swap motor, or chassis?

[DetroitDan]

Havent been really happy with my 82 crew since I put it on the road. I miss my diesel, and I really hate three speed automatics, particularly when it's sitting behind a gas hog of a motor. The 454 runs good but is just too thirsty, even for me. I've thought about swapping in a 6.2 or a 6.5. The 6.2 would obviously be simpler, in fact a cucv donor truck might give me everything I want (thinking about changing axles out too). But, while I like the 6.2 it's not terribly powerful, it would need some help if it was going to be fun to drive and able to pull my camper. A 6.5 turbo would be cool, and could probably find one with a 4l80e, but all the electronics are another added headache. A 6.2 with a 6.5 turbo scabbed onto it might be another option.

Thinking about all this made me wonder; what if I had a 94-99-ish crewcab 4wd donor truck? Could I set my 82 body and box onto it? A body lift with some fabbed mounts to fit the frame to body mounts wouldn't be too awful hard. Stuff like the steering I dont know anything about. I guess the most important thing would be the wheelbase. But I know the computer is going to require the newer speedometer and wheelspeed sensors..

What do you think? I'd sure like to have a turbo diesel, losing the th400 would be a plus. I actually had better luck with my 97 1 ton IFS front axle than I've had with this Dana 60, so I wouldn't miss that. Lifting it is a problem, compared to what I've already got.

Maybe I'd be better off using a donor cucv for everything, keeping my frame, lift and body altogether. I guess a turbo'd 6.2 would probably pull my camper, and they're pretty good on fuel so living with the th400 wouldn't be so bad.

I did roam around the builds threads for awhile, but didn't see too much that applies to what I want to do. I dont have the budget for a Duramax or 6.0 swap, and I don't like 5.9 Cummins motors.

[bustedknuckles]

For simplicity a 6.2 w/ turbo would be your best option. Just curious... Why don't you like the 5.9 Cummins?

[jitteryguy]

I'm sure GMTGMT will chime here, he's done a ton of research on 6.2's and 6.5's.
I'm think bout mabey a 6.5 turbo for my CarHauler.

[GmtGmt]

Personaly i would just get a complete 6.2 engine along with transmission
its a very simple swap and turbo parts can be bough fairly cheap.

6.2s again arnt power full but they do a fine job for what they are
my crew cab dually with 4.10 gears pulls everything i can throw at it

would do even better with turbo power.

A good tip while doing one of these swaps Buy a complete gasket set, along with headgaskets! also a reman IP and Injectors really lifts up the power on a worn 6.2 engine

[str8axle55]

I would think swapping in a 6.2 from a donor truck would be easier. You could sell off the 454 to ofset the cost some, and scrap what was left of the parts truck. I think I saw an 84 2wd 4spd 6.2 on Mass CL for $1000 running.

[nekkidhillbilly]

6.5 4l80 has very few electronics. basically the transmisson controller and about 3 sensors.

[nekkidhillbilly]

the 3 speed is going to be a 3 speed even you swap a 6.2 so you could swap in a od or a gear vendors bad thing is the gv is 2k and the only real trans you can swap that would sutible is the 4l80e. might as well just get a whole engine trans combo.

[DetroitDan]

yah I know, thats the problem. At least if I went to a low revving 6.2 with a 3 speed it would probably still be far better on fuel. I've seen civilian 6.2s that came with 700r4s, that would be nice too. I wouldnt dare put a 700 behind the 454, unless it was really built, and I cant afford a really built one.
Belive me, I've looked at Gear Vendors, they are $3 grand, plus the cost of a rear driveshaft. And that's if I install it myself, and dont forget shipping. I dont think I could ever recover the money in gas savings to pay for the GV

[79shortbed]

Dang, if you lived farther down south, I'd be willing to possibly buy that 454/400 combo off you.

[DetroitDan]

it'd be a good deal too, the motors got 30k documented miles on it.