I'd like to install a 6.2 or 6.5t in a Chevy S10. Does anyone know if this has been done before? I'd like to use the stock S10 5 speed (would that be a T5?). I also will start with a 4x4. Any know if this has been done before? I'd like to think I could get 25 mpg commuting with this setup.

That seems like a pretty heavy motor to put in there, and frankly, I dont think it would fit, as it's size more aproximates a big block gas motor. I know a small block will just fit. A few years back I put a 4.3L V6 diesel into a S-10, with a 700R4 (82 Cutlass Supreme was the donor). I got 31 mpg around town, and it's a surprisingly peppy little engine, wish I hadn't sold that one. The 4.3 diesels were installed in Cutlasses, and Monte Carlos, '81 thru about '84. Theres two versions, one for front drive and one for rear. Obviously you need a rear drive engine.

That does sound encouraging. How hard is it to find a 4.3 diesel? I would assume that this engine is the cousin to the 5.7 diesel in the same way a 4.3 gas motor is the cousin to the 350. How hard is it to find an injector pump assuming I could locate an engine?

I built the car on this website mbz.org. It had the MB 5cyl turbo diesel. The car was dog slow and only got 21 mpg.

I was thinking I could get pretty good mileage and performance with a 6.2 in an S10 based on my experience with 6.2 K5's. Any idea about the hp on a 4.3 diesel? I read that S10's were available with a 2.2 diesel (Isuzu) for a time with about 50 hp. I figured even with a stock 6.2 and a 5 speed I could light the rear tires. Do you happen to know if a 6.2 would bolt up to the tranny in place of a 4.3 gasser or 2.8? It looks to me like the oil pan on a 4x4 S10 has a pretty small sump. It might be pretty tricky getting a 6.2 pan in there using the stock IFS.

As far as getting a 6.2 or 6.5 into an S truck, I think steering column clearance might be an issue with the physical size of the motor as well. My experience was with two wheel drive S-10, so I can't speak to front IFS issues. My understanding is that it is (like the gassers) a 350 diesel, with two cylinders removed, and de-bugged from the earlier problems with the 350's. The 4.3 V 6 Olds diesel produced 85 hp at 3200 rpm, produced 1981-1983. There was a 4.3 liter V 8 Olds diesel as well, produced 1979-1980, 90 hp at 3600 rpm. I'm pretty certain that GM will still sell a crate motor for 4.3 V 6 replacement, not sure about the V 8. Go to www.Car-Part.com (http://www.Car-Part.com) , and use their search function for an engine, they usually got a few. Do a google search for the "350 diesel page". Lots of good info there on all the Olds diesels, including the V 6, and has parts available, etc. Good luck

Last night I bought a 1/2 ton Suburban with a J series (allegedly) 6.2 for $750. The engine looks pretty clean and the truck runs great. The 700r4 works good, too. The body and interior are not so good. Now I at least have an engine that I can measure if I am going to pursue the S-10 thing. Can anyone tell me whether or not the bell housing pattern is the same for the 6.2 and the 2.8 gas and 4.3 gas engines? The auto shop teacher at the high school where I teach math tells me all GM engines interchange in that the dowels match up. Does anyone know for sure?

Two quick ways (but not foolproof) to check if it's a "J" code motor. First look at the eigth digit of the VIN on the dashboard, it will be a "C" or a "J". Second, the "J"'s were painted Chevy orange, the "C"'s were blue. You should'nt have any issues with bolting up any mainstream GM tranny to that motor. Just be certain that what you bolt up, can handle the torque output of a 6.2.Edited by: yachtcare

Supposedly the engine is not original but i'll check the vin code anyway. The valve covers are orange but I have not noticed the color of the block. I have another idea besides the S10 swap- putting a 6.2 in a mid to late 80's Range Rover. Since they had a Buick based aluminum V8 I'm wondering if a 6.2 might bolt up there. Or I suppose I could use the 700R4 and TC in the Rover but I have to find out what side the diff is on or just use the Suburban axles...

Last night I bought a 1/2 ton Suburban with a J series (allegedly) 6.2 for $750. The engine looks pretty clean and the truck runs great. The 700r4 works good, too. The body and interior are not so good. Now I at least have an engine that I can measure if I am going to pursue the S-10 thing. Can anyone tell me whether or not the bell housing pattern is the same for the 6.2 and the 2.8 gas and 4.3 gas engines? The auto shop teacher at the high school where I teach math tells me all GM engines interchange in that the dowels match up. Does anyone know for sure?


The S-10 2.8 V6 and the 2.2 4cyl use the 60 degree transmission mounting pattern and won't bolt up to a 6.2l diesel which uses the 90 degree mounting pattern (same as gas 4.3 V6, 5.7V8, 7.4V8 etc)