6.2 Turbo Diesel Conversion Anyone?

[swebster]

So I'm minding my own business today at the local Borders Bookstore when I see on the cover of DIESELPOWER Magazine, "6.2L Makeover, Tweak that Tired Engine into Stump-Pulling Perfection!" Always one to pick up some cheap info from a $4 magazine I buy it, take it home and read the article.

Boy, was that a mistake! They describe, at a very high level mind you, how they took an old 6.2L out of a tired 82 C1500, rebuilt the motor and the injector pump and added a brand new Banks Sidewinder Turbo Kit and delivered an amazing TD engine for not a lot of money. The numbers quoted in the article were amazing:

Stock@ 2800rpm 130hp, 240ft-lbs
Now@ 1800rpm 208hp, 350ft-lbs
Now@ 2800rpm 248hp, 405ft-lbs

Total cost, including the rebuild, the Banks kit and exhaust and the donor truck: $4500!

To quote my good friends at Visa: "Spending the rest of your day trying to figure out how to shoe-horn something like this into a 345 - Priceless."

They did mention it's better to look for a later model (90+) donor engine with the serpentine belt as they have better heads, and some other do-dads that make the conversion cheaper, easier and deliver better power than the 82. They ended up spending about $1500 "upgrading" the 82 to the newer components.

Apparently, this is a pretty popular powerplant conversion in diesel circles....I was instantly captivated and have been searching ebay and trucktrader looking at old school buses and bread vans all afternoon. Maybe I'm just need a fun winter project. Maybe we could talk Rich into making this the next conversion project for ASLife? I smell sponsorship!

Anyway, just thought I would pass this along so you guys can give me the 100 reason why I would not want to keep dreaming about this idea. Or, maybe you can just dream along with me.

[wahoonc]

Steven,
Been right there with ya...except I was looking at stuffing a Durmax in a 72 rust free Suburban...found the 'burb in AZ, rare factory dual air, 3/4t optioned out, with a toasted 454. In a salvage yard not too far from my house a rolled 2500 with the duramax/allison...we were going to make GM history...but my financial consultant (wife) talked me out of it...I bet I could have done it for under $12k

Aaron

[overlander63]

Extremely noisy
Even heavier than the 7.4
You will have to replace the transmission also
Will you have to change the rear axle?
Where will you find a radiator?
You may have to change the drive shaft.
If you think your MoHo is a slug, wait until you get a diesel.

[overlander63]

Better fuel economy
More torque
Better reliability
No ignition system
Tends to run cooler

[3Ms75Argosy]

I've been debating the cost of stuffing a Cummins under the hood of my 1 ton Dodge Van ('94). I just wish it came this way from the factory. Again, I LOVE the idea of the Sprinter, just wish it had a bit more guts.

I say go for it Steven. But, a voice from my engine swap days (I swapped a built 5.7L 350 into my Chevy Astro to sub for the toast 4.3L v6). It always takes longer, and costs more then you think. What kind of electrical brain box conversion would it take.... and check into that tranny question as well.

I think you may feel more power off the line from the diesel's torque, and mountain passes would be even better! I think the numbers for the diesel are better than your 454, and think of the gas mileage as well.

That would be a different kind of Vintage Thunder. I say go for it!
Marc

[swebster]

Still dreaming.....

[85/345]

Find two of those engines and I'll do it with you. I have been dreaming about this since the day I bought mine, the current engine leaks more oil than the Exxon Valdez (not sure if I spelled that right). I definitely am in need of a new engine. I'm trying to figure out how I can stuff a Duramax diesel in there.

There is one major downside to this and that's the generator. I would either have to buy one that runs on diesel or install a small tank somewher that I could put gasoline in. I wonder if there's a way that the generator could run on LP.

Oh well time for me to start dreaming again.

[wahoonc]

Originally Posted by 85/345

There is one major downside to this and that's the generator. I would either have to buy one that runs on diesel or install a small tank somewher that I could put gasoline in. I wonder if there's a way that the generator could run on LP.

Oh well time for me to start dreaming again.

All viable options. Many of the smaller diesel powered Moho's use an LP generator (typically the ones based on the sprinter chassis) The older Bluebird Wanderlodges had a gasoline powered gennie with a separate tank.

Aaron

[Silvertwinkie]

Aaron,

A Duramax Burb isn't so crazy...though I know you were talking an older Burb, check this new(er) on out....it too got me thinking:

http://www.fourwheeler.com/featuredv...0407_suburban/

As for putting a 6.2L into a MOHO. I would agree with what's been posted here so far as to why and why not. As for the why not, whatever you do, isn't just going to be the engine, it's a whole drivetrain thing....and from what I've heard, the 6.2L isn't that great of an engine (flame suit on).

