Lack of power starting from stop on a grade

[jamesdenny55]

Hi!  My name is Jim and I bought  a 1982 GMC 1500 Sierra from my father-in-law.  It has the 6.2L diesel with 112,000 original miles.  The truck runs good but is gutless starting from a stop going up a grade.  It shifts out of first at 15 mph, and out of second at about 20 mph going up the hill I live on.  (15% grade)  I have to manually shift back down to 1st gear or it will only do 20mph going up the will, which has a 30 mph speed limit.  On the highway it takes hills at the speed limit.  Are these just gutless or do I need to look at something?

Thanks,

Jim

[Edahall]

Yes they are gutless (at least to today's standards).  In stock form, they came with 130 hp and 240 lb·ft torque.  However, they got very good gas mileage.

There are some things you can to increase the power though.  A turbo is one option and another option is headers and exhaust which can do up to about 90% of a Banks turbo.

[Edahall]

Both the exhaust and intake manifolds are restrictive on these engines.  The first step to building power on your engine is going to be installing a J code intake manifold and a free flowing exhaust. 

[jamesdenny55]

Thanks for your response.  I will take your advise and make the suggested improvements.  I will keep you posted.  Have a happy New Year!

Jim