87 v3500 6.2 engine replacement

[83K5guy]

I recently acquired a 87 v3500 that has a 6.2, with the intentions of my won and I slowly restoring it once i get it running. The person I bought it from removed the injection pump and injectors because it was white smoking. He ended up losing interest in the project and set untouched for a few years. He ended up losing the injection pump intake and fuel lines. I purchased it with intentions of getting the 6.2 going. But with the price of injection pumps and not knowing exactly what's wrong with the engine, it has me looking at all the engine swap possibilities. Looking for feedback or thoughts, really thought about a cummins swap but also thought about a 454. The dad thing is in my area i can get a 5.3/6.0 for $800 or less while all the cummins and 454s are 2k+ for used.

 

[ByrdDog]

If budget is a serious concern, I'd look to a big block or a 6.0 LS. You will not be happy with a small block or 5.3 in a 1 ton(ask me how I know). Injector pumps are crazy expensive for the 6.2, heads are prone to stress cracks; just a lot of stuff that can get expensive really quick, and all for a whopping 175hp. Cummins swap is awesome, but big $$$. You lay out 2-4K for a motor, then spend another 2K to go through it, then another 1K for brackets & adapters for the swap.

 

[Ricko1966]

Big block,292 I6,Cummins. All would be big torque low rpm which is what that truck is already set up for. I'd be in the 454 or 292 camp. A turbo on the 292 would be awesome. Some other slightly more difficult swaps would be Big Caddy,Olds,Pontiac,Buick. The Olds ,BBC,and 292.
could be a bolt in deal with all factory parts.

 

[vr1967]

What is your plans / use for the truck? We still find running 6.2 pullouts reasonably priced here in SW MS.

Without a turbo, they are no powerhouses, but you may can find one cheap enough to get truck going for now. And can round up parts for later.

Edit: I get my 6.2 pumps rebuilt at the a local farm tractor mechanic shop. They are a lot cheaper than “auto” pump shops, are a Bosch certified dealer/rebuilder, and usually have faster turn around.

 

[83K5guy]

Budget isnt a huge concern, the more cost effective i am, thatll allow fund to be allocated to other items, but id like to get it moving under its own power and make sure the transmission doesnt have any issues. It still has the th400 and np205.
I actually just sold an 05 k2500 before i bought it that would of been a perfect engine trans swap candidate ‍
Yes its crazy the pricing on parts for the 6.2s. Ive had a few k5s with 6.2s and thankfully didnt have major issues but always heard the horror stories about them. People also have expectations of it being a diesel it should be indestructible and a power house.
It'll eventually be a nice driver that will be used to haul my tractor or camper and potentially daily.
Ive looked for some pull out 6.2 or 6.5 with a mechanical injection pump.

 

[83K5guy]

Looking for advice, I recently picked up an 87 v30 with a blown 6.2 diesel, I was looking to just swap a 350 in it to get it running and driving while I work on it. While looking for a 350 I found a complete 95 454 tbi with 4l80e and harness so i figured I'd pull the 6.2 and th400 out and swap it all in giving me fuel injection and an overdrive transmission. My question, is can I use the factory tanks and sending units and use an external electric fuel pump like an older corvette and a adjustable fuel pressure regulator?