Al, the GM 6.2 Diesels are all over and cheap for a reason, they were originally built for fuel economy, not for power. The aftermarket for them is slim as well. They were great motors for their intended purpose but failed in the towing/torque department. Like any other motor they also had their own specific issues and they are also a heavy power plant even when compared to a basic SBC.
Wasn't really looking for an argument just stating simple facts when Justus had brought up a diesel conversion in his original post.
Is a 6.2/6.5 anything like a cummins..... no in no way. A cummins is a much more heavily built.
but can't be beat when you consider you can get a turbo'd mechanically injected diesel for dirt cheap.
I'd be able to live with a 40 with:
Power / Torque (highest): 315 hp (235 kW) @ 3,200 rpm / 530 lb·ft (719 N·m) @ 1,800 rpm
now the mechanically injected one would be less than that but that still isn't bad.
weighs in around 700lbs not too much more than the original 2F motor. Hence why it isn't as heavy duty as a other diesel motors. But yes they are heavier than a 350.
This are very popular diesel swap option in many other parts of the world due to the cheapness and availability of parts. It is the number 1 diesel swap for petrol 80's in Oz for 80's even though they have diesel 80's. Due to parts and cheapness.
Specific issues to this motor are failed harmonic balancers that can be rectified with a fluid damper. Other issues are some of the older blocks had high, 30%, of main web cracks. easy to check before buying and if they don't have them by now they most likely aren't going to get them.
There are of course other diesel options but they would require other adapters and motor mounts.
I'm not in anyway saying this is a better option than an LSX or vice versa.
Stating an easy diesel swap since the OP asked for one as one of the options.
And with that i'll bow out of this thread as all relevant options have already been stated and now it is up to Justus to make his choice on it.
One last thing is it depends what Justus plans on doing with the rig. If it is for pure offroad ability over everything else then i'd say an LSX is the ticket due the lightness of it.
For road going the MPG would most likely have more of an impact on choice. For gas engines a LSX with cylinder deactivation would get the best but cost a bit for motor and stand alone computer as your current one wouldn't work and need different motor mounts
As for the diesel, not sure what it would get in a lightweight vehicle like a 40. In my suburban the underpowered NA 6.2 has gotten me 21 on the highway.
The biggest hindrance for MPG would be the 3speed auto.
