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showme
Explorer III
Aug 26, 2013

Can I switch my 350 Chevy engine to a 6.2 diesel?

I've just purchased a 1982 Chevy 1 ton dually, and I"m wondering how much trouble, if possible, to change out the 350 gas engine to a 6.2 (or any, for that matter), diesel. Any comments or suggestions would be appreciated! Thanks!

36 Replies

  • The 6.2 was a dog (had an 82) and won't even compare to a modestly rebuilt 350.
    Stick with a gas eng, maybe a 454, and you'll save a bundle and get better performance.
    You could also install a Cummins but for what thats going to cost, you'd be better off trading it in on a better used truck.
  • Do some research online and over at the Dodge diesel forum. I'd bet money that somewhere there's a shop that routinely installs Cummins diesel engines and tranny combo's into former gassers. It won't be cheap. You may find it less expensive to sell your gasser and buy a good used used diesel truck. But if you're set on the swap, somewhere you'll find what you're looking for. Good luck.

    Happy camping!!! See y'all down the road!!!:)
  • We had a couple 6.2 in a 3/4 ton and 1 ton dually on the farm. I agree with the others Id take just about anything else before that piece of junk. The dually lost the engine and a guy bought the body to drop a 350 into. The 3/4 ton wasnt far behind when we traded it in on a push pull drag it in sale.
  • I would put a Briggs and Straton in it before a 6.2. Had one in a Snap-on truck in 83. Every 20K miles something blew. At 68K new engine. What a piece of crap.
  • Why would you want to install that gutless piece of junk into anything. There are companies that offer conversion parts and info on putting a Cummins into it...

    B.O.
  • It would be easier to switch to a large gas engine, possibly a 454 or better yet a 502 if the funds are there. Swapping the diesel can be done but it's way easier if you have an identical "doner" truck and just swap parts. Please keep in mind that the older diesel from GM was a gutless wonder. Now if you really like the truck and your crafty at fabrication, swap in a late model Duramax!