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View Full Version : 88 to 94 engine swap??



trentc
11-07-2010, 21:24
My sister recently gifted me her family '94 Suburban after 15 years of use.

The vehicle runs really good and looks good after taking very good care of it all those years.

The issue I have with it is the 5.7 gasoline engine which has horrible fuel economy and not so good power to add. The 88' 6.2 can go up a highway hill without a blink, but that 5.7, lacking power will usually downshift into 3rd.

My 88 Suburban has been just kinda sitting around doing not much since it's transmission gave out (not getting hardly any hydraulic pressure) and the body is decent, but not the best.

So I am wondering if it would be a good idea to swap the engine/trasmissions out to get a better engine and fuel economy?

Or can current tranny stay in? I am thinking no.

Not sure of the value of the 5.7/transmission, but you think someone who would want a 5.7 and 4 speed would trade their time to swap the 6.2 into the 94 for keeping them?

Just wondering

Thanks

Robyn
11-08-2010, 08:51
To swap the 6.2 into the 94 Burb is not all that tough.

It will physically bolt right into the chassis.

Here are some of the caviats.

Need radiator for a diesel that will fit the 94.
Tranny in the 94 is electronically controlled and the diesel engine is mechanical injection.

Getting the tranny to work is doable but a PITA

Fuel tank with pump in the tank, needs changing or at least eliminate the high pressure pump.

The wiring for the starter and such can be used as can the alternator wiring (slight mod) The sending units for the engine temp and oil pressure can be used form the 5.7.

Need radiator shroud for the diesel.

The best setup would be a serp drive off a 6.5 on that 6.2

NOW if it were me, I would sell the powerpack (engine and tranny) from the 94 and then build a good 700R4 "K case" tranny to go behind the 6.2

Install this as its a full hydraulic tranny. ( use a LU700 lockup Kit from transgo to eliminate any need fo electronics on the trany)

Inhook the SES light (pull the bulb) Install a diesel throttle cable from a 92-93 GM 6.5 truck

Either use a mechanical fuel pump (the 88 has one already) in stall a Racor fuel water separator and plumb in accordingly.

The fuel feed and return lines can be adapted easily.

Sort out a 12V feed wire to run the IP. (Hot with key on)

You can wire in the glow plug controller as it is on the 88 or you can use a Ford starter relay and a simple push button with a dash light for your glow system.

Its all workable and can be done fairly easy.

Before you rip the 94 apart, collect all the goodies your going to need and map out what you are going to save and waht your going to discard.

I would buy a fresh radiator (visteon OEM quality). The clamps from the 94 should work, just need the shround, upper and lower halves.


OHHHH and you will need a Hydro boost brake system from a 94 or 95

The vacuum will not work well with a pump.

Just some starters

Missy