'84 K10 Silverado 6.2

[efialtis]

I recently inherited my Grandfather's '84 6.2 Diesel. The truck is in good condition, and I can fix what it needs.
I do have some questions, and I am hoping that the Masters of Knowledge on this site can help point me in the right direction...

First, I would like to swap out the Bench Seat with a set of bucket seats. Are there "after market" seats that I can purchase and install with little trouble? Would seats from a Blazer work?

Second, I might wait till this engine needs replacing, but I was wondering about a Turbo...good or bad for this truck?

Third, is the 6.5 any better than the 6.2? Are they "interchangeable"?

Fourth, what would I gain by going to a serpentine belt system?

Fifth, where can I find a "drum to disk" kit for the rear breaks?

Well, I should limit this to just these 5 questions for now...
But maybe just one more...is there anything that I should swap out, change, replace, or upgrade to right away?

Thanks!

--Dave Mamanakis
Riverdale, UT
1984 Chevy Silverado K10 4x4 6.2L Diesel

[john8662]

First, I would like to swap out the Bench Seat with a set of bucket seats. Are there "after market" seats that I can purchase and install with little trouble? Would seats from a Blazer work?

Yep, aftermarket seats are out there, but a good question of the chassis forum of this BB. I recommend checking out LMCtruck (google em) or JC Whitney for those items.




Second, I might wait till this engine needs replacing, but I was wondering about a Turbo...good or bad for this truck?

There is a wealth of information here in the forum in regards to turbo, performing a "Search" by using the search dialogue (prefer to use advanced search selecting 6.2L forum) for the information.

I vote renewing head gaskets before expecting the most out of turbocharging on a 6.2L with years and miles, other than that the rest of the engine is usually up to the task.




Third, is the 6.5 any better than the 6.2? Are they "interchangeable"?

Honestly, I feel way more confident in a 6.2 than with the 6.5. The 6.5 was based on the 6.2 and was designed for more power, but with the cost of rigidity in others. Yes, they are interchangeable, well the truck versions anyways, but with a few alterations (oil dipstick and oil cooler lines).




Fourth, what would I gain by going to a serpentine belt system?


Mixed results here. Serpentine and aftermarket turbo kits don't mix well, but this is based off the Banks setup. The main gain is easier belt service and longer belt life. The con is the time it takes to get it setup right and finding the accessories that work for your configuration. I just like the factory stuff you can go to the parts store and get for the same year model as your truck is tho.




Fifth, where can I find a "drum to disk" kit for the rear breaks?

Check out an article by Dr. Lee in the Members area of the main site. There is certainly a kit that will bolt onto the truck to upgrade the brakes. I don't think it's a bad idea at all. I'd do it myself on my strip truck if I knew what final axle I was going to end up with.

Enjoy the new truck!

J

[ccatlett1984]

I did the rear disc mod and LOVE it.

i got my brackets from http://www.diy4x.com/brakes.htm

they are a strong bracket and dont make you use spacers, which i would never use.

calipers and rotors are from a 71-87 3/4ton pickup

get the rubber lines from the front of a 68 GM B-body car.

warning on the calipers, in 76 they switched from SAE banjo bolts to metric, so be sure you get to of the same caliper, you can make the fitting on the rubber line fit either.