1982-93: Chevrolet and GMC Light Trucks and SUVS
GM introduced the 6.2L V8 diesel into 1982 model year Chevrolet and GMC trucks and SUVS. Developed by Detroit Diesel, then still a GM subsidiary, the light-duty, indirectinjected (IDI) diesel engine was a ground-up development for trucks with no more than a 10,000 GCVWR. The 6.2L had no direct roots to the ill-fated 5.7L/350 Olds V8 diesel offered in earlier GM products. The GCVWR would be bumped a little later. The early emissions engines were generally seen at 130 hp with 240 lb-ft. Non-emissions versions for higher GVW trucks could go a fair bit higher. These were great engines in the half-ton pickups and added a lot to the Blazer and Suburban. In the three-quarter and one-tons, not so much. Being NA meant they had to be flogged mercilessly with a heavy load. Reliability suffered and they delivered disappointing performance. In lighter applications they were well-liked as being economical and proved more durable. Again, cost cutting was the root of whatever evil existed in the 6.2L. GM later learned that the engines with aftermarket turbo kits actually held up as well or better than the NA in hard use and offered much better performance. The 6.2L evolved into the 6.5L, most of which were turbocharged. While the 6.5L turbo diesel never equaled the competitors from Ford and Dodge in the ’93-2000 era, it settled in to be a good offering, especially in the half-ton lines. The 6.5L engine is still in production, though not by GM.
DISPLACEMENT: 6.2L (379 ci) POWER: 135 hp @ 3,600 rpm TORQUE: 240 lb-ft @ 2,000 rpm COMPRESSION RATIO: 21.5:1 ASPIRATION: Natural