FJ80 w/6.2L Diesel, getting a turbo

[lorax]

I have just started my turbo upgrade on Dragonazul, my wife's Diesel FJ80. It has a Chevy 6.2L Diesel and uses the stock A440 transmission.

I am using the 6.5L Diesel turbo, intake and exhaust manifolds. The goal is to have about 10PSI of boost.

Also purchased all the parts to do a serpentine conversion. i am throwing my alternator V-belt every month and have to tighten it every week. Randy looked at it and explained the alt. bracket is off center. I still want the serpentine.

The truck is now at Randy's and he will perform the magic to get it setup and running perfectly.

I have some engine before pics @

6.2L Diesel

Previous to the turbo, the truck runs well and has some good power. I am not an Automatic type of guy, so I do not like it shifting when it thinks it is a good idea, but I can get used to that. The goal is to tow with the 80, so I decided I needed the turbo.

Will keep you posted.

[Tapage]

Congrats ..

How you feel your shifting points for the 6.2 diesel . ?

and how it's the cooling without shroud . ?

[lorax]

Since I do not have a tach, I am not positive on the shift points, but they seem pretty good.

redline on a 3FE is 4k? and the 6.2L is 3600, so they should be close. I used to have an FJ62, so familiar with adjusting the kickdown...

On the temp, seems ok, but unfortunately, the previous temp gauge was registering quite low, so I suspect it is a GM sending unit which will not report the same as the Toyota. This is being corrected...

[Tapage]

But how it feels in normal driving .. around the town .. hows the lookup working .. higger rpm . ?

I thought the 6.2 have the max torque at 2000 rpm .. that make this it sweet spot ..

[79fj40moneypit]

The 6.2 was NOT designed to have 10psi of boost you WILL break the bottom end.

[iaintscared1969]

I am going to install the turbo and start @ around 6 psi of boost. I am thinking the optimum would be 8 but I have read a lot of people running 10. I will start on the low side and see how it does. But it sounds good and seems to run fairly well. Haven't had the chance to take it for a spin.

BTW they will let anyone in to this forum!

[rtarh2o]

The engine looks great now that it is detailed, can't wait to see finished pictures. I just asked on my thread about the cruise control, it looks like you have it hooked up. Now that I know you are using the A440 that would explain it though. I think if I ever do it again I might go the A440 route. Are you leaving the A440 stock with the turbo?
Rusty

[79fj40moneypit]

The 6.2 has 21.5 compression if you want to turbo it drop it to 18.1 compression, On 6.5 the 'safe' boost is 5 to 7. These 6.2 engines had turbo kits sold by banks for a few years with dramatic engine failures. The main bearing web is the weak link. and the crank is cast not forged. SCAT sells a forged crank now for the 6.5. There is a new high nickel content block, redesigned main web and water jacket 6.5 now that will make 300hp with 18-25 lbs boost. Just be careful with a old 6.2 and a turbo.

[arcteryx]

Originally Posted by 79fj40moneypit

The 6.2 was NOT designed to have 10psi of boost you WILL break the bottom end.

Interesting. Bri called up banks and they said 10 psi was 'safe'. He only plans on using that amount of boost when towing, not in DD mode. For DD, he plans on 6.

Why would banks tell him 10 if they had suffered dramatic failures? That does not make sense.

[lorax]

Originally Posted by 79fj40moneypit

The 6.2 has 21.5 compression if you want to turbo it drop it to 18.1 compression, On 6.5 the 'safe' boost is 5 to 7. These 6.2 engines had turbo kits sold by banks for a few years with dramatic engine failures. The main bearing web is the weak link. and the crank is cast not forged. SCAT sells a forged crank now for the 6.5. There is a new high nickel content block, redesigned main web and water jacket 6.5 now that will make 300hp with 18-25 lbs boost. Just be careful with a old 6.2 and a turbo.

I get that you are worried about the 6.2 and a turbo... I am also. From my research (I talked to Banks and reading posts on MaximumDiesel.com for the Duramax 6600 (6.6L) GM Chevrolet and GMC diesel engines., talking to detroit diesel specialists), I found this is possible and common. There are many posts on issues, but they talk about problems at 12PSI or more. When talking to a detroit diesel specialist, he explained he recommends the 6.2 w/turbo setup over the 6.5T to his customers. All the people in the field are telling me 10PSI is where I should be.

The Banks kit, sold today is hard set at 10PSI.

[iaintscared1969]

I am sure Banks has installed these on near new motors or new. The bottom ends are fresh and I still think it is all about setting them up according to the drive style.

