Am I Crazy?

[Gearstix]

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...

Edited September 12, 2008 by Gearstix

[Forevrbumpn]

on a green note, I'd say go diesel, and do Bio fuel

save money, gain mileage and power

[Gearstix]

on a green note, I'd say go diesel, and do Bio fuel

save money, gain mileage and power

Yup. I'd possibly explore that route aswell.

[2000s10]

that would be pretty sick though. a diesel s-10,badass

[Team Nemesis-DJ]

I would go for it ..im liking the idea

[Ipod]

if you have the time and the help..then i said why not go for it.. but if you start... keeping going till you finish it.. cause it would be one hella of S-10.. and the venture 3500 aka muncie 5 speed.. just got done rebuilding one of those in my manual trans and drive train class..

good luck!

Edited September 12, 2008 by Ipod

[etaks_crew]

No joke I thought of doing this before I traded my swampper s-10 for my camaro, I did a 400 small block instead(wish I kept that motor). It should fit sounds like you have enough help. If you do it post pics I'd love to see this. Also look for a turbo once those 6.2 get turbo they get some POWA.

[Gearstix]

I've chatted with two people with 4x4 s10s with 6.5s in them.

6.2 is non turbo.

I think I'm going to supercharge it later on.... and maybe add a remote mount turbo blowing into the s/c... we'll see...

Are the NV3500s any good? I was told on S10Forum that I will bust it up.

You guys are the only people other than the diesel page/my cousin that say do it.

Its as big as a big block I think.

I'm going to be using a different rad and electric fans...

I will be doing a stud girdle to hold the mains together, might do 18:1 pistons so I can run a bit more boost.

I'm at school will chat when I get home..

thanks for the replies.