Diesel engine swap into '89 - '91 K5

[aeronautica86]

I just found a 1990 k5 blazer near me that needs a new engine and trans. The original engine in the truck is the gas 350. I was wondering if it would be easy to swap in a newer turbo diesel engine, and if so, what engines should I be looking for? Any other opinions/thoughts/experience with a turbo diesel swap would be greatly appreciated.

 

[desertrat67]

The issue with a lot of the newwer fullsize truck diesels is their weight. A cummins 6BT weighs about 1100 lbs. Power strokes are a little lighter and so are D-maxes, but they are fairly expensive to swap into our trucks. Some on here are using Cummins 4BTs. Basically a 6BT with 2 cylinders lopped off. These were available in GM bread trucks and there are factory parts available to hook them up to a gm tranny. They can also be made to put out a decent amount of power. Hope this helps.

 

[MaxPF]

I've said it before, but I'll say it again: The 6.2/6.5 are really the best all-around swap options for 1/2 ton GM's. The 4BT is a fine engine, but it's a shaker, not to mention noisy. IF that doesn't bother you, then go for it . Others, like the 6BT/ISB6 Cummins and the Powerstroke are too heavy. The DMax is a bit porky as well, not to mention $$$. The weight of these motors isn't going to be helpful in a short wheelbase K5, especially if you wheel.

 

[desertrat67]

I have a 6.2 in my sub, and didn't reply with that engine since he stated "a newer turbo diesel engine" in his question. I know the cummins and 6.5 date back about the same, but a 4BT in a K5 has been done is is pretty sweet in my opinion.

 

[original balzer]

Just remember you need to either convert to hydro boost brakes or find a vac. pump. Also your heater and A/C controls are vac operated.

Balzer