85(Actually it's an 82) Chevy 6.2 Diesel SWB 2-Wheel Drive ?

[sscobra]

Hey Guys,

I picked up an 85 Chevy SWB recently.  It's a 2 wheel drive with the 6.2L Diesel. It shows 56,000 miles on the odometer (I'm sure it's 156,000).  However, for it's age the truck is super clean.  It's got the tilt wheel and cruise control.  A few people that have seen it are blown away with the fact that it's a SWB, 2wheel drive and Diesel.  Some seem to even think it could be somewhat rare.  I have no idea.  I was wondering if you guys might have some insight into this.  My next question is to find out if the 6.2L Diesel drivetrain is it worth anything.  This truck is complete.  Actuallly, one of the most complete older vehicles I've seen.  Even had both factory battery hold downs...LOL.  I plan to pull the current drivetrain and go with some sort of late model swap (decisions, decisions...).  Just not sure if I should scrap the drivetrain or if it has some value.  Thanks for any and all help.

[werewolfx13]

The value is totally dependent on who you get to buy it. Personally, I'd keep the 6.2...for one thing, properly tuned, it should easily get 20-25 mpg without really working at it (you can get 20 mpg highway out of an m1009 blazer in 2 wheel)..secondly, they're very reliable engines, though not big powerhouses...But, this is coming from someone who drives with a concrete block for a right foot regardless of the power and economy of the pedal underneath it. My father in law's 6.2l powered truck hit 399,000 miles last week, nothing has been done to it but regular maintenance...

[C-Moore502]

Second that, I have had my '84 for almost three years now and its about to push past 400,000 miles and it runs great. Just a fun truck to drive slowly  But even in 4 wheel drive I can get almost 20mpg out of it, and I have heard of more than one half-ton getting in the low 30 range.

[sscobra]

I apperciate the opinions.  I do however have no plans to keep the 6.2L.  Not that I don't agree with what you guys are saying.  It's just not the direction of the this truck.  What about this combo being somewhat rare?  Thanks again.

[Captkaos]

Truck is not rare as far as number go and value.

[Edahall]

I apperciate the opinions.  I do however have no plans to keep the 6.2L.  Not that I don't agree with what you guys are saying.  It's just not the direction of the this truck.  What about this combo being somewhat rare?  Thanks again.

Yes that combo is quite rare and will be become even more so once you replace it with something else.  Unfortunately, the 6.2 is only good for about 300 hp when outfitted with a turbo and the pump maxed out.  However, there is a fellow that has the exact combo you have and is running 13.69 on the 1/4 mile @94.6 MPH.  He also uses the truck as a daily driver and gets 27 mpg on the freeway at 80 mph.

[zieg85]

I'd love to switch to a diesel for fuel mileage in my 86 before putting a 350 in it.

[Edahall]

Here are several videos of the SWB 6.2L diesel I mentioned.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-dY00EOYVP0

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fDl07YDs6Yc

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qpp2hAxUKAc

[Psycho71]

I apperciate the opinions.  I do however have no plans to keep the 6.2L.  Not that I don't agree with what you guys are saying.  It's just not the direction of the this truck.  What about this combo being somewhat rare?  Thanks again.

What part of the world are you in? I have been considering a 6.2 swap, and might be interested in the one you have, if you have no plans to re-use it. Since you would be taking it all out, it might be something I would be interested in since I wouldn't have to be chasing down all the accessories to make it all work. PM me and we might be able to work something out, depending of course on the logistics involved.

[sscobra]

Wow, a year later....lol.  I still have the truck and finally drug it out yesterday.  I also noticed it has a factory sway bar on the front.  How rare is that?  Also, I hope to start removing the engine soon. I'vee been researching the 5.3L swap and pretty sure I will go that route.

[slammed79]

There isn't much regarding these trucks that can he considered rare. I actually just read that exact comment in another thread, possibly in this forum, maybe in 67-72. These trucks were built for too long to have rare options.

Rare for these trucks is the special editions, Indy Hauler, Gentleman Jim, Blazer Challet etc. Oh, and the mud 80's coach works built extended cabs.

[sscobra]

Thanks for the response. I was able to work on it some tonight. It had a broke vent window. Got that replaced. Also, I removed the big "trailer" mirrors.

[gcochran223]

6.2 mpg!

[sscobra]

I also should state, that I made this title before I had the title back on the truck.  It actually ended up being an 82 model instead of an 85.

[sscobra]

Well I scored a 99 5.3l this weekend and installed new key locks for the doors. I plan on starting a build thread. I'm going to need some advice and help along the way and I greatly appreciate all the help and info on the site.