I've seen two places which offer 6.2 headers, and was just wondering if the mounting flanges of SBC/BBC headers could be modified to fit a 6.2L. Aside from that, I was wondering what the experts here think about the power limitations of using turbochargers on either the 6.2 or 6.5 motors. Just trying to get a feel for what direction I will go next.

So just to update anyone who was curious, I found a Banks turbo kit for my 6.2 and will be installing it hopefully in two weeks.

John

John
How is the new turbo doing?
I too have a 6.2 and was wondering how or waht the Banks kit would do?
Power, MPG, ease of install, etc.
Thanks

A friend who owns and works on 6.2/6.5's tells me that they have pretty solid bottom ends, but weak injection systems and cooling systems. Top-end rebuilds were common (esp in military vehicles, his speciality in his previous occupation), but rarely bottom-end work. He carries a spare injector pump in his Suburban, along with the tools needed to R&R it on the road. He also gets 24 mpg, not from magic engine work or headers, but from a stock engine, and very carefully chosen transmission and gear ratios. Taller is better, as I understand it. 2wd is better than 4wd.
6.2/6.5 Headers have no proven effect on mileage or performance, except to make the exhaust LOUDER, esp when combined with "free flowing" mufflers. I find those offensive, but the nuts behind the wheel seem to like them, and they're all bigger than me.
Turbo's have no effect on performance or mileage unless injector pump modifications are also made. Then acceleration increases, and mileage decreases.
EGT's are recommended, or else carry a spare set of heads, along with the spare injector pump. 6.5 heads are stronger than 6.2's. So are the Injector Pumps, and military surplus IP's are cheap. I've seen a couple of different sources for rebuild parts for IP's as well, if you want to rebuild your own.
For serious turbo-hp, piston replacement and bottom end work is needed. Under-piston cooling jets (and pistons designed for them) are needed. Boost-pressure compensating IP's, too. If you use that hp, don't expect high mileage, or cheap fuel bills.
that's what I know from 2nd hand knowledge. The 6.2/6.5 is among the least expensive diesels to play with, but that doesn't mean it's cheap. I'll stick to my 45 mpg VW turbo-diesel, thankyouverymuch, at least until I need to borrow a full-size truck.
Cheers,
JohnO

quote:

Turbo's have no effect on performance or mileage unless injector pump modifications are also made. Then acceleration increases, and mileage decreases.

Actually John, when Banks did the original 6.2 kit they achieved almost 10% better fuel mileage. The pump was adjusted up slightly to accomodate the extra air. Stock 6.2 with the Banks added about 40 HP to the equation and made the engine far more tractable. Typically in a direct comparison, a diesel engine operated at above atmospheric will achieve better efficiencies then a naturally aspirated version, as long as the parasitic losses are addressed.

Bill