diesel engins for the pickups

[p7387]

i would like to learn more about the diesel motors for these trucks (pickups specifically). any opinions on what the most reliable years/motor types are? from what little i have researched so far i hear that there was some sort of converted oldsmobile gas motor that was a real dog. were the majority of diesels GMC or Chevy.

thanks

[Stewart G Griffin]

1) Yes, you want to stay away, far away, from the oldsmoboggie version.

2) i'm not sure i understand the 2nd question as neither gmc or chevy made diesels, at least for the 73-87 series.  If you mean which brand sold more diesels i'm not sure but i would venture to say that diesels were/are popular in 3/4 tons and higher.

3) There is a very good link concerning the 6.2/6.5 diesel but i don't have time to search for it---will post A.S.A.P. as i am also leaning towards diesel power.

[VileZambonie]

In my opinion the diesels that came in these trucks were junk. I would run gas over any factory diesel power set up anyday. Matter of fact I'd rather run a 6 cylinder over one of those diesels. If you want to go through the hassle of converting to a newer turbo diesel that would be a worth while swap otherwise you won't hear me singing the praises of 6.2 or 6.5 diesel. On that note they are still plagued with problems and expensive ones at that. The newer model trucks have had tons of injection pump failures and they are not cheap.

[Captkaos]

88-up J model 6.2L are the ones you want, they are the updated versions, or get the 6.5L versions (for simplicity get the mechanical injection without the ECM)
They are NOT powerhouses.  They were designed for economy in mind, you aren't going to make one compete with say a cummins, duramax or 7.3L powerstroke as far as power.

All of them were Detroit Diesels in the 73-87(91) series.

I have one that I plan to put in a K5 Blazer.

[Toolmaster]

Cummins would be my choice. I liked the old style before the computers were added.

[Marc]

If I had my pick (pie in the sky dreaming) I'd like a little 4-236 turbo or a 3304 turbo, but I don't know if these would even fit.  Even a 4BT or 6BT would be nice.  But the 4.236 Perkins would probably fit nice.

[campcrf]

hey guys...
   Sorry to say this if anyone is offended, but what do you think of the 7.3?... I use a 01 superduty with for my hauler/camping truck and it works so well... 24 mile/gallon and it hauls awsome with almost zero maintenance....  Its a v8... wonder??
   Just a thaught... will it fit in our trucks?

[4x4x4x]

we have a different opinion on c/k Chevy diesels.
we love them, have owned one for over 13 years and will keep it till the doors fall off.  the 6.2/6.5 detroit diesels are simple engines that are easy to work on, have lots of parts available and with proper care will last lots of miles.  we bought our 85 k10 swb in 1996, it had been abused by the prior owner, shortly after i purchased it the seals in the motor failed.  instead of replacing the 6.2, we purchased a Chevy 6.5 crate diesel and installed it. the truck had a banks sidewinder turbo system (for the 6.2) that bolted right up to the new 6.5.  since installation in 1996 we have had no major problem with the motor except replacing glow plugs and glow plug cotroller and a starter replacement due to a missing starter brace.
we did need to replace the 700r4 but that was my fault for changing to big tires with out changing gears.
over time we have updated many systems in the truck and now have a go (almost) anywhere dependable 4x4. it won't win races but it can pull a house off its foundation, or a big trailer down the road, and it gets over 22mpg hwy. my brother in law also has a diesel k10.
here is a link to a good Chevy diesel forum

http://www.62-65-dieselpage.com/

[oldredtruck]

I just traded off a 2003 F250 with a 7.3 ( later 03's had the 6.0 I think)
anyway - 7.3 is a darn good one - better that the 6.0 ...but...the best diesel out there is the Cummins...too bad it has all that Dodge around it!!! My partner has a Duramax in his 04' Chebbie and has no issues with it...
are you wanting to plop one into a gas powered truck?
My Daddy has an 81 - 82 3/4 ton? I think  - with a 6.2... it gets killer mileage - tows a backhoe really good but has trouble getting out of it's own way...ssssssllow!

[Captkaos]

Cool story 4x4x4x,
I have a 87 6.2L out of a CUCV and I just got a Banks for it.  I think it is for a 88-up 6.5 though, but it was pretty cheap, so I got it.

[4x4x4x]

the banks turbo system will make a big difference in how your 6.2 will preform.  its a low pressure system but add torque ahd hp when you need it.

here is the owners manual   

   http://assets.bankspower.com/manuals/430/96292-SidewinderTurbo-v2-web.pdf

hope this helps

[Captkaos]

Yeah I have that already.  Thanks!  I have a few things I have for it.  I just gotta make time to swap it.

[81C20]

For the sake of simplicity, go with an old mechanical injection diesel. The Detroit 6.2 and 6.5 have been around forever (the 6.5 is still in use by the US military) and they last a while, even though they lack power. the International 6.9 and early IDI 7.3L (pre-Powerstroke) engines are slightly better than the Detroits power wise. The B-series 12 valve Cummins is a solid pulling engine, although there are a few problems if you research "killer dowel pin". IMO for these trucks, stay away from the Cummins ISB (the VP44 injection pump is the weak link, and at $1500+ to fix, not cheap), the early Duramaxes had injector issues, and the 6.0L & 6.4L Navistar/Powerstrokes have EGR and injector issues (most likely due to Ford and Navistar breaking up). You can make good power with a mechanical injection diesel, however don't turn the fuel up too high, or else you will torch a piston. Good luck and keep us posted!

[dunedigger]

My cucv blazer has the 6.2.  It's fun to drive to me.  I get 24mpg at 55 with the three speed 400 tranny.