help me out 6.2 vs 350

[Expeditionwheeler]

New member here and have searched and researched results
Looking for experienced chebby folks

Just sold my Dodge 1st gen diesel
and my 2006 built Jeep TJ

I am buying a suburban, I am currently looking at two burbs
same year, same features, same price
one with 6.2 liter diesel other with 350 TBI same 700r4 trans behind them

Uses are daily driver, expedition style family camping moderate wheeling, road trips around the country.

I know my way around dodge diesels and a bit around treefittys but never owned a 6.2. A buddy told me I'd be better off with the 350 but I wanted to put it to a good ck5 thread.

All things being equal age of vehicle mileage and shape what would you suggest for a newbie

 

[Hogback Fabrication]

They're both super reliable, the 350 will have a little more oomph on hills and what not but the diesel will give you significantly better economy (say, 13 vs 20 for gas vs diesel).

For your use, I'd go diesel. Be aware, however, that the gears in the diff for either are likely pretty high (numerically low, 3.08-3.42) and bigger tires will toast the trans quickly and will make driving unpleasant unless you go to lower gears.

If you're keeping it stock go for it.

 

[Expeditionwheeler]

I can swap gears if needed, I believe I was told it has 3.73's
eventually it will run on 33's. I know the 6.2 wont have the oomph the 1st gen diesel truck had I am really looking for economy

 

[Stomis]

Diesel definitely

 

[tRustyK5]

<snip>... I am really looking for economy

6.2 hands down.

Rene

 

[79bonanza]

yea 6.2 ...... LS3 new wngine for camaro and the new trucks

 

[Expeditionwheeler]

Oh sorry I meant the 6.2L diesel

I am pretty sure that is the direction I am going as this is not just a trail rig I need it to get somewhat good mlieage

 

[ccarley]

I actually drove both before deciding on a gas one (both were '89 Suburbans even!). I would have certainly preferred the Diesel, but sadly the interior was toast, and it had over 300k miles on everything else.

The gas version does have more HP, but the 6.2 Diesel had way more torque. I like torque I would prefer a Diesel in mine, and just throw a turbo on it. I like the turbo mostly because there are a lot of mountains to climb where I live (like traveling to Tahoe), where a turbo would help in leaps & bounds.

When I test drove the Diesel, I was surprised at how quiet it was on the freeway. They sound like an old school bus when you fire them up, but get quiet at higher RPM's.

Good luck on your decision! Post some pics

Clay