1972 GMC Jimmy

[Garmatz]

I own a '72 GMC Jimmy and I'm going to replace the engine. I was considering a 6.5, but have no idea if it would be too much of a pain in the butt. I can get a new fuel injected GM crate engine from GM performance and it will just bolt right in and the electronics are self-contained and it comes with everything I need. I'm afraid the 6.5 would be too much to deal with, but I don't want to just assume that, if there's a half decent way to get it done. Having a diesel in that Jimmy would be awesome. Thanks for any help/advice....

[trbankii]

There are a few threads in the conversion forum that could likely help you with your questions. A few to start you off:

6.5L in a 1970 Chevy C10 (http://www.thedieselpageforums.com/tdpforum/showthread.php?t=31851)'72 Chevy 3/4 ton 6.2 conversion (http://www.thedieselpageforums.com/tdpforum/showthread.php?t=28535)

There are other threads in that forum that could help you with answers to overall questions about swapping a 6.5 into a vehicle.

[JeepSJ]

I love that body style! Personally I'd take the extra effort for the 6.5. That comes from the experience of owning something that has a 6.5. When I started my swap I only used the 6.5 because no one had done it (now there are a dozen or so Jeep guys that are going the 6.2/6.5 route), but I have come to realize how great of an engine it is. I'm seriously considering swapping one into my CJ5 now (versus the TPI swap).

[bobbywalter]

its up to you.


if your doing a mechanical setup its going to be ridiculously easy in you application.

i put one in my ranger a few months back after contemplating it for years and it was almost too easy...the way it is setup now you could pull it out while it was still running:p

i was holding out for a turbo but the small block was killing me...but the na 6.5 is doing ok for now...

[Burning Oil]

Is your Jimmy 2wd or 4x4. If 4x4 you will have clearence issues with the fire wall. GM never put a big block in a 67-72 4x4 because they don't fit. The 6.5 is roughly the same size as a big block.

[bobbywalter]

Is your Jimmy 2wd or 4x4. If 4x4 you will have clearence issues with the fire wall. GM never put a big block in a 67-72 4x4 because they don't fit. The 6.5 is roughly the same size as a big block.



really?


we put bb in a few early jimmy and p/u....there were some issues but nothing serious i recall..only one that was hard was the p/u we tried to put van ac in....then again ****s always easier when your 20 i suppose..

[Burning Oil]

really?


we put bb in a few early jimmy and p/u....there were some issues but nothing serious i recall..only one that was hard was the p/u we tried to put van ac in....then again ****s always easier when your 20 i suppose..

Big block won't just bolt in a 67-72 4x4 by a long way. They will just drop into a 2wd though. A 6.2-6.5 would be very simular to a big block.

[bobbywalter]

Big block won't just bolt in a 67-72 4x4 by a long way. They will just drop into a 2wd though. A 6.2-6.5 would be very simular to a big block.



i see. that certainly makes sense then. the blazers went to 4x4 via ford axles and chanel k member for engine to mount to. though i dont remember it being that far off from reg 4x4...i bet at stock ride height there may have been a seperate issue with pan clearance. i need to get a good gawk at a reg 4x4 72 now..

[Burning Oil]

This is my 1970 p/u 4x4. In order to fit the Big block in I used 1973 style engine crossmember and moodified the fire wall. I had to run a hydraulic throw out bearing for the trans because I had to lose the clucth linkage in the fire wall mod. Also have a 3" body lift.

http://www.thedieselpageforums.com/photopost/data/500/medium/70truck_026.jpg

http://www.thedieselpageforums.com/photopost/data/500/medium/70truck_003.jpg

[brian wafer]

thats a real nice truck burning oil!

[bobbywalter]

wow...thats as good as it gets. impressive truck for sure.


how do you like the tires?

[Burning Oil]

Just got into Singapore about 2 hours ago.

I like the tires just fine, they are Yokahama's (sp?)

Thanks Brian for the compliment.

Well if the op has any questions I would be happy to try and answer them.
Not sure when I will be able to get to a computer for the next couple weeks though.

[Stratosurfer]

I see your burning WVO in one of your 6.5's. Who's or what type system did you install?
Thanks

[Burning Oil]

Well now that the thread is totally highjacked:D

I built the WVO system myself. Used 4 three way valves from Asco as the heart of the system. Really only need three, but I wanted to be able to recirculate the WVO while runing on diesel. Next time I would just use three valves. I have hose in hose a heated filter, flat plate heaters just before the IP.
Pretty basic system. Has been working fine for over 60K miles so far. The 4 valve were $100 ea and maybe another $300 in the rest of the parts.

I bought a red 1993 dually crew cab from a guy in Brady TX. You by chance?
Sold it later to a guy that took it to Mexico.