Chevy 350 gas to 6.2L diesel conversion

[Thisissam34]

Hi everyone,

I'm new to the site and new to diesels. I have a 1985 k5 blazer which currently has a 350 chevy gas motor in it. I took on a school project of swapping in a diesel motor as it will get better fuel economy. I don't have very much time to do it(two months or so) so I chose the 6.2L to swap in as I am assuming it is the easiest. I have read through and searched almost all the forums relating to the swap but am still a little unsure on exactly what needs to be done.

So far I purchased the 6.2L diesel which came with a started and flywheel alone with all the front end parts necessary. The wiring attached to the motor has seen better days and will most likely need to be replaced. The k5 has a 3-speed standard with granny low tranny currently. I am aware that all of this will bolt right in but i'm more concerned about the smaller details. I know i need a bigger radiator. Whats the process for swapping to hydroboost brake system? how should the glo plugs be wired? fuel return line? dual batteries? everything else?...

It would be nice if anyone has a link to a 6.2 manual which describes all of the wires and plug that are currently hanging off my motor that i have no idea what to do with.

Any help would be greatly appreciated.

[More Power]

Welcome to the board!

This link, http://www.thedieselpageforums.com/t...ad.php?t=27827 , will give you the high points of what needs to be done.

I recommend acquiring a parts donor vehicle to help you with both cost and parts location. A hydroboost, for example, can cost upwards of $500 if buying new. A new radiator can cost $200-500 as well. A donor can get you going quickly, even if the parts may need to be replaced sometime in the future.

We offer a "6.2L/6.5L Diesel Troubleshooting & Repair Guide" that can help answer most of your questions, and help you get it running with the least drama - including the glow system. You can view a table of contents and learn more about it here: http://www.thedieselpage.com/t&rguide.htm

Fuel return lines.... I recommend acquiring the fuel tank sender package that was originally found on a diesel equipped vehicle like yours. Then, the plumbing becomes easy... Jim

[Thisissam34]

Thank you for the help. Ill start the search for a donor vehicle. Not only will it make it cheaper but it'll be a nice reference.

[joeq]

Well Sam, I hate to rain on your parade, but have you checked the price of diesel fuel lately? Don't think you're gunna be saving too many bucks in that dept. You did mention you were looking for fuel mileage.
But as a learning project, it could be rewarding. And for off roading, (should you choose to take your blazer 4 wheeling), you won't have to worry about getting your dist. wet. Don't forget about your gearing also. It'll have to match your intended usage. Good luck and Welcome to the forum.

[AKMark]

I've done this more than once.....


Love my 6.2's. My carb'd K-5 with a 350 got 13 mpg on a good day. The 6.2 powered K20 Suburban got 18 doing the same commute.

Now that K20 Suburban's motor is in the K-5, and it's got oversized tires. I use substantially less fuel than anybody I go wheeling with. And I'm on bigger tires than most of them.

[joeq]

18 MPGs? My 6.2 can barely muster 10, (on a good day), but it does have 4.10s with no OD. But your point is valid, depending on tune and gearing Mark. Here in Ct tho, reg fuel is about $3.70 a gal. and diesel is way over $4. Haven't figured out the difference, but just a little food for thought, when using this reason, and this reason only as an incentive to going thru the aggravation of a conversion. But the diesel does have it's own "other" advantages, besides MPGs.

[Vin82k3500]

Hi everyone,

I'm new to the site and new to diesels. I have a 1985 k5 blazer which currently has a 350 chevy gas motor in it. I took on a school project of swapping in a diesel motor as it will get better fuel economy. I don't have very much time to do it(two months or so) so I chose the 6.2L to swap in as I am assuming it is the easiest. I have read through and searched almost all the forums relating to the swap but am still a little unsure on exactly what needs to be done.

So far I purchased the 6.2L diesel which came with a started and flywheel alone with all the front end parts necessary. The wiring attached to the motor has seen better days and will most likely need to be replaced. The k5 has a 3-speed standard with granny low tranny currently. I am aware that all of this will bolt right in but i'm more concerned about the smaller details. I know i need a bigger radiator. Whats the process for swapping to hydroboost brake system? how should the glo plugs be wired? fuel return line? dual batteries? everything else?...

It would be nice if anyone has a link to a 6.2 manual which describes all of the wires and plug that are currently hanging off my motor that i have no idea what to do with.

Any help would be greatly appreciated.

get the 6.2 flywheel drain fuel tank use filter setup from 6.2 use glow plug relay for 82 to 84 6.2 trucks

then add momentary switch with key on power at relay and ground switched cold engine hold glow plugs 7 to 9 seconds with new 60G s 2 good batteries good alternator and starter

I found carquest has best price for starter if all are good and fuel system is up to par this engine is like a sore peter you cant beat it