If I were gonna entertain it, I would be thinking about Duramax/Allision first, then work my way down the food chain....I mean if you are gonna try to shoehorn a diesel into it, why not the best one made. It will cost far more than the $4500 you said, but this would most likely be the last engine this MOHO would ever see.

[Greg Reed]

I have been wanting to do one of these conversions, but for some unknown reason my loving wife keeps asking me to prove the cost benefit!

Using my latest, and only travel in the '86 345, I averaged between 7 and 8 mpg, say 7.5 mpg. Assusming that the diesel would average 12 mpg, then it becomes dependent on distance traveled and relative costs of fuel.

At current rates ($2.10 - gas, $2.60 diesel) ,and repayment within 50,000 miles, then I would need to make the conversion for less then $3,167 assuming all other operating costs are the same. If fuel was the same price of $2.60 gas/diesel, then the available savings would be $6,500. If the projected near term high is $3.50 then savings would be $8,700.

Based on this comparison I can not provide the boss a appropriate cost justification, and guarantee completing the conversion within the target price. Even the stroy about diesel being safer does not seem to help, BUT I really want to do it anyway!!!

Greg

[Coastalview]

I'd go with the early 5.9 liter 12 valve cummins motor, found in the late 80's, to early 90's Dodge piockups. Basic design, simple electronic's, cheaper maintenance. Basically, the same configuration and size of the Izuzu turbo diesel found in the factory equipt. models, but with higher torgue figures. I'm a Ford guy, but the V8 turbo diesel isn't what I'd stick in for a conversion. Jeff

[swebster]

Cost benefit? We don't need no stinkin' cost benefit. We just want to say "450 ft-lbs of torque and 12.4 mpg" at the next forum rally. Do you need more benefit than that?

Seriously, like others, I've throught about a diesel in the 345 more than once. Cummins, Isuzu, Duramax, etc.

What appeals to me about the 6.2 is that it came in the P30 chassis. So with the right donor a lot of little parts, brackets, etc would be there for you. Yes, it's heavy, yes it's a dog (stock) but something about the junkyard, parts swap, underdog engine has some shade tree appeal to me.

Can't talk, gotta chase an old ambulance

[Chaplain Kent]

My diesel Chummy has a propane gen set, runs like a top. It does require valve adjustem,ents more often than the gas operated engines but propane is cheaper, I think?
I am getting 15MPG with my diesel and no complaints with power. I climb up and down with no loss of speed. Once I set the cruise control it stays at that speed. Someday, I hope, I will be using bio-diesel at a savings over gasoline and then really smiling.
I say go for it, gasoline engines are for the Flintstones enter into the 21st century.

[Silvertwinkie]

Originally Posted by swebster

Cost benefit? We don't need no stinkin' cost benefit. We just want to say "450 ft-lbs of torque and 12.4 mpg" at the next forum rally. Do you need more benefit than that?

I knew there was a reason I liked you Steve....I mean you and I both have the Tim Allen mentality. Why give it only 25 more horespower when for just a bit more, you can get 200 horses out of it.

I did the same darn thing with the Impala before I realized I had already put $3k into it and really needed to look for a bigger house, with a basement and a larger garage to put a lift in the garage to keep on with it and a basement to keep all my future plans and parts in place, and out of the wife's field of vision....one of those don't ask, don't tell type things.

[swebster]

Arr, arr, arr!

[Silvertwinkie]

Hey, after you do the conversion, you should get one of these trailers that Tin Hut found:

http://www.airforums.com/forum...ind-19270.html

Why not do the full monte? You'll clearly have all the HP and torque you'll need for the MOHO and the loaded trailer.

[wahoonc]

Greg,
Need to look at the longevity of the diesel compared to a gasser too. I have very seldom seen a big block of any brand go much over the 100k mark in an RV, but have seen plenty of 150k+ diesel MoHo, so add the cost of at least one big block rebuild to the equation and the numbers look even better, then start making your own biodiesel and it gets better yet!


Aaron

[Pick]

overlander63 sayeth:

If you think your MoHo is a slug, wait until you get a diesel.

Next forum rally, your going for a ride in my Dmax, with the propane on!

[Silvertwinkie]

Originally Posted by Pick

overlander63 sayeth:


Next forum rally, your going for a ride in my Dmax, with the propane on!

Ooooooo. A throw down has been made. I can smell the rubber from here!

[swebster]

I won't be happy until I can light up the duallies on my 345! $300 a tire...so what....burn em!

Silvertwinkie...If I could setup one of those trailers with corn thresher on top and a BioDiesel "still" on the bottom I'd be all set.