no problems.... we are talking about a Sonoma here, not a full sized truck that will be hauling and towing a lot of weight. Only thing you may have to change for a tranny install might be the drive shaft length or ends.
The biggest problem I would think of myself would be the weight of the engine alone in that small truck. Not positive about this but I was told a 6.2L with no intake and accessories on it weighs in at about 570 pounds. The front end would really have to built up a lot to handle that additional weight.
Also, if it were me I would switch out the gears to a higher ratio. 2.73's or something like that. I mean you are going for a fuel economy small truck, right? So lower gearing is not really something that is needed.
Performance, exactly what are you looking for as in the performance category? I look at the 6.2L as a fuel saver and a stump puller engine. So, with that engine in a Sonoma I would be more concerned in fuel economy, trying to get about 40MPG or better would be my goal for even trying a project like this.

MillwrightJesse
08-31-2008, 12:41 PM
dressed out weight of a 6.2 is 750 pounds

Gearstix
08-31-2008, 02:12 PM
The NV3500 should handle the power and torque from the 6.2L with no problems.... we are talking about a Sonoma here, not a full sized truck that will be hauling and towing a lot of weight. Only thing you may have to change for a tranny install might be the drive shaft length or ends.
The biggest problem I would think of myself would be the weight of the engine alone in that small truck. Not positive about this but I was told a 6.2L with no intake and accessories on it weighs in at about 570 pounds. The front end would really have to built up a lot to handle that additional weight.
Also, if it were me I would switch out the gears to a higher ratio. 2.73's or something like that. I mean you are going for a fuel economy small truck, right? So lower gearing is not really something that is needed.
Performance, exactly what are you looking for as in the performance category? I look at the 6.2L as a fuel saver and a stump puller engine. So, with that engine in a Sonoma I would be more concerned in fuel economy, trying to get about 40MPG or better would be my goal for even trying a project like this.
I'm trying to find a balance between fuel economy and performance.
I may have to get a driveshaft made, I may not.
I'm not sure what I was going to do with the frame. I have a professional welder in the family and I can weld myself, so re-inforcing it shouldn't be a problem. Worst case scenario is I put airbags in the front of the truck.
I'm not shooting for high horsepower, just something that is "quick", fun to drive and decent mileage.
I may turbocharge it down the road.
What got me even more interested in the diesel conversion, was the diesel drags I went to on vacation... insane power.

DieselBurps
08-31-2008, 03:34 PM
You may want to check out 4x4labs and see if you like the idea of a 3.0 liter 5 cylinder Mercedes diesel instead. It's lighter, they tend to be rock solid and long lasting. Get the turbo model, put on an aftermarket intercooler and you might even be pleased with the power. Their engine is pretty good, but their inline injection pump is vastly better than the Standadyne!

Gearstix
08-31-2008, 03:41 PM
You may want to check out 4x4labs and see if you like the idea of a 3.0 liter 5 cylinder Mercedes diesel instead. It's lighter, they tend to be rock solid and long lasting. Get the turbo model, put on an aftermarket intercooler and you might even be pleased with the power. Their engine is pretty good, but their inline injection pump is vastly better than the Standadyne!
Yeah, but its alot more work. What would you use for a transmission? Plus its MB so parts are gunna be more expensive. I can use v8 conversion mounts with the 6.2, a V6 s10 transmission, why wouldn't I go with the 6.2..

DieselBurps
08-31-2008, 09:26 PM
Yeah, but its alot more work. What would you use for a transmission? Plus its MB so parts are gunna be more expensive. I can use v8 conversion mounts with the 6.2, a V6 s10 transmission, why wouldn't I go with the 6.2..
Check out www.4x4labs.com (http://www.4x4labs.com) - they have an adaptor for the Benz to the GM transmission and info on motor mounts. I went for the 6.2L diesel in my Stepside, but this is a new option and if I didn't have a couple of extra 6.2's lying around, I may have gone this route instead. I've had a few diesel Benz's before and the engine in those cars is fantastic. I got 30 mpg out of my large 300SD. My wife averaged 31 mpg out of her old wagon - and she had 430k miles on it. It was still running strong at that mileage... I like the 6.2, but they don't have the reputation for going like the Benz does. No pressure, just giving you options to investigate...

