Diesel Conversion in 85 k5

[fienyx]

Hey guys,
I am new owner of a K5--seems I got a bit of a lemon and am attempting to salvage the situation. I have an 85 k5 4wd with a 305 in it. The 305 was rebuilt--very badly--and is now dead.
I need a new engine and would love to put in a diesel with a manual tranny (right now it is an auto). I am not mechanically inclined and would need to have a shop do the conversion for me.
I am looking for some input as to whether this is a good idea--or should I just upgrade to the 350? And if diesel is the way to go, does anyone know of any shops in the Fresno/Oakhurst area that I could trust with the conversion?
Any input would be appreciated!

 

[Russell]

All depends on what you are looking for in a rig. If you are looking for something that makes lots of power and goes fast, then you probably don't want a 6.2L. If you don't mind taking your time getting around, like getting better than 20 mpg, and love that diesel rattle, then the 6.2L may be the right engine for you.

I'd personally say it would not be worth your money to pay a shop to do an engine swap to another gasser, forget repowering to a diesel. The only special tool you need to do the swap all on your own is an engine hoist which can be often be rented by a parts house.

I always get a small chuckle out of people who say they are not mechanically inclined, and are unable to do a swap like this. If you were able to find CK5 to ask for help, own a socket set and wrench set with sizes from 1/4" through 3/4", and know the righty tighty / lefty loosey rule, you can swap an engine all on your own

I have personally re-powered 3 trucks to 6.2L diesel now, all of them with a manual transmission, and I answer all PMs / emails received from this forum within 24 hours. Heck, if you don't mind some international minutes on your phone, I'll give you my phone number and provide live technical support.

 

[6.2Blazer]

I'll second the thought that it's likely not worth the money to pay a shop to do the swap. Unless it's a really, really nice K5 you have, probably wind up costing more than just going out and buying another K5 with a decent running engine.

 

[Doc Feel Good]

The 6.2L is nice, but you must remember which state you live in. If you change out your motor to a diesel and its registered as a Gasser with DMV, well then your off to the referee station next time around for smog.

If your truck is clean, just swap in a nice 305 short block. Then if you want to get good milage, sell your truck and get a 6.2L diesel truck. Or you can go the way of us outlaws and get a CUCV military blazer...

My CUCV is registered as a Diesel in California, I do not have to have this truck smogged.

-Doc