Towing with a GM 6.2L non-turbo diesel?
 

I was wondering if anyone here has ever had any experience towing a trailer using a non-turbo 6.2 diesel? A lady I used to work with called and asked if I wanted to buy her brother's "old truck". Turns out it is a 1982 3/4 ton Chev, 2 wheel drive, regular cab long box diesel. He bought it brand new, had GM install a rebuilt automatic transmission about 5 years ago (the bill for that must have been frightening), but other than that its untouched. 379k KMs (235k miles). I would be looking to use it to tow a car trailer. Figure around 5500 pounds weight with trailer and car. I know the truck would be legal for the weight, but I also know the 6.2s were designed for good mileage not power. The only 6.2 I have ever driven was a 4x4 Suburban with 4:10s, and I never towed anything with that. Would this thing be able to hack it if I wanted to tow something through the mountains? Or should I just stick with my old 5.7 Vortec Tahoe?

It can be done, it would be a long slow ride.
I have done it and its not fun. That is why the HE351VE turbo is going in my suburban I am tired of it being so slow under load and I have a brand new 6.5L block with 6.2 heads.

the 6.2 had 130 horsepower in its early years.

The tahoe with vortec has MINIMUM of 260 horsepower, maybe 290 depending on year.

They are probably the same weight.

The good news is the tahoe will get better mileage and be more comfortable.

Last time I towed that kind of weight with mine I got 4 tanks of 15-16mpg, was 100% stock then.

Tahoe is a 1998 2 door LT with leather and icy cold A/C. Ok ok I know it's the smart choice, I was just hoping someone would have some reason for me to rescue the old 6.2 :snail:. Bah! Darn logic getting in the way of my purchases!

on your tahoe, if it has a tow haul mode, use it.
if not, pull it out of OD into third gear.

MUCH easier on the trans.

If you can come across an aftermarket turbo kit, such as banks', it might make sense. Otherwise, yeah, it's gonna be real slow going.

no no no
 

the info tht they are giving you is all wrong. im a desiel tech and i own 3 6.2s.
u are pulling you want torque it horsepower has nothing to do with it. the 6.2 will get about 18 mpg pulling tht load. and if it stock all u haft to do to get a lil more power out of it is to advance the timing just a hair not much or you will get an idle knock but just a hair. there is a reason us milatary uses them motors they will run on about anything and run for ever so your better bet is the 6.2

Agreed! I've always had an eye out for a 6.2 anything in good shape locally. They last forever (provided you get your own glow plug controls on), run on anything. But they're gutless.

Torque, hot horsepower pulls things.

You should toss what ever glow plug controler it comes with and install a manual switch.