Ok heres where I'm at. I've become ever more fascinated by diesel engines. the noise, the smoke, the power...
I have a 1994 GMC Sonoma. this is my project truck.
It has a 2.2L 134cu. in. four cylinder. It is mated to a Borg-Warner T-5 (non world class) 5 speed, and a 3.73 rear end (I think its a GM 10-bolt.)
I've been investigating a diesel conversion.
My truck as it sits, needs the starter installed (PITA), and the transmission has to be removed and it needs a clutch installed. It is rather high mileage..
So I've found a 6.2 litre GM diesel. Its a 1982 J-code engine, which means it has no EGR, and IIRC, its 150hp, 240lb/ft of torque.
This diesel motor has 40,000 miles. Its mostly complete. It needs and injection pump (around 300 bucks) and an intake manifold (price depends)... and maybe a few other things.
I can get it for free.
It uses the same bellhousing pattern as a small block GM gas engine. It also uses the same kinda motor mount, but I will have to move the motor mounts for them to clear the starter.
I can use a 4.3L V6 S10 transmission, it will bolt up to the diesel. I will use the New Venture Gear 3500,which is a 5spd manual.. Using a transmission that came with some S-series trucks from the factory should be easier to swap.. I'd need the trans, shifter, and possibly crossmember, but it wouln't take major mods as far as I know.
The rear end will eventually be swapped out to a 94ish ford explorer 8.8 4x4 rear end.
So do you guys think I should do the diesel conversion? The diesel is mechanical, so it doesn't have a computer, and won't be too hard to wire up.
I'm going to make a new dash panel with different gauges and stuff.
Also, with the 6.2 I can get a bracket and use a 200amp generator from a humvee, I was thinking of using an alternator for the truck and the generator will charge the rear stereo batteries.
Fuel mileage will be decent aswell. I should be able to get pretty good fuel mileage, I think I should be able to get better fuel mileage than my dads 6.6L diesel silverado. I was chattin with one guy with a 6.2 in a buick roadmaster, and he gets 37ish mpg
Also I can weld myself, and my uncle is a ticketed welder who welds high pressure oil pipeline. Dads a mechanic.... should have enough help...