81 blazer:350 vs 6.2L? - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

halffast blazer · 08-11-2005, 09:58 PM

i just bought an '81 4wd blazer without an engine. i am planning on using it for a daily driver with some towing and light offroad use. i have an opportunity to purchase either a 350 or 6.2L diesel. which engine would be best? list some pros and cons if you can. thanks

75-K5 · 08-11-2005, 11:26 PM

The diesel will get great fuel mileage and will last forever, provided you put in a new injection pump every 50k or so. Downside is it's harder to install, many more wires, hoses, sensors, etc. and much less room for error. The gasser will be a breeze to install but won't get the kind of mileage a diesel will. I personally would go with the 6.2 just because I have recently gotten into diesels and really like them. I am currently working on a 6.2 swap in my K5.

a28doc · 08-12-2005, 04:48 AM

downside to the diesel other than what 75-k5 said is youll have to change fuel system totally from gastank forward plus if your in a cold climate youll need a block warmer to get it started on cold days ... it will def take you longer to install than if you go with the gasser which will be easy to put in and most sbc due really well towing they get decent torque I have a 305 in my 86 which did awesome towing I was towing a 36 ft stock trailer loaded with 20 head of cattle once a week for a bit with np but I guess it comes down to personal pref... gl in your endeavor

Doc

Tink · 08-12-2005, 07:27 AM

I'd go with the 350... sure the diesel will get better fuel economey, but with the new EPA regs that will be going into effect on diesels, the price of diesel fuel is likely to increase over the price of 87. Also, the 350 is super easy to mod and the parts are cheap and readily avalible.

u2slow · 08-13-2005, 01:53 AM

If you have the to patience, go for the 6.2L. There are lots of extra pieces to go with a diesel swap (if it was originally a gasser). I suggest a TH700 or manual trans though. A TH350/400 will soak up power and reduce economy.

I used to have gas-powered Chevies... I like my diesels much better.

08-11-2005, 09:58 PM	#1
halffast blazer Registered User Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Texarkana, TX Posts: 65	81 blazer:350 vs 6.2L? i just bought an '81 4wd blazer without an engine. i am planning on using it for a daily driver with some towing and light offroad use. i have an opportunity to purchase either a 350 or 6.2L diesel. which engine would be best? list some pros and cons if you can. thanks Last edited by halffast blazer; 08-11-2005 at 09:58 PM.

08-11-2005, 11:26 PM	#2
75-K5 Bucket of Bolts Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: Anderson, Indiana Posts: 455	The diesel will get great fuel mileage and will last forever, provided you put in a new injection pump every 50k or so. Downside is it's harder to install, many more wires, hoses, sensors, etc. and much less room for error. The gasser will be a breeze to install but won't get the kind of mileage a diesel will. I personally would go with the 6.2 just because I have recently gotten into diesels and really like them. I am currently working on a 6.2 swap in my K5. __________________ This is the project that never ends, yes it goes on and on my friend....

08-12-2005, 04:48 AM	#3
a28doc '87 V20 4x4 Join Date: Jun 2004 Location: South Western Ohio Posts: 1,073	downside to the diesel other than what 75-k5 said is youll have to change fuel system totally from gastank forward plus if your in a cold climate youll need a block warmer to get it started on cold days ... it will def take you longer to install than if you go with the gasser which will be easy to put in and most sbc due really well towing they get decent torque I have a 305 in my 86 which did awesome towing I was towing a 36 ft stock trailer loaded with 20 head of cattle once a week for a bit with np but I guess it comes down to personal pref... gl in your endeavor Doc __________________ '86 K5 Blazer 4x4 FOR SALE '87 v20 4X4 '99 S10 Blazer 4X4

08-12-2005, 07:27 AM	#4
Tink Registered User Join Date: May 2002 Location: VA Posts: 1,337	I'd go with the 350... sure the diesel will get better fuel economey, but with the new EPA regs that will be going into effect on diesels, the price of diesel fuel is likely to increase over the price of 87. Also, the 350 is super easy to mod and the parts are cheap and readily avalible. __________________ 69 Chevy C10 88 Sierra 02 2500 Suburban And too many S10s to list!

08-13-2005, 01:53 AM	#5
u2slow Web Wheeler Join Date: Jan 2000 Location: BC, Canada, eh? Posts: 388	If you have the to patience, go for the 6.2L. There are lots of extra pieces to go with a diesel swap (if it was originally a gasser). I suggest a TH700 or manual trans though. A TH350/400 will soak up power and reduce economy. I used to have gas-powered Chevies... I like my diesels much better. __________________ '66 C10 longstep - Clifford equiped '84 C20 Suburban 6.2L - awaiting 4x4 conversion '91 V3500 Crewcab - awaiting diesel swap



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