6.2 or 7.4(454)

[hmatiak]

Looking into putting a 6.2 into the tow rig and selling the big block. Mostly for the added MPG's with the diesel while towing and DDing. Just wanted some input from those that have towed with both. The BBC can hold 70 all day with a load, im worried that the non-turbo diesel might not be able to offer the same. I could care less how long it takes to get up to speed, just as long as i can maintain it on grades. The truck in question is in my sig. Thanks

 

[AJMBLAZER]

Eh...the NA 6.2L isn't known for it's power even in the J-code form. Considered a turbo'd 6.2L or a 6.5L?

 

[Mikey von]

My NA 6.2L has problems pushing my sub up hills, unloaded. I live in the west with taller mountains though. I do better at sea level than at altitude. I can usually hold 45 up most hills, even with a 8K trailer. Once I get it going again, I plan on putting the banks turbo kit on it. I have it sitting in my garage. I heard that the turbo charged 6.2L do much better.

 

[nchinca]

Keep the big block. With the price of Diesel more than premium, it might make up for the gain in mileage you would get with the diesel. Also, you would need to buy all the diesel brackets and accessories along with the work to do the conversion. For the money you you save by not converting, why not buy a Gear Vendors or U.S. Gear.

 

[AJMBLAZER]

The diesel will get FAR better mileage than the big block ever will.

That said the cost to convert would be a problem unless he's got a whole truck sitting there to get parts from.

 

[OffRoad]

I would keep the big block, and I would research swapping in an NV4500.

 

[hmatiak]

I have looked into a turbo'd 6.2. Anyone have any numbers on a turbo'd setup?

 

[imiceman44]

My NA 6.2L has problems pushing my sub up hills, unloaded. I live in the west with taller mountains though. I do better at sea level than at altitude. I can usually hold 45 up most hills, even with a 8K trailer. Once I get it going again, I plan on putting the banks turbo kit on it. I have it sitting in my garage. I heard that the turbo charged 6.2L do much better.

My 6.2l banks turboed was holding 70 up the hills no problem with anything behind it in tow.
I loved it but had to let it go, needed the cash, am working on the other one now to get it running.
I did drive a crew cab dually with a NA 6.2 it can hold a speed with a big ass trailer behind it but 45 is what it will hold, not 70.

 

[6.2Blazer]

Part of it depends on the power output of your existing 454, but unless it is in really bad shape you will get a fairly significant decrease in power going to a non-turbo 6.2.

Years ago when the 6.5 turbo came out my cousin traded his 2 year old K3500 454 TBI truck for an identical version with the 6.5 turbo. He pulled a large gooseneck with a backhoe several times a week, and farmed on the side pulling equipment and wagons. We both agreed that the 6.5 turbo felt equivalent to the stock TBI 454 when towing, and the 6.5 got almost twice the fuel mileage. However almost all of the towing was 2 lane roads, very little freeways or long steep grades to really compare it. Didn't feel quite as "quick" or "peppy" empty as the 454, but was noticably quicker/peppier when empty as compared to an ATS turbo equipped 7.3 Ford on an equivalent truck owned by another local guy...they commonly "raced". (all of these trucks were 1-ton dually 4x4 regular cabs, 5-speed manual trans, with flatbeds)