6.2/6.5 Diesel Conversions - The High Points

[More Power]

The van diesel engine and various other components would work for a pickup or Suburban installation. There may be a couple minor items that'll need to be changed, but overall, most accessory items would work fine. For example the oil dipstick, oil fill pipe, throttle & cruise cables are different between the two applications.

The gas big-block equipped Suburbans and trucks received the same larger radiator as the diesel - at least they were the same physical size, so I'd try it. If the Suburban was equipped with a 350 gas, it'll need another radiator.

A non-OD automatic worked just fine back in the days of the 55-mph speed limits - the first 9 years of my GM diesel experience was during the days of 55.... Nowadays, you just can't comfortably run at freeway speeds without an OD. Plus, when I upgraded to an OD automatic, I saw an immediate 6-mpg increase.

GM produced vacuum pumps and a VRV (Vacuum Regulator Valve), that was bolted to the side of the fuel injection pump, to simulate manifold vacuum on a gas engine. The VRV allowed a TH400 (or TH350) to function and shift normally behind a 6.2 diesel.

Jim

[stuntdoublejoe]

GM produced vacuum pumps and a VRV (Vacuum Regulator Valve), that was bolted to the side of the fuel injection pump, to simulate manifold vacuum on a gas engine. The VRV allowed a TH400 (or TH350) to function and shift normally behind a 6.2 diesel.

Jim

How much would a vacuum pump and VRV cost me? I can get a 700r4 or a 4L80 for about $500. Would this be a better option because I am on a very tight budget and already have the engine and brake booster.

[More Power]

The 700R4 can be built to shift without electric/electronic control - that's what I did for my 6.2L diesel. Still, the 700 would require a throttle-valve (TV) cable and bracket. A 4L80-E would require a TCM, harness, engine speed sensor and TPS (figure about $1k beyond the cost of the trans).

If on a tight budget, and if you wanted to use a TH400, you could post an ad in the classified ad section for a VRV/vac pump. Buying used would be less expensive than new.

Jim

[convert2diesel]

Jim:

What method did you use for locking up the 700? When I was building the Buick, the only thing that was available would only give me lock up in fourth. As I tow with the car, it is important that I have lock up in third. Currently use a switch on the dash that does work but would love to find a way to do it without having to remember to work the switch.

Bill

[kyle41005]

what about a 5 speed i noticed diesels clutches are all different numbers from gas motors, even when they dont have the dual mass flywheel, is there anyway to reuse a gas clutch/flywheel? are the crankshaft patterns the same where your flywheel/flexplate bolts on?

[More Power]

what about a 5 speed i noticed diesels clutches are all different numbers from gas motors, even when they dont have the dual mass flywheel, is there anyway to reuse a gas clutch/flywheel? are the crankshaft patterns the same where your flywheel/flexplate bolts on?

The diesel flywheels, clutches and pressure plates are specific to the diesels. Gas versions won't work.

Jim

[duallyman30]

i cant seem to get it started now that its in my one ton

[duallyman30]

The diesel flywheels, clutches and pressure plates are specific to the diesels. Gas versions won't work.

Jim

the clutchpak off 454 is the same as 6.2.the flywheel is different but the clutchpak is the same part number.at least thy are on a 4 spd

[DieselPickUp]

I have a 1990 Chevy K2500 with a 6.5 V8 Turbo Diesel in it. I was woundering what kind of motor(s) I could swap out and also what else I would have to swap for the gas motor. And could I keep the turbo for the gas.

[Yukon6.2]

Hi
Any GM truck engine will fit,250 6cly,283-400 small block,or 454 big block.
You will have to go to a carb and distributor.Unless you want to swap in the wiring harness from a gas truck of the same vintage.If you have an auto trans you will have to change the tourge converter.And no you can't keep the turbo from the diesel and use it on the gas.
You would be further ahead to replace the diesel engine.You say it's a 90?
If so someone has already replaced the engine,it would have come with a 6.2 mechanical injected,and no turbo.
Whats wrong with the engine? Lots of help here if you want to fix it.
Thomas

[Balambo]

Do you know of any low mile 4x4 donors. Prefur a 6.5

Thanks!

[stuntdoublejoe]

The 700R4 can be built to shift without electric/electronic control - that's what I did for my 6.2L diesel. Still, the 700 would require a throttle-valve (TV) cable and bracket. A 4L80-E would require a TCM, harness, engine speed sensor and TPS (figure about $1k beyond the cost of the trans).

If on a tight budget, and if you wanted to use a TH400, you could post an ad in the classified ad section for a VRV/vac pump. Buying used would be less expensive than new.

Jim

I now have the VRV/Vac Pump, so now my question is how do I change up the governor and shift points?

[chvycmnslvr68]

I now have the VRV/Vac Pump, so now my question is how do I change up the governor and shift points?

Hello there ... New on here ... Which trans are you going with .. If you use the TH350 you can get a variable modulator valve that you just make slight adjustments to until you get it shifting where you want it ... I am not sure with the TH400 .. but the 700R4 is the easiest of all.. you simply pull the pan ( you would want to install a new filter kit anyway ) and while you have it dwn you pull out the electric lockup actuator and put a 5/16 rubber ball bearing on it and place it back in .. this makes the 700 work completely automatic .... you then just have to have the shift valve control cable hooked up and set propely .. ( although there are different valves available for gas and diesels ) this cable not only controls the shift range but also controls the pressure applied to the clutch packs so it is vital that it is hooked up on a 700R4 ... I made this mistake once with my '66 chevelle and burned up my tranny ...