let the buildup begin.....

this will be a stricly budget build to show how cheap this stuff can really be done.

this will also be a EDIT: not so fast paced project with many pics and tech info.

since completing the Camaro I have wanted to set her aside, let her rest.

So this is a quest for a 25+ mpg, under $5k Diesel S10. using a 6.2L diesel of course.

thinking about going N/A, but who knows. it's gonna be quite the freakish little truck.

stay tuned..........

The 6.2 will be a tight fit. How about something perhaps a bit smaller? I have thought about using one of the Isuzu 4 cyl motors. The size is right, along with several transmission options. And they're darn efficient little motors. OK, still not much power. A 6.2 should provide plenty of motivation in NA form.

I've got two S-10 project trucks right now. A 92 w/2.8 ltr V-6 and an 02 with a weak little 2.2 ltr. The 2.2 is just barely adequate for getting around. I need to do something to wake it up. It gets 25 mpg, where my 92 gets 29 mps on the road. Go figure...

Jake

Cody, I Naturally Aspirated 6.2 would be great if mileage (and cost) is the main concern. It would probably fit better/easier too because of the exhaust and turbocharger routing (although you proved this to not be a factor with the 6.5 Camaro). I bet in an S10, the 6.2 won't feel really sluggish either.

You can stuff a 6.2/6.5 anywhere you can fit a 350.

Guys do those swaps all the time.

I'd say it'd be one bad ass little truck, turbo'd or not.

And not like you'll be able to load it with enough stuff to make the engine feel bogged down :p:

I say bring it on, I can't wait :D

Sounds like fun Rafe. Let the building begin.........

:beerchug:

http://ph.video.yahoo.com/watch/1333333/4608769

nice truck in that vid nick.

I am excited about this project. the donor drivetrain truck is arriving shortly. $650

Purpose of this build is to test myself to see if a Diesel conversions really can be done in a reasonable timeframe and for a decent price. I am presenting it here for all the readers to enjoy.

Plans:
-The truck will receive a fuel cell between the rear part of the frame rails, reinforced, Biodiesel ready fuel system

-Walbro lift pump, FRB-5 pump is awesome!!!!

-cut driveshaft

-decent radiator upgrade, electric fans

-700R4 trans fresh, 1987 6.2L engine 187,000 miles
-everything else stock, unmodified

-gauge cluster function still a big ?????

-2wd most likely, but still thinkin 'bout 4WD

-6.5L top half, 6.2L shortblock maybe


any suggestions?

I currently have a '94 6.5 in mine and even with a solid front axle conversion and a 3" body lift it is VERY tight. I removed a 350 to put the 6.5 in it and whoever mentioned that the 6.5 is similar in size to 350 hasn't seen them setting next to each other, the 6.5 is physically as big as a 500 Cadillac that I had in my shop at the time of the swap. I'm not saying that it won't fit, but be prepared for a challenge. The radiator support needs a lot of work to get a large enough radiator far enough forward to run an engine driven fan, the passenger wheel well has to be reworked to clear the turbo, the passenger side motor mount has to be moved forward on the frameto clear the starter, the A/C:heater assembly has to be altered or removed, and the steering column has to be moved over and multiple steering joints installed. Good luck with it and keep us posted. If I can help in any way let me know.BTW, I just got back from KY picking up an '04 Duramax/Allison combo that's going in mine. (fingers crossed!)

I currently have a '94 6.5 in mine and even with a solid front axle conversion and a 3" body lift it is VERY tight. I removed a 350 to put the 6.5 in it and whoever mentioned that the 6.5 is similar in size to 350 hasn't seen them setting next to each other, the 6.5 is physically as big as a 500 Cadillac that I had in my shop at the time of the swap. I'm not saying that it won't fit, but be prepared for a challenge. The radiator support needs a lot of work to get a large enough radiator far enough forward to run an engine driven fan, the passenger wheel well has to be reworked to clear the turbo, the passenger side motor mount has to be moved forward on the frameto clear the starter, the A/C:heater assembly has to be altered or removed, and the steering column has to be moved over and multiple steering joints installed. Good luck with it and keep us posted. If I can help in any way let me know.BTW, I just got back from KY picking up an '04 Duramax/Allison combo that's going in mine. (fingers crossed!)

How does the size of the D-Max compare to the size of the 6.5? I assume Ally is larger too?

How does the size of the D-Max compare to the size of the 6.5? I assume Ally is larger too?

