6.2 vs 5.7 gasser (350)

[Jcode]

I"ve read alot lately about how light duty the 6.2 is... How does it compare (durability wise) to the mid 80's carb 350 gas burners? Is the mid 80's 350 engines (4 bolt) considered heavier duty than the 6.2? I know of several one ton duallies that had the 350 that were worked hard (heavy towing, little maint., to the point of almost being abused) for years and never had any problems at all...Did the 350 4bolt engine have a iron crank or forged steel? Is the crank an issue with the 6.2 only because of the compression/ vibration of the diesel? I'm planning to work my truck and I really want to like the 6.2, but wonder sometimes if I should go ahead and drop a 350 4 bolt in it and forget about it.

[Robyn]

A 6.2 is a great little engine (378 Cubes) and in stock trim with everything working right are a great engine.

These are not a screamer like the 350 (Max RPM is 3500) as compared to 5000 on the mouse motor.
Torque on the 6.2 is good and mileage is wonderful.
A half ton pickup, Burb or Blazer can easily get 20-24 hwy and in some cases even more.

The 6.2 can if taken care of go 200K miles easily before needing an overhaul.

Injection pumps and injectors are usually good with clean fuel for 100K
High miles generally will see a loss of power and harder starting.

Best

Robyn