turbo a 200k 6.2??

[spitfirenut]

My 83 c code 1/2 ton GMC has 207,000 miles on it. I'm toying with installing a turbo later in the year. Aside from checking the block for cracks, should I be worried about turbocharging an engine with this many miles? Would the added cylinder pressures cause the rings to start leaking? Should I plan on a rebuild first? These are just a few questions I need to answer before I put one on and create problems.
Thanks in advance.
Don

[john8662]

How does the engine run now? Is the oil conumption low (less than 1qt in 3k miles)? There have been many that have installed turbo's on HIGH mileage engines without problems. You might have head gasket failure, but thats not guaranteed. If you plan on keeping the truck a long time, reguardless of if the engine wears out then I would say go for it. That way when you decide to replace the engine, you would re-use all the turbo stuff on the new engine.

[spitfirenut]

The engine runs great right now. Uses less than a quart every 3000. As far as keeping the truck long term, Yeah I'm leaning that way. I'd like to have a new one, but it's tough to justify the expense. My 83 does nearly everything i could do with a new one, just lacks a little in the power department. I'd like to get a camper someday, probably in the 25 foot range. For that I won't need a 3/4 or 1 ton to pull it, so it'd be nice to keep a half ton and still have the diesel. And probably the biggest thing is the lack of electronics on my 83. My dad has had several big ticket repairs on his cummins dodge that shouldn't be an issue on my old jimmy. Thanks for the reply.

[Oblin Goblin]

I've done it. My Blazer had about 201k miles on it when I installed the turbo. I'm at nearly 250k now and its still going strong. The only turbo related problem I had was a blown rear main seal and I think that may have been caused by a bad CDR valve. I replaced the CDR valve and put in a 2 piece rubber seal and haven't had a problem since. You might want to replace your head gaskets before you put the turbo on. I did it just as a precaution and found that the old ones were showing signs of leaking. You might also want to get a new injector pump and injectors to be sure that you've got components that can handle the increased fuel delivery.

[spitfirenut]

Thanks Oblin Goblin! That's just the kind of info I was looking for. If(when) I do it I'll likely change to a 4911 and higher pop injectors. The head gasket preventive seems like a good plan also. My truck was well maintained all it's life and is still running very well, but I didn't know if i'd be pushing my luck putting a turbo on it at this point.
Glad to know your install is going well.

[befland]

Spitfirenut,
I also have a 83 C10. I turbo'ed mine at about 130K. One of my head gaskets was leaking so I pulled the head. I decided to go ahead and perform the DP Head Repair procedure. Since I was going to have the engine mostly torn apart, I decided to repair both heads. After taking off one of the heads and lifting it out of the engine bay I decided it would be much easier to take the engine out. This turned out to be about the smartest thing I ever did. It was much easier to work on and I had the chance to clean, paint, etc. I also installed a new two piece seal and bearings while I had it down.
Since putting it back in and adding the turbo I have driven it about 80K miles (210K on the clock) with no problems (at least with the engine :)).

Billy E.

[C.K. Piquup]

I would do it.The turbo will actually make the engine run easier,takes less to do more.