From what I've read they the 6.5 and the Duramax are very similar, but it looks HUGE! I'll have to get the 6.5 out and set them side by side and take some pics that I'll post up, but It will probably be a few months before I start on it.

I'm actually a little more worried about the Allison than the Duramax though. It dwarfs the 4L80 in every way. I am very sure that I will have to replace the transmission tunnel in the S10 to get that beast in there.

The DURAMAX is MUCH taller than a 6.5, but is actually about 2 inches shorter though in length. It is also wider in the V as a DMAX has ALOT more meat to the block around the crank area with all of the bolts that hold the bottem end together. My project isn't done yet, but this will give you an idea of how tight it is. As for the ALLISON, it is MUCH bigger but will fit in a stock 88-00 OBS trans tunnel with some hammer work and no body lift.

DMAX/ALLI out of the truck.
http://i162.photobucket.com/albums/t271/THEFERMANATOR/DURAMAX%20ALLISON%20conversion/HPIM0874.jpg

And here's Bigleys from the page completed.
http://i162.photobucket.com/albums/t271/THEFERMANATOR/project2-1612.jpg

I removed a 350 to put the 6.5 in it and whoever mentioned that the 6.5 is similar in size to 350 hasn't seen them setting next to each other, the 6.5 is physically as big as a 500 Cadillac that I had in my shop at the time of the swap.

I never said anything about them being the same size, I said you can stuff a 6.5 where you can fit a 350, you should check what I wrote again.

I worked in an engine machine shop, I've seen all kinds of engines sitting next to each other thank you very much, including a 6.5 next to a 350.

I also didn't say it would be easy, or anything about transmission sizes.

You can stuff a 6.2/6.5 anywhere you can fit a 350.

I appologize for reading into that too much, I didn't mean to offend you. I was just trying to say that having had both engines in an S10 the 6.5 is a near no go while the 350 will fit in there like in was factory with plenty of room to spare.

I also know nothing about your back ground and wasn't trying to impy that you don't know what your talking about, just stating my personal experience. Nor did I mean to imply that you said that it would be easy and I don't even know what your talking about on the transmission comment.


Fermanator: Thankyou for the pics and dimension, I will possibly be PMing you about this from time to time.

Rafedial1: Sorry about the thread highjack, keep us posted!

I also know nothing about your back ground and wasn't trying to impy that you don't know what your talking about, just stating my personal experience. Nor did I mean to imply that you said that it would be easy and I don't even know what your talking about on the transmission comment.

Yes, you're right, you didn't know my background, so a comment like this,
whoever mentioned that the 6.5 is similar in size to 350 hasn't seen them setting next to each other

Came back to bite you in the ass.

I've worked on 350's, I've rebuilt my 6.5, and I have a spare 6.2 block in my garage.

I was of the mindset that Cody may use a remote location for his turbo (if he even uses one) so the overall packaging would be kept closer to a 350, then a 6.5 with crossover and a turbo hanging off the side.

I wasn't trying to make it seem like a walk in the park either, I'm sure it was very hard, and had it's headbanging moments for you to stuff (and yes, I do mean stuffing 10lbs of S**t into a 5lbs bag) a turbo's 6.5 into an S10.

I never had any issues with you, and actually admired your feat that you took on and managed to make it work.

I never shot comments making you look like you didn't know what you were talking about, and I'm sure if I did, I would have been put in my place.

back on topic.....

Here you go....on the left a 6.5 diesel and on the right a 350 :D

Adrian

That's enough of this childish bickering amongst members.

This threads a good one, lets not get it closed folks.

Thanks

- Dave

That's enough of this childish bickering amongst members.

This threads a good one, lets not get it closed folks.

Thanks

- Dave

S10 actually PM'd me, and bit the bullet and appoligized, and I admired that from him... The pic just proves my point, and S10's for that matter.

We both agree'd it was a huge misunderstanding, and we've moved on.

Factor in that most engine bays with 350's have a ton of room around the block, and enough room for equal length or shorty headers, compaired to a 6.5's manifolds, sure it may be tight in a small truck (350 that is) But I KNOW that it's been stuffed into a camaro :p: (the 6.5) and I've seen a jeep running around on 35's with a 6.2 in it.

It's a good pic though, people who wouldn't otherwise know can compair the 2.

