Chevy 6.2L Diesel Surburban ???

[YakBasser]

Okay, the deal IS, Ive got a chance to pick up an '89 Sub 2500 4x4 with the 6.2L Diesel for next to nothing. A friend of mine was driving it daily, and wrecked it, and now its just setting. Just needs some front-end sheet metal and radiator and bumper, which is NO problem, but the Diesel thing has me wondering.

Been wanting an older one forever to play with and lift , just for an occasional driver and campin/huntin/fishin rig. Just Love these old things. I know the 6.2 is NO power house, but they put this Old Detroit in Tons of Vehicles and theres lotsa parts out there for them and the truck itself.

Before I get totally ALL Excited about it, just wanted some input from Uguys. The cheap initial $$ has allready got me findin lift kits and All kindsa stuff for it for Cheap. Wud make a good SHTF truck too.

Any thoughts or "Dont Do It's" ???

 

[FullAuto]

I'm a diesel fan, but I don't think I'd bother owning one of the older Chevy 6.2L or 6.5L diesels. Back in those year ranges, I'd rather take a gasoline 5.7L.

 

[YakBasser]

That's what i was wondering. It's just so cheap to start with for a running 4x4, It'd give Me alotta room to start "playin". Just trying to weigh it out. Thanks!

 

[tntrex]

I say go for it. But it sure is gonna suck if you put bigger tires on that 6.2, it already has a hard time just getting over a small curb or ant mound.

 

[YakBasser]

Ha! See...This is what Uguys are Good for Insight. Wudnt wanna make it a Monster. Surely itd handle 33's???

 

[becker_atc]

Never owned one but around several 6.2 and 6.5 gm oil burners.

They get great fuel mileage, fairly reliable (plug it in when cold of course), being mechanical engine instead of elctronic can lookinto 'other' fuel sources. They are slow tho and do not make a ton of power. Banks makes a turbo kit and can put in marine injectors and other stuff. Friend has one built lieke that in 1/2 ton '84 on 33s i think has no issue pulling them around.

On the other hand if its the suburban that retains the mid 80's body style a diesel to gas engine swap is CAKE. If its cheap cheap like you say get it run it with the 6.2 and if you dont like it down th road and if you are mechanicly inclined swap in a 350. Can make big power cheap there. If you want to keep it diesel there is always a 4bt or 12 valve 5.9 cummins, the small block chevy of the diesel world.

 

[YakBasser]

becker_atc yep, its the old body style. Thats another reason I like it. Probably just need to drive it I guess. Maybe NOT gona work for what Im thinkin I might wanna wind up with.

 

[GlockCop]

Well I HAD one of those. Actually it was an 85 truck with the 6.2 and 4x4 with the 700R4 tranny. I put some 33x12.50x15 on it and the power loss (what there was of it) was noticable. It didnt even get decent mileage...maybe 14 in town. And I wasn't pushing it hard.They make no aftermarket parts to help this craptastic motor out. There is a reason Chevy completely redesigned these engines. I would immediately swap in a 350 or even a 454 to make your life easier. Otherwise you'll spend a lot of your extra money AND time working on the diesel motor.

 

[TwoForFlinching]

The new duramax is awesome. I get 22mpg in a 4x4 2500 crew cab. Tons of power, and cheap def thanks to peak bludef

 

[rebelracer79]

I like to swap to 350 idea, but would avoid a 454 at all cost, if you want more power in a 454 you start getting gallons per mile instead of the other way around, my dad has a '98 dually with the fuel injected 454 and it gets around 6-7 w/o a load. Hook a trailer on it and your lucky to see 4 mpg