Engine swap poll

[85CUCVtom]

Just want to get a general feeling of how everyone feels about engine swaps in the CUCV line of trucks. My engine is fine as of now, I just want to poll the crowd here and see everyone's opinions.

I have a blazer now and I always tell myself that if/when the 6.2 goes, I would love to have a 383 gasser with a 4 speed. I have no emotional connection to the diesel. I would probably get a GM Performance HT383 crate motor and use my TH400 with a new torque converter until I found a 700R4. Some people prefer building engines versus buying crate engines and some people would replace with a used 6.2 or a new 6.5L crate motor.

What is your opinion on CUCV engine swaps and what would you do if you were swapping engines?

 

[tobyS]

Just want to get a general feeling of how everyone feels about engine swaps in the CUCV line of trucks. My engine is fine as of now, I just want to poll the crowd here and see everyone's opinions.

I have a blazer now and I always tell myself that if/when the 6.2 goes, I would love to have a 383 gasser with a 4 speed. I have no emotional connection to the diesel. I would probably get a GM Performance HT383 crate motor and use my TH400 with a new torque converter until I found a 700R4. Some people prefer building engines versus buying crate engines and some people would replace with a used 6.2 or a new 6.5L crate motor.

What is your opinion on CUCV engine swaps and what would you do if you were swapping engines?

The 327, 350 are good alternative crate engines too and yes, I like the alternative to OEM. Would seem more efficient to do tranny at the same time as engine. What gears do you have? With higher rpm for today's engine, rpm may be an issue. Did you search for prior discussion ?

 

[sargent43]

You should consider swapping a Cummins 5.9 12v into it. Easy swap and its an all mechanical motor, that's arguably the most reliable motor ever made. Also you can turn them up and make good power with a screw driver and Allen wrench. If you want more power then you could throw a set of injectors in (30 min job) and a new turbo. Also it would get better MPGs then the 6.5.
Just my 2 cents.

 

[chevymike]

You should consider swapping a Cummins 5.9 12v into it. Easy swap and its an all mechanical motor, that's arguably the most reliable motor ever made. Also you can turn them up and make good power with a screw driver and Allen wrench. If you want more power then you could throw a set of injectors in (30 min job) and a new turbo. Also it would get better MPGs then the 6.5.
Just my 2 cents.

I loved my 12v in my Ram when I had it. Downside from what I have read, it is hard to put a 12v into a stock squarebody 4x4 without a lift. And 12v are heavy! They weigh almost as much as the 6.2/trans/transfer case combined.

 

[sargent43]

Dending on what your version of heavy is, they might be. They around about 1100 lbs, as for the height I can't speak. I don't have any experience with CUCV's.
However if I had to take a complete shot in the dark, I would imagine a set of new Heavy duty springs would over come the weight and height obstacle.
Again just taking a shot in the dark as I have no experience with the CUCV personally.

 

[85CUCVtom]

I loved my 12v in my Ram when I had it. Downside from what I have read, it is hard to put a 12v into a stock squarebody 4x4 without a lift. And 12v are heavy! They weigh almost as much as the 6.2/trans/transfer case combined.

In this situation I’m not looking to go down the diesel route outside of a used 6.2 or 6.5.

Ease of replacement is high in the priority list


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[nyoffroad]

At my age 60+ I'm looking to make things easier and less challenging so with that in mind I'd stick with a 6.2.
Twenty years ago the answer would be what ever engine I have or afford will fit one way or another!

 

[Nessmuk]

Just want to get a general feeling of how everyone feels about engine swaps in the CUCV line of trucks. My engine is fine as of now, I just want to poll the crowd here and see everyone's opinions.

I have a blazer now and I always tell myself that if/when the 6.2 goes, I would love to have a 383 gasser with a 4 speed. I have no emotional connection to the diesel. I would probably get a GM Performance HT383 crate motor and use my TH400 with a new torque converter until I found a 700R4. Some people prefer building engines versus buying crate engines and some people would replace with a used 6.2 or a new 6.5L crate motor.

What is your opinion on CUCV engine swaps and what would you do if you were swapping engines?

292 I6
390 CFM 4 barrel.
Dual cast iron headers.
Cast aluminum valve and side covers.
High compression pistons.
Lump port the head.
ARP studs.
Vroom.

 

[Nessmuk]

For ease of maintenance, an Inline six is hard to beat.