Again, I never said they were the same size :rolleyes:;)

Can't wait to see this one. The other one was great too. I've been pondering the idea of putting a 4bt Cummins in my Mazda B2200 so I will be watching this closely.

One good bit of info though in comparison between a 350 and a 6.5 is that the relationship between the bellhousing and the motor mounts are identical between the two. My 6.5 is sitting in the corner right now on my stand built for a small block. All of the bolt holes lined up correctly and the 6.5 set right down on it. SO if you have 350 mounts already, then a 6.5 will bolt right into it. If somebody could come up with a shorter water pump design then you could probably fit it right in with a cowl hood.

you can sit a 350/6.2 in the same spot, and on the old trucks and suburbans the down pipes matched up too, (naturally aspirated 6.2's)
i used to hustle used cars and trucks,. and we'd buy busted 6.2 pickups and put 350 gas jobs in,. real easy back in the carburated days, 1 power wire for hei,

Nick

The reason that i have the 2 engines alongside each other is that I am going to be putting the 6.5 into a C4 Corvette pickup, ( very similar to Rafedial1's Camaro, but I think a little less space:eek: ).

Yes the 6.5 has exactly the same bell housing and motor mount positions so the "block" :D....... will drop into the same place as the 350, its just making more space around it that can be the challenge ;), it is about 5" wider at the valve covers and about 1,3/4" longer at the crank pulley ( ask me how I know :rolleyes: Iv got top move the steering rack forward about 1,1/2" to get it into the Vette)

Anyway good luck on your project I will looking forward to seeing it completed, hopefully as I gain some more momentum on the 6.5/ Vette pickup install I will start a thread about it as well :D:D

Adrian
A B M

Update:

acquired a S10 the other day.

96 RCSB with some rust. 2.2L 4cyl 5 speed truck, 150K miles. $1K out the door

already removed: AC, rear bumper for roll pan,some weight reduction

gonna try to use an Nv3500 5 speed trans, IF the 5 speed behind this 2.2L won't work.

staying NA, but depending on price a Rear mount turbo may be added.

keepin the stock rear. It has posi, too!

Total cost so far $1650. will be selling parts from both trucks, 2.2L engine/trans, etc should pay for most of that when all said and done.

Engine bay has room, but not much more than the Camaro did.

Once again i think the whole HVAC has to go, ABS, trying to figure out hydroboost setup on the cheap. I still have the hydroboost on the C2500 truck I pulled the engine for the Camaro from. Gonna try that. maybe just go with an E-vacuum pump for brakes.

debating on pulling the cab for undercoating, body work. but again this is just a daily driver Biodiesel ready setup. I want to tow some as well.

all suggestions welcome!

http://i648.photobucket.com/albums/uu203/Rafedial1/Diesel%20S10/DSC01948.jpg

I've been building a 6.2/6.5 turbo S10 for a few months now. Here is one of the latest photos. I lengthened the frame 12", used full size running gear. 5 link Caddilac Escalade in the rear, K1500 IFS up front. Custom front body work. There is a bunch more info at engineconversions.org.
http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r12/914turboford/S10FrontGroup004.jpg
http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r12/914turboford/S10FrontGroup005.jpg

Update:

acquired a S10 the other day.

96 RCSB with some rust. 2.2L 4cyl 5 speed truck, 150K miles. $1K out the door

already removed: AC, rear bumper for roll pan,some weight reduction

gonna try to use an Nv3500 5 speed trans, IF the 5 speed behind this 2.2L won't work.

staying NA, but depending on price a Rear mount turbo may be added.

keepin the stock rear. It has posi, too!

Total cost so far $1650. will be selling parts from both trucks, 2.2L engine/trans, etc should pay for most of that when all said and done.

Engine bay has room, but not much more than the Camaro did.

Once again i think the whole HVAC has to go, ABS, trying to figure out hydroboost setup on the cheap. I still have the hydroboost on the C2500 truck I pulled the engine for the Camaro from. Gonna try that. maybe just go with an E-vacuum pump for brakes.

debating on pulling the cab for undercoating, body work. but again this is just a daily driver Biodiesel ready setup. I want to tow some as well.

all suggestions welcome!


I used the hydro-boost from the full-size in mine. It will bolt right to the firewall, but there is a little gap at the top that needs to be addressed.

