454 > 6.2 diesel swap

[ccreek]

I've got an 82 C30 with a strong-running 6.2 diesel has some serious body-rot problems, and some other issues. I've found an 87 C30 with a bad 454 for cheap locally, and am considering throwing my good engine and tranny into the newer truck, which seems to be in pretty nice shape.

My question: While this seems like a pretty simple swap to me, with the exception of a few differences in the engine control electronics, it occurs to me that I may be missing something. Does anyone have any good advice about attempting such a procedure? I'm interested in technical, logistical and legal issues that may arise not only from the engine swap, but the fact that I'd be turning a gas-powered vehicle into a diesel - what will the emmissions inspection guy say? (I'm in PA)

Thanks for your help!

[ccreek]

Since writing this I have found a few sites online that address the issue, but not much specific info. Seems that most people who do this swap go from the diesel to the 454, and many recommend not going the other way; mostly because of the supposed performance issues with the 6.2, and because many say that there are are so many changes to make that I'd need a donor truck rather than just a donor engine (I actually have a donor truck)..

The performance of my 6.2 is incredible, with plenty of snap off the line and enough pull that 2000+ lbs in the back doesn't even feel like it's there.

In fact, in doing my research, I discovered why my 6.2 always felt stronger than my buddy's newer, nicer truck: according to Chuck's Chevy Truck Page, I've got 111 more hp than my friend, and 6 ft lb more torque - apparently some optional engine mods available only on the heavy C30, perhaps the heads are different.

Anyway, I'm quite pleased with the 6.2, and have essentially two whole trucks to work with (minus the engine, tranny & raqdiator from the 454) so it seems like I should be able to switch things over.

Does anyone know if I'll have to swap the wiring harness and how much of a chore that will be?

[19_Chevelle_69]

I haven't done the swap myself, but there are members on the site that have more info for you. You aren't being ignored...they'll check in when they can.

[ccreek]

Well I just bought the other truck, so at this point it's not if, but rather when the swap will take place (or at least the attempted swap).

I've heard that there are some serious issues with titling a vehicle that's been converted to diesel, and issues with which regulations it would then need to abide by - the original gas regs from the original configuration or the (usually less stringent) diesel regs.

Because of this I've considered essentially building the new truck around my existing hardware and calling an '82 (with bodywork from an '87) rather than trying to get a "reconstructed vehicle" title for the '87. It seems to me that the only numbers to match up on these things would be the VIN & the Eng/Trans Serials. So what does the VIN actually belong to - if I replace every piece of the body, including the cab, of my '82 with the parts from the '87, can I retain the VIN of the '82, or will it be worthwhile to re-title the '87?

What a mess, but hopefully worth it when the deed is done.

Thanks for your advice!

[19_Chevelle_69]

I really can't advise you on your local laws. They can change radically from state to state. A buddy of mine put a 350 in where a diesel once had been, but that was before emisison testing went into place.

[BowtieGuy]

Not sure how the local laws there work, but I know in Louisinana and here in N.C. a deisel equipped vehicle is excempt from the emmissions laws. The truck with the 454 would have to pass these even if the swap was preformed. An alternative to this, I know this is not perfectly legal so law obiding citizens cover your eyes. Since you DO own both vehicles you could remove the fron windshield and swap vin tags giving your 87 the title for the deisel keeping you except from this and its easier than swapping out all the good body parts. Even if you have to buy a new windshield, I got one for 125 bucks installed at my house, the price is worth the time and effort to replace all the parts. Just an idea to keep in mind.


As far as the swap, you WILL need the radiator, brake booster, power steering unit, engine mounts, and some form of push button switch to cycle the glow plugs to sart the deisel. The 6.2's aren't the best deisel engines out there but the do make good work horses. I had an 83 full size blazer 4X4 with one of these engines in it and loved it. knocking down 25 mpg with 32x12.50 mud grips was nice.

[ccreek]

All good info. Thanks for your input. As it happens, the windshield needs replaced anyway.

Now another question, which I'll post in the transmission forum: What overdrive tranny should I use for an engine with this much torque???

[ccreek]

Perhaps I need to take this into a different forum, but I'll at least ask the question here: What seems more complicated, the aforementioned engine/tranny swap, or a cab/bed replacement?

I'm considering just moving the newer body onto my truck - Keep in mind that if possible I'd like this to be a weekend project (probably round the clock till it's finished).

I'm not looking for a show truck here, just a reliable, solid work truck.