[rtarh2o]

I have heard also that the 6.2 with a turbo is a better set-up than the 6.5. I know iaintscared1969 is on DieselPlace a bit. There are alot of people who have done the 6.2 turbo with great success on that site. I myself have gotten tons of great information from that site and probably would still be in the middle of my conversion had it not been for DieselPlace and Mud. If people over there say it will work then I wouldn't worry about it.
Rusty

[cruiser_guy]

If you're turboing the 6.2 I would include the "girdles" for the main bearing webs to try to prevent cracking there. The "girdle" kit is available at most automotive places. That is a KNOWN 6.2 issue, as is overheating which I recommend a pyrometer as a NECESSARY guage, not optional.

[Chas Stricker]

Howdy Lorax,
The Banks turbo I had on my 6.2 was nothing short of awesome. I'd trust Banks and what they have to say. They were very helpful with my used motor and getting it set up for durable power. Your motor will have no problem at all with the 10psi boost. I keep hearing all the pooh about 6.2's and their issues. I don't believe they have near the issues folks on this list might say. Just one man's opinion. Make sure you keep it cool and your automatic tranny cooler! Heat is a killer. Good luck,
Chas

[79fj40moneypit]

It's Ok to do what you want to your 6.2 or 6.5 I just am trying to give my experiences with them. Back in the 80's we were blowing up 6.2's all the time. Just 2 years ago my 6.5 turbo cracked the main bearing web and the crank snaped three rods broke and the car behind me got a bath. year before that same thing happened.Now this is a daily driver 14' cube van, not part time light weight, full load all the time time so maybe that's the difference. Remember companys want to sell you there parts! Just like GM wanted to sell this engine do you think all the research data is made available, hell no. Now the Duramax is a different engine. Just my opinion


EDIT: Not trying to start fireworks with anyone just my opinion along with a bunch of years working on and rebuilding these boat anchors.

[rtarh2o]

I will agree the 6.2's aren't without their problems but if they are used for their intended purpose they should be a long lasting engine. Remember they were built as a light duty fuel efficient option for the de-tuned small blocks of the 80's. They weren't designed for pulling heavy loads. If they are driven within those bounds they should hold up well for a long time. Even with a turbo you can take it easy and for occasional towing they should be fine so long it is not a lot of weight.
Rusty

[arcteryx]

Originally Posted by rtarh2o

Even with a turbo you can take it easy and for occasional towing they should be fine so long it is not a lot of weight.
Rusty

Well, a dual wheel trailer towing a 40 is not light - Prolly 6500 lbs. I dont think it will work, er, I KNOW it won't work. Guess you'll have to sell it to me

[attatoy]

you poor guy , a 6.2 might be the worst engin gm has ever made......i hope you at least won the bet!

[rtarh2o]

I think the converted 5.7 diesel is probably the worst engine GM ever made (and it is what gave the 6.2 a bad name), although I am sure there are a few others that might give it a close race, the 6.2 is not one of them though. The 6.2 was made by Detroit Diesel and from what I have read is actually a pretty good engine. I did alot of research on the engine before doing my conversion, I originally wanted a toyota or isuzu but after researching the 6.2 it just made sense. I am just starting to drive mine but so far it seems like a good choice.
Rusty

[arcteryx]

as stated before, in Rusty's build thread, the 6.2 has some known problems. But, once they are addressed, it is a very reliable engine.

The 5.7 was the worst engine, from what I hear.( I was not able to drive then)

[cruiser_guy]

Originally Posted by attatoy

you poor guy , a 6.2 might be the worst engin gm has ever made......i hope you at least won the bet!

No, as others have said the 5.7 wanna-be diesel was MUCH MUCH worse! I had a boss that replaced 3 5.7 "diesel" engines inside of 100,000 miles on his "diesel" Malibu and that was right before I bought my BJ60 20 years ago. Everyone in the office then thought I was a fool. I wonder who's laughing now

[davegonz]

Any updates?

[lorax]

I talked to Randy and he explained he is working on it. He has the old accessories off and is preping the new accessory brackets, etc.

He has tested and rebuilt the turbo in preparation.

He will get some pics up this weekend hopefully.

Cheers.

[iaintscared1969]

Still hard at it but my computer time is limited. I will get some good pipcs up this weeknd for your drooling pleasure.

[iaintscared1969]

Sorry guys been buried trying to get all the trucks out of here. But here is a couple pic's of the parts that will be going in. 6.5 turbo manifold and exhaust manifolds and the turbo. All of which are being converted to a serpentine belt system. Get you some tear down shots here in a few. Didn't have time to resize all of them so this will be a taste.

[iaintscared1969]

Sorry guys been trying to get this one tied up. If I post the pics out of order forgive me, I am wrenching and trying to remember to snap as I go. But here are some shots of the teardown from the other day. All of the front access. Are off and the intake is ready to go back on. The exhaust flange is the real PITA. I am also waiting on the arrival of the new gauge set!