Please register to participate in our discussions with 2 million other members - it's free and quick! Some forums can only be seen by registered members. After you create your account, you'll be able to customize options and access all our 15,000 new posts/day with fewer ads.
Was wondering what everyone's experience has been with these engines, particularly the 6.2. Was thinking of a future project and would like to throw a 6.2 in a late 80's Caprice Classic Wagon. I think that if done properly, it would make a real nice road-trip/long-haul vehicle... especially if it can run on veggie. The reason I chose these motors is because it's a direct drop in and I have heard the 6.2's can be real workhorses and still just sip the diesel/veggie. Perhaps MPG's in the low to mid 30's...higher?
GM should have put them in the Caprice when they were new! Unfortunately that was back when the Olds 350 diesel disaster was a vivid memory and diesel power was relegated to pickup trucks and low volume German imports in America. I don't have any direct experience with them, but I know a lot of people end up swapping out their stock 6.2s for the 6.5TD. I guess the 6.2 was a little underpowered (~130HP) for most of the 1/2 ton and larger trucks it was installed in....it won't exactly set any records in a Caprice wagon either, but it'll get the job done. All of that also means it's the cheapest and most readily available Detroit Diesel V8, which is great for your purposes.
With the right gearing, I'm sure 30MPG highway isn't unrealistic. I saw a late 70s Corvette with a non-turbo 6.5l swap online once where the owner claimed to be getting close to 50MPG!! I love the idea of diesel motors in cars (and trucks) that were never meant to have them, and running on veggie grease is very appealing....aside from smelling like french fries, of course.
Sorry I can't really help out with any specifics, but I think it's a very cool idea and would love to see the finished product. There are tons of websites devoted to this exact subject if you search around a little bit, so I have no doubt you'll find plenty of guidance.
I think that 6.2 would be God Awful heavy. They did put them in 1/2 ton pickups. And even then almost too much. The power was lacking. If you were careful you could get excellent mileage. However speed and power are the price you pay for the economy.
Folks had an 82 Chevrolet Suburban with the 6.2, they had it for 10 years and 180,000 miles on it, they were happy to get rid of it.
A lot of the diesel swaps I've read about, Jeeps , small pickups etc use a Cummins 4Bt I think.. smaller lighter and probably more power than the Detroit.
A lot of the diesel swaps I've read about, Jeeps , small pickups etc use a Cummins 4Bt I think.. smaller lighter and probably more power than the Detroit.
I think the 4BT is so common because it's capable of delivering exceptional gas mileage and produces a decent amount of torque. It still weighs something like 700lbs, is huge and only makes 130-140HP (about the same as a 6.2). I'm not even sure if one would fit in a Caprice....it's a very tall motor.
I don't think a 6.2 is all that much heavier than whatever small block V8 (Olds 307 or Chevy 305/350) you will find in a Caprice wagon. I'll try to look up the weights for each when I get a chance later.
if I were going to go with a one I would go for the 6.5 with the turbo for the extre grunt and power which would be nice if you plan on going into the moutains and want to pass someone
Not a direct drop, but get a 2.0L BMW Diesel (current spec) and you'll have 170hp, plenty of torque and 50mpg fuel ratings.
I don't belive BMW sells that motor here in north america plus that's pretty small to be powering a 7 passenger 1980's station wagon and towing a trailer behind it.
I think the 4BT is so common because it's capable of delivering exceptional gas mileage and produces a decent amount of torque. It still weighs something like 700lbs, is huge and only makes 130-140HP (about the same as a 6.2). I'm not even sure if one would fit in a Caprice....it's a very tall motor.
I don't think a 6.2 is all that much heavier than whatever small block V8 (Olds 307 or Chevy 305/350) you will find in a Caprice wagon. I'll try to look up the weights for each when I get a chance later.
I also do not believe the 6.2's are all that heavy. The 4BT, as you mentioned is a massive engine, it's a 6BT with two cylinders chopped off! The 12v in my Ram is 3+ ft in in height so no way one of those would nicely drop into a b-body, it would look like a dragster with the engine popping out of the hood.
Quote:
Originally Posted by TheViking85
Not a direct drop, but get a 2.0L BMW Diesel (current spec) and you'll have 170hp, plenty of torque and 50mpg fuel ratings.
Thanks for the tip, may not have the torque to move 4500lbs or so up steep grades, I'll look into them though.
Please register to post and access all features of our very popular forum. It is free and quick. Over $68,000 in prizes has already been given out to active posters on our forum. Additional giveaways are planned.
Detailed information about all U.S. cities, counties, and zip codes on our site: City-data.com.
Please register to participate in our discussions with 2 million other members - it's free and quick! Some forums can only be seen by registered members. After you create your account, you'll be able to customize options and access all our 15,000 new posts/day with fewer ads.
