350 to 6.2 Conversion

[AZDeuce]

I have a possible donor M1009 with a good motor and transmission/transfer. I see a lot of 350 Suburbans with bad engines cheap. I'd like a 4-door "Blazer" with A/C and a stereo.

So what would be involved to install a 6.2 with a 12V starter into a former gas engined truck? Has anyone done this?

I know finding a 6.2 Suburban would be an easier option, but out of almost 1000 Suburbans for sale I found ONE 6.2 version, and it had too many issues for what they were asking for it.

I can do most work on a standard vehicle as I'm relatively mechanically inclined, but would a gaser to diesel conversion be possible for someone wth no conversion experience.

Could the glow plugs be wired in as a stand alone unit with a mechanical push button to activate it, without having to hack into the stock wiring harness?

This seems fairly doable, but possibly beyond my mechanical skills (I am NOT a welder, but I know some GOOD ones).

So I'd like to hear from anyone with experience doing this.

 

[Cucvnut]

I see tons of 6.2 burbans in CA all the time. But you can swap a 6.2 in to the truck. look for a manual for a 6.2 burb to help.

 

[hre513]

Probably one of the easiest gas to diesel swaps you can do.

 

[Warthog]

Manual glow plugs and a hotwire for the injector pump is really all you need. Also a diesel torque converter.

I have been looking for a 3/4T 6.2L 4x4 Burb in the Oklahoma area. Looked for 2 years and final found one. Going to pick it up tomorrow.

 

[superburban]

6.2s bolt right up in any aplication where a GM small or big-block was. You do, indeed, need to get a diesel torque converter. Having a transmission with the diesel shift points would be better, but not necessary. A manual glow plug setup is super easy to make. You need a starter solenoid, a momentary switch in the cab, and the wiring in between. You need a hot wire that comes on with the key, for the injector pump. You'd need to get rid of any in-tank fuel pump (a gasser fuel pump is too high pressure, as the 6.2 IP likes around 10 PSI), and you'd need to mount a fuel filter. The hardest part of the conversion would be the exhaust work.

 

[AZDeuce]

Cool! THANKS for all that info, I think even I might be able to pull this off!

 

[Recovry4x4]

You can do it! You might need to drop the tank and change sending units. The diesels need a return port for fuel. What transmission are you planning to use?

 

[DokWatson]

You can do it! You might need to drop the tank and change sending units. The diesels need a return port for fuel. What transmission are you planning to use?

Yep, definitely have to do that. Will give you a chance to clean the tank out while you're at it.