350 chevrolet to 6.2/6.5 conversion balancer problem

[fiano]

im about to convert my truck to a 6.2 diesel in my 78 c10 this truck was a diesel with the 5.7 when it started life but the guy i brought it from converted it to a olds gas V8 the motor has since been removed my question is the location where the balancer sit is it in the same position as a small block chevrolet my truck is custom and i have a drop front cross member and the steering come close to the balancer on a small block so before i buy the new member i need to know if the balancer and engine mount would be in the same position i have a pic below !!

[350Tacozilla]

looks like an LS style engine in there not a standard small block chevy... not sure if the balancer is placed same but I highly doubt it... look how shallow the oil pan is ont hat motor and it barely clears.. the 6.2 oil pan dips down almost right away

[Robyn]

The 78 C series truck should be able to accept the 6.2/6.5 with minimal bother.

The bell housing bolt pattern is tha same as any Chevy V8 (current 70-90's vintage)

the frame mounts will locate thing OK. If a Mouse came out the little diesel will go in. Use the diesel Motor mounts and your set.

Once in the chassis be sure the fan centers in the shroud. If not a shim may be needed ?????????/

The beauty of the GM engines is that they swap easily from chassis to chassis.

I have seen a 6.5 sitting in a Corvette with minimal bother.

Years ago my neighbor had a 79 GMC 2500 and he wanted MORE POWER

454's were tough to come by and $$$$$$$

I stuffed a 455 Olds in his truck with no issues at all.

Had to use an adapter to make the BPO bolt pattern fit the Chevy tranny but that was about it.

The diesel will need its attendant bracketry to mount the accessories. A serp drive setup off a 6.5 would be a nice Mod. This stuff will bolt right on to any 6.2/6.5

Depending on which side your AC unit is on you can scrounge up the proper serp drive setup.

92-95 had the AC pump on the RH side

IIRC the 96 on had the AC pump on the LH side

The v belt setups were anoying as the belts vibrate a lot.
The serp setups will drastically clean up the arrangement.

Just remember a serp setup needs the proper water pump and fan (They turn opposite of the V belt drives)

Have fun

Robyn

[DmaxMaverick]

All bets are off on this one. If this is a 78, it's been significantly modified (frame, mounts, x-member, etc). You'll have to "unmodify" it, then the 6.2/5 will fit without any grief. Further modification to accommodate the 6.2/5 will be a furball, as the engine won't fit in the OEM location. It'll be the same if you try to install a gasser OEM/standard configuration. The steering is in the way because it isn't the original steering. No R&P steering on any 78 C10, unless you put it there.

[Robyn]

I guess I just dont worry too much about little details like that Greg.

My hotwrench sits right beside the rollaway. :eek: for such needs.

If the 350 fit though the diesel should go in with minimal bother
The 78 chassis has plenty of room.

AS mentioned there may be a need to "Unmodify" some details.

Missy

[DmaxMaverick]

That's the problem. The "350" didn't fit, as it is now. The frame and such was modified to accept the stroker and R&P. By the looks of it, the engine attitude (the physical one) isn't close to OEM. It wouldn't be worth the effort, or the return, IMO. I could do it, and I have no doubt you could, but to what end? A mediocre mutt? Better to start with another truck, on this one, methinks. Perhaps if someone had more money/time than sense....

[Robyn]

I wonder why the R&P steering was installed.????

Makes a very complex mess out of things.

Oh well

Missy

[350Tacozilla]

guys I think you are missing a point here... he said 5.7 motor was in there..yes that equals 350cu in but look in the pic isa 5.7 LS based motor not the old mouse you guys are saying if it fit the diesel will..

[DmaxMaverick]

guys I think you are missing a point here... he said 5.7 motor was in there..yes that equals 350cu in but look in the pic isa 5.7 LS based motor not the old mouse you guys are saying if it fit the diesel will..

He said, "this truck was a diesel with the 5.7 when it started life". Still, it doesn't matter. Same problems.

[Robyn]

The serious issue is the addition of the rack and pinion steering that can be seen under the front of the engine.

This mod and some others that have been made are going to cause the problem.

Had this simply been an engine swap the issue would not exist at all.

The truck's frame has seen some serious massaging here and there.

It can all be fixed but the issue is what will be required to get it back to where it will allow the 6.2/6.5 to fit.

The old smoke wrench will definately get things going but the issue is at what cost and amount of work.

best

Missy

[350Tacozilla]

ok just making sure you didnt think he meant the motor in pic was a standard 350 lol but I think that we all agree that yeah the 6.2 could be made to fit but take some work ... basically it would be best to get ahold of a 6.2 and try it and see if fits even if its just the short block or one that doesnt run