Are the 6.2 diesels a good engine?

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NCTyphoonKid

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Just as the title says are the 6.2 good, reliable engines? I'm looking a k5 that has the 6.2 in it but I've never owned a 6.2 nor heard much about them? So with that being said I'm looking at buying a 82 K5 with the 6.2 for a topless cruiser and something to take to the beach.
 

PrairieDrifter

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6.2's were GMs diesel in the square bodies there were a lot for military vehicles and they are pretty reliable for the most part it will definitely out last a transmission or two if you take care of them they are pretty gutless and dont have much power though but it might not be that bad if you aren't hot rodding around. And they're heavier than a big block so it will make it ride nicer with the extra weight
 

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Great mpg. Good for daily driving and off-roading not much power but cheap and easy to fix and 6.5 turbo set up will install. I like mine in a crew cab with 38s


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NCTyphoonKid

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not worried about power as of now lol just want to get something and have it ready for our family beach trip in july. This blazer i'm looking at needs a rear end and has a fuel problem because it dies after a high rev seems like low fuel pressure to me.
 

mistaake

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They are simple and reliable... it's a fuel-efficient workhorse that will go for a long time, but it just doesn't compete with a Powerstroke or Duramax, or even a GM 6.5 Turbo Diesel
 

NCTyphoonKid

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They are simple and reliable... it's a fuel-efficient workhorse that will go for a long time, but it just doesn't compete with a Powerstroke or Duramax, or even a GM 6.5 Turbo Diesel

this sounds like what I need for now then. i'm not worried about power but easy to work on and reliable is my main thing. what kind of mpgs do these get? i've heard 20?
 

mistaake

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this sounds like what I need for now then. i'm not worried about power but easy to work on and reliable is my main thing. what kind of mpgs do these get? i've heard 20?

Sure... depending on axle ratio I've read/heard that's doable.
 

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If i could expand on the topic, i have a few questions of my own:

i see you can buy a brand new 6.5 from gm (made by international or AM general?) for about 6 thousand. And i'm not at all ruling this route out.

1) Is rebuilding a 6.2/6.5 pretty straightforward like rebuilding a small block (i know they are different engines)? Is this a straightforward a relatively cheap process?

a) What about the top---intake, injectors, pump? Can this be rebuilt or should this just be replaced? How much will this cost?

2) Any good places that produce good remans----Jasper etc.?
 

FilthyFifth

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I have a 6.2 and so far it has been reliable, a good work horse. however, if you're like me and new to diesel it is a pain to troubleshoot. If you do end up picking it up, grab a haynes diesel repair book on your way home. So far, everything i've run into has a solution in that book.
 

highdesertrange

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while not as cheap to rebuild as a 350. they are the cheapest diesel to rebuild. highdesertranger
 

jamba

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I think it's good engine, when my old tractor broke, i replaced it's engine with 6.5 which is about same engine as 6.2

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marks86

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The biggest issue with the 6.2 diesel is everyone compares it to the duramax/cummins/powerstroke. Which is just not practical, its a very good engine I DD one for like a year no issues and started up on the coldest NY days, but at the end of the day there is a reason why I did a cummins swap.

Also this is not a 350 gas motor converted to a diesel. I don't care how many people try to convince you that it is, because trust me people will.
 

roadracerga

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Just as the title says are the 6.2 good, reliable engines? I'm looking a k5 that has the 6.2 in it but I've never owned a 6.2 nor heard much about them? So with that being said I'm looking at buying a 82 K5 with the 6.2 for a topless cruiser and something to take to the beach.
6.2 is not a bad engine would use it if already installed military had plenty they are a workhorse not racehorse Cummings swap would get you there.
Cummings would get you 20+mpg never do that with gas.
 

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