Gearstix
08-31-2008, 09:56 PM
Check out www.4x4labs.com (http://www.4x4labs.com) - they have an adaptor for the Benz to the GM transmission and info on motor mounts. I went for the 6.2L diesel in my Stepside, but this is a new option and if I didn't have a couple of extra 6.2's lying around, I may have gone this route instead. I've had a few diesel Benz's before and the engine in those cars is fantastic. I got 30 mpg out of my large 300SD. My wife averaged 31 mpg out of her old wagon - and she had 430k miles on it. It was still running strong at that mileage... I like the 6.2, but they don't have the reputation for going like the Benz does. No pressure, just giving you options to investigate...
Yeah sorry if I was a bit harsh. But I've been suggested a bunch of car diesels.. and most are FWD. I'll look.
I dunno where I'd find a benz motor though.

bbbadboy
09-01-2008, 01:53 AM
My avatar here has over 300k on its 6.2. Stills runs fantastic...maybe the benz engine is better.....as good as this 6.2 still is...wouldn't even consider a benz.

msdz
09-01-2008, 11:26 AM
I actually think something like the 6.2L in the S-10 would be nice to have. Not a car engine so plenty of power and torque and should also be decent fuel economy as well provided the gearing is appropriate for it.
I have seen on a few other sites that the 6.2L has been placed in the S-10 pickups but no details on what and how to go about doing it. Most of those that were sone tough do have the TH400 transmission in them. Imagine, that truck must be all engine and transmission, should get all kinds of great MPG. Basically it is an engine and transmission on wheels which means little body weight actually holding it back.

0lee
09-01-2008, 11:45 AM
Hm, I've had a '93 300D, the I6 with 110HP or so. I got 40mpg, but it was dead slow and an obstacle in traffic, and it's a very small car. I won't recommend this engine for its total lack of power.

Nissan had a 3.3l I6 they put into the Patrol. You could get a version with a turbo and one without. The turbo version might be great for your project. But I don't know if they were ever sold here.

DieselBurps
09-02-2008, 02:11 PM
My avatar here has over 300k on its 6.2. Stills runs fantastic...maybe the benz engine is better.....as good as this 6.2 still is...wouldn't even consider a benz.
300k is great, but I've known of many 3.0 5 cylinder Benz's that have gone over 500k and are still running. It's a pretty solid engine. It won't pull as well as a 6.2, but for the right vehicle it is an excellent choice. The turbo models put out 120 hp stock, and can be modified for more power. Get this - as durable as the engine is, the IP is even better - they should go 2x as far as the engine. I thought the 6.2 crowd could appreciate that...

I wouldn't both suggesting a 3.0 in a one ton truck, the 6.2 is a better choice. For an S-10 sized vehicle, it's a little on the big side though and the 3.0 might be better.

Jodean
09-02-2008, 06:45 PM
guys have put the t5 behind a 350 before, if your easy on it you would be fine. Not sure if there is an adapter or what but i know you can do it in a Jeep.

If you cant find the nv3500 id just use the t5 instead.

If you are going turbo i would do nv3500 or bigger.

msdz
09-02-2008, 06:54 PM
Another thought came across my head. I am not sure about this but had seen on a few other message boards that the Cummins 3.9L was an impressive little diesel engine. On a few of the boards they claim that they can have as much HP and torque as 6.2 or 6.5L engine and less weight of course.
As I said, I do not know but different engines are available for consideration.

blazerswampthing
09-03-2008, 09:26 AM
Cummins 4BT
Isuzu 4BD1T

Both would require lots of mods for motor mounts ect, and both are non computer engines and both have good power and are smaller than the v8 diesels. Ive already looked into these engines and are both something I would want for a project.

DieselBurps
09-03-2008, 12:21 PM
Cummins 4BT
Isuzu 4BD1T

Both would require lots of mods for motor mounts ect, and both are non computer engines and both have good power and are smaller than the v8 diesels. Ive already looked into these engines and are both something I would want for a project.
I'm not sure about the Isuzu, but the weight of a 4BT is pretty substantial. I think you'll find it is a little heavier than a 6.2L. Toss in a big turbo and some large injectors and it'll make serious power. It's not a good alternative for smaller vehicles because of the weight and height - it's a pretty tall engine.

blazerswampthing
09-03-2008, 01:54 PM
The Isuzu is also a heavier engine but is quiet compared to the cummins. I agree that a smaller vehicle might not be the best place for either engine, but not too many people have even tried it. It could be a sweet setup.

Gearstix
09-04-2008, 12:46 AM
I think from my measurements, the 4bt wouldn't fit in my engine bay.

I'm kinda thinking if going to 6.2 is too big of a project. If I could only find a 4.3 v6 s10 transmission thats affordable....

I can use a camaro bellhousing and stuff according to a guy from work, and then I can use my T-5 w/ a v8, but they said I'd break it.

Problem with a benz motor is finding engine/parts. Its hard enough to find a 6.2 or parts to complete it. I live up in the sticks...