MODEL-A DIESEL?
Hello Diesel World,
I’m considering a diesel conversion for my '31
Ford Model-a pickup truck. I’m not interested in moving mountains, racing, or being a dyno king. I want a unique building am considering a diesel engine.
The vehicle is currently running a Chevy 350 gas V-8. I understand that the GM 6.2L/6.5L diesel engine design uses the same footprint, motor mount design, and bellhousing bolt pattern. How big is a 6.2 motor? Also, would it be possible to use a TH350 or TH400 three-speed automatic transmission with this type of motor? Does the 6.2 need any kind of computer system? Finally, is the 6.2 fuel injected or does it use some type of carburetor? Any information that you could tell me would be great.
Thank you,
Stephen Stolz
Via Email Hi Stephen, All diesels are fuel injected. Fuel must be injected under high pressure directly into the combustion chamber a few crank degrees before TDC, otherwise a compression ignition (diesel) engine couldn't accurately control the combustion timing. Most diesels (the 6.2L/6.5L diesels in particular) do not use a throttle plate in the intake air system. Engine speed and power are controlled by the amount of fuel being injected. There is no computer control necessary for GM’S 198293 6.2L/6.5L mechanically injected diesels. Generally, a 6.2/6.5 can be a suitable transplant (approximately the same size and weight) for any vehicle that will accept a GM big-block gas engine. The motor mounts are very similar between the GM gas/diesel V-8 engines and will work for either—at least for the 1982 and newer. GM used the TH700R4, TH400, and 4L80-E automatic transmissions behind the 6.2L/6.5L. I recommend an overdrive automatic transmission and gearing that produce 1800 rpm at your chosen cruise speed for best fuel economy and drivability. Yes, a TH350 will work behind a non-turbo’ed 6.2/6.5, but you’d need a diesel torque converter and modifications to allow it to shift at the engine speeds these diesels operate at (about 1000 rpm lower than a gas engine). Good luck and send us some photos of your completed Model-a.
Jim