 

[Sharecropper]

In my opinion, your easist swap, and to gain power, will be a later model 6.5 turbo diesel. Everything will bolt-up just like the 6.2 without modification, except for the turbo exhaust and plumbing. This engine will bolt-up directly to your original TH400 transmission, however most folk opt for a 4L80E or built-up 700R4 overdrive transmission. If you opt for the 4L80E, you will need to change your crossmember and change lengths of both driveshafts. However the 700R4 will replace the TH400 without these changes, only needing an adapter for the height of the crossmember. If you opt for the 700R4, you should source, at a minimum, a Level II from a reputable transmission builder, such as Bowtie in California. Unlike the 4L80# which requires an electronic controler module, the 700R4 is "dumb" and gets its instructions through a TV cable attached to the IP linkage. The only difficult part to find is the 6.2 diesel TV cable bracket, however there are regularly on Ebay for around $100.

Hope this helps. Here's a photo of my P400 / 700R4 / NP241 ready to be installed in my M1028 -

 

[teletech]

Just to muddy the waters even more, a 16V 4BT would make about the same HP as the 6.2 but with a lot more torque. It would be an easier fit and wouldn't weigh the truck down like the 6BT.
Me personally, I have plenty to do so I think I'd look for a 6.5, nothing wrong with the motor and an easy swap.

 

[chevymike]

Just to muddy the waters even more, a 16V 4BT would make about the same HP as the 6.2 but with a lot more torque. It would be an easier fit and wouldn't weigh the truck down like the 6BT.
Me personally, I have plenty to do so I think I'd look for a 6.5, nothing wrong with the motor and an easy swap.

I have been thinking 4BT. You can get some more HP/TQ with some light mods. Only downside I have really read about is they vibrate more than a 6BT or V8 diesel.

 

[teletech]

I have been thinking 4BT. You can get some more HP/TQ with some light mods. Only downside I have really read about is they vibrate more than a 6BT or V8 diesel.

The Isuzu 4BD1T is their answer to the BT is supposed to be just as good but with more attention paid to NHV. Usually cheaper and easier to find too.

 

[2INSANE]

I would go with an optimizer 6.5 TD. Or P400. Keep it below 15 psi boost and smile and waive.

used 6.5 or 6.2 hybrid TD no higher then 10psi boost if on a budget.

 

[Davetheplumber]

Sooooo much money money money for what? Tons of noise and smoke? Not bashing the Cummins or even the newer 6.5s but gosh, so much headache and for what? Anyhow, I got an old chevy with a good 454 and had everything I needed for $1,200.00. Running for years in my Blazer and the expense (other than fuel) has been oil changes and one fuel filler. They are much More quite (even with the 40 series Flowmaster) and they run smooth. Those darn diesels rattle the trucks apart over the years. I love keeping thing original but... 6.2 in a blazer... Not for this guy
PS... chicks dig the big block sound too!

Correction! I also had to get a different vacuum module for the trans to get the shift points correct... $15 ish

 

[reloader64]

Any small block Chevy will bolt up to the TH400 transmission, and the motor mounts. More power, decent fuel mileage, and with the 3.08 gear in the Blazer, no worries about excessive RPMs.

Scott

 

[Davetheplumber]

Any small block Chevy will bolt up to the TH400 transmission, and the motor mounts. More power, decent fuel mileage, and with the 3.08 gear in the Blazer, no worries about excessive RPMs.

Scott

100% agree!!!

 

[Skinny]

I guess I'll be the first to ask...what is the budget?

My first step would be to junk the TH400 for something like a 4L80 if you want to stay auto or have a desire to keep up with everyone else on the road.

Since you don't want to stay diesel that eliminates that lineup. I have to say this...the 6BT is way too much engine. It doesn't fit, is overkill unless you are towing 15,000 pounds, or like to think about driving during the apocalypse. Plus all the Cummins tards have jacked the price up on everything with the big C badge on it.

So gas it is. If you are right on money a 350 is probably my vote just since they are giving them away. If the budget allows, I'd go 8.1 or 6.0 probably. I feel like unless you are pinching pennies, use something made in the last 20 years. I'm a bit biased on the 8.1 because I have one and glad I went big but I think any LS would prove better then all the others due to parts availability, reliability, and other belongs in there.



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[Keith_J]

Most 6.2/6.5 turbo setups build boost after 2200 RPM, when torque in naturally aspirated models begins to decline. Remember, torque is cylinder pressure which is due to volumetric efficiency and injection volume.

With forced aspiration, more fuel can be injected, this makes a bit of soot at lower RPM before boost is made. If you could make boost at lower RPM and not cause excessive back pressure at higher speeds, you would have a much better performing system. This is the key to modern diesels. Yes, 6.2 and 6.5 are IDI, so the performance gains at higher speeds are far less.

The problem with modern turbo technology is it requires complex control systems to make sure the turbine doesn't over speed, surge or choke and still deliver good performance. It can be done but only with a computer.

 

[Recovry4x4]

I think if mine ever checks out, I'll do the 6.0 LS. Super dependable, last a good long time and swap prices are reasonable. They are also reasonably efficient. We have mountains here. 6.2 + mountain = s l o w.