The only other issues that I had was the steering had to be routed around the drivers exhaust and the radiator had to be moved nearly in front of the core support.

http://i222.photobucket.com/albums/dd52/DieselS10/11-19-07_1359.jpg

http://i222.photobucket.com/albums/dd52/DieselS10/11-19-07_1357.jpg

http://i222.photobucket.com/albums/dd52/DieselS10/11-19-07_1356.jpg

I've been building a 6.2/6.5 turbo S10 for a few months now. Here is one of the latest photos. I lengthened the frame 12", used full size running gear. 5 link Caddilac Escalade in the rear, K1500 IFS up front. Custom front body work. There is a bunch more info at engineconversions.org. thanks for the pics. :)
looks like I am gonna have some work ahead of me! gonna keep the 10-bolt in the rear for now and notch the frame. eventually a four link air ride and when I get around to that I'm gonna find a 9 inch Ford to narrow. just found a nice completely shaved custom bed for the truck for $200. already set up for a notched frame. The truck will get a white paint job, lowered 4/6 on a set of Free corvette 17/18 inch wheels. ohh and you got me thinkin about a stack too!!! :D

I used the hydro-boost from the full-size in mine. It will bolt right to the firewall, but there is a little gap at the top that needs to be addressed.

The only other issues that I had was the steering had to be routed around the drivers exhaust and the radiator had to be moved nearly in front of the core support.

cool. steering will be relocated with some parts from Flaming River in Berea, Oh who is offering me discounts now. :D

gonna go tear into the c2500 right now and get the hydroboost :)
thanks.

ohh and those flexible radiator hoses are awesome! got a set on the Camaro.

Total: $1850

donor 1987 Suburban C10 6.2L Diesel/700R4 161,000 miles
http://i648.photobucket.com/albums/uu203/Rafedial1/Diesel%20S10/DSC01958.jpg
http://i648.photobucket.com/albums/uu203/Rafedial1/Diesel%20S10/DSC01959.jpg

send me that truck and I'll send you a new donor!

send me that truck and I'll send you a new donor!
You mean your truck that doesn't move? haha :p:

send me that truck and I'll send you a new donor!

yeah it's a nice truck for it's age. It's rusty, but the drivetrain is good. I can't send you the truck but if you need some parts from it let me know.
I almost don't wanna tear into it. :)

here's a pic of the custom bed. I didn't really want to get into the appearance area for cost reasons, but I couldn't pass this up. Craigslist is awesome
http://i648.photobucket.com/albums/uu203/Rafedial1/Diesel%20S10/S10custombed.jpg

Tailgate,roll pan, tailgate handle all smoothed and shaved. No fuel door, don't need that anyways. Gaylord's hard tonneau cover would be$650 new alone!!! :D
came from an '02 S10 with 36,000 miles and most important, no rust, I paid $200 :eek:

now I guess I gotta find a low mile white cab to match??? these projects always get more in depth than I think! what the hell is wrong with me!?!?!?! what can I say it's a buyer's....err....builder's market!!

The reason that i have the 2 engines alongside each other is that I am going to be putting the 6.5 into a C4 Corvette pickup, ( very similar to Rafedial1's Camaro, but I think a little less space:eek: ).

Yes the 6.5 has exactly the same bell housing and motor mount positions so the "block" :D....... will drop into the same place as the 350, its just making more space around it that can be the challenge ;), it is about 5" wider at the valve covers and about 1,3/4" longer at the crank pulley ( ask me how I know :rolleyes: Iv got top move the steering rack forward about 1,1/2" to get it into the Vette)

Anyway good luck on your project I will looking forward to seeing it completed, hopefully as I gain some more momentum on the 6.5/ Vette pickup install I will start a thread about it as well :D:D

Adrian
A B M

A c4 Corvette pickup ?? really? i gotta see that!

you are 100% correct in the boldie. yes steering rack seems to be a common area for 6.5L swap issues. had to move mine quite a bit for the Camaro.
thanks for your encouragement. good luck with your project as well. :)

alright, I've settled on the N/A v. turbo conflict. it's only gonna cost about $400 including all the piping, turbo, various flanges, etc. won't take up any under hood room. puts weight near the rear. so....why not?? :)

I am going turbo.

Turbo will again be rear mounted due to success/sound of the setup on the Camaro. Gonna see if I can mount the turbo inside, yes inside the truck bed. mostly for show reasons. maybe not....

now, does anyone know how far I can get with the stock 6.2L NA IP?

maybe this build should be in the 6.2L section. mods?

not planning on having more than 12 psi, and it will get intercooled.

Turbocharger will most likely be a GM-4 with a homemade TM and some kind of wicked exhaust. ;):D

stay tuned...

On a 6.5 I think you would be perfectly safe a 12 psi with the IC, but I'm not sure on a 6.2.

the 6.5 would be safe at 12psi without the IC. The 6.2 may or maynot take 12 psi though... even intercooled. But I'm not familiar with the 6.2 either... so....

Well considering the engines are pretty much exactly the same (except for the bore and maybe a few other minor things) the 6.2L should be able to take the exact same amount of boost that the 6.5 can. I've had mine up to 15psi, have ran it consistently over 10, and no blown head gaskets.

Well considering the engines are pretty much exactly the same (except for the bore and maybe a few other minor things) the 6.2L should be able to take the exact same amount of boost that the 6.5 can. I've had mine up to 15psi, have ran it consistently over 10, and no blown head gaskets.

Yeah, the later 6.2's have the same crank as the 6.5's. The only difference on the earlier ones was in the rear main area. 6.5's don't have special pistons or valves, do they? So a 6.5 is a bored out 6.2, essentially, which shouldn't make it any more well suited to boost. In fact, the opposite should be true, right?

From 92-93 ALL of the 6.2's and 6.5's used 599 blocks that were cast the same. The only difference was that the 6.5's got bored out furthur than the 6.2's. The cranks and rods were the same for both, and the only difference in the pistons was the OD of them(the 6.2's and 6.5's weighed the same so that GM didn't have to re-balance any of the internal components). I do believe the camshafts changed slightly for the 6.5 as GM knew it would be getting a turbo, and the heads were different as well in the pre-cups. The 92-93 6.2's are said to be able to take more abuse than a 6.5 can because of the extra thick cylinder walls in them, and they can be had for cheap because they were 6.2's without a turbo. A few here in the past have taken 92-93 6.2's and bored them out to stock 6.5's with good success.

thanks guys. real good info in this thread already! :):cool:

i probably should have clarified my question. i wanted to know how far a 6.2L IP will take me with fuel. thoughts?

A c4 Corvette pickup ?? really? i gotta see that!




Here you go :D:D

( disclaimer ......I know that its a Vette.......but it is a Chevy, and it will have a 6.5 in it real soon ..:D:D )

^^^ I actually like that ALOT! :cool: not only does it flow with the body, it's functional, and you actually use the bed.....in the Corvette. damn not used to sayin that. lol. WOW. nice work.

EDit: damn, and a hitch!!! I actually got a hitch sittin in the garage for the Camaro. another freebie. def gonna bolt that on now.
Edit again: where ya from?

whats that red contraption beside the vette? Looks cool lol

^^^ I actually like that ALOT! :cool: not only does it flow with the body, it's functional, and you actually use the bed.....in the Corvette. damn not used to sayin that. lol. WOW. nice work.



Cheers mate, it made a 4 page spread in "Corvette Magazine" in the US about 3 years ago :)

whats that red contraption beside the vette? Looks cool lol

+1 on that.

whats that red contraption beside the vette? Looks cool lol

Cheers, I built it about 7 years ago, it is a "Dakar kit" but instead of using a Range Rover -:t which is supposed to be the donor vehicle, I used a Nissan Patrol GR 4.2 turbo intercooled diesel, shortened the wheelbase to 100" to suite the kit :D http://www.dakar4x4.me.uk/

:d:d:d

first of all, i would to thank everybody who has contributed to this thread.

Second, I have to cancel this project indefinately. There are many reasons behind this.

I originally wanted to build this S10 to eventually sell, for small profit. In general, I wanted to do Diesel Conversions for people who want an alternative to the norm. But there are already Diesel trucks everywhere, and FAST ones at that. So, if I am not doing something different, I don't really wanna have a part of it.

Don't get me wrong, I would love to have a 6.5L Turbo S10. But it just doesn't fit into my future goals as a car builder.

The S10 will be sold, or my father wil be purchasing it as a parts runner for his business. The Suburban will be sold outright. The custom bed will be sold as well.
So i have decided to stick with my Camaro, and make it as fast as possible. And take care of my regular local repair work. I am swamped as it is. :)

I have the 6.5L/4L80E pullout combo I am pickin up Friday. This drivetrain will be a "spare" for the Camaro. So you will see me posting in the 400HP 6.5L thread quite a bit. ;)

Edit: Mods... you can keep for tech info or close this thread