Convert to diesel?

Question

I have a 1996 GMC Yukon with a 350 Vortech motor. Also, it is a 4X4 with a 4 speed w/overdrive auto and a 3.73 rear end. So my friend I where talking and are wondering what would be needed to be done to install a 6.1 liter diesel motor. Is it something you can just drop in and be pretty much done, or do many, many things need to be done? Primarily, do I need a beefier transmission, change gas tank, fuel filters, and fuel pump? Also do I need to reprogram or change the computer? I know there is no practicality towards such a project, but I would just like to know the steps required to accomplish this idea.

Answer 1

I think you covered all the main concerns. It would be cheaper to by a diesel truck than to convert one.

Answer 2

That can be done.
It can also be done very, very, very wrong.

It's simplest to change EVERYTHING about the powertrain at once with a powertrain from a wrecked Yukon of the same year. From the air intake to the driveshaft. Even change the exhaust headers. The entire engine wiring harness too.

A junkyard who knows what they're doing will sell you everything you need in a package. The engine will probably even still be bolted to the tranny. (tranny's are calibrated differently to different types of engine, so best change it too, and why unbolt it?) I did my swap with engine+tranny still bolted to each other. No reason to separate em.

You'll need the factory shop manuals http://www.helminc.com/ and you'll need to go through every single circuit and wire. There shouldn't be too many, though. At the end, everything should be just like the shop manual says, and it'll be hard for even a GM tech to tell that the engine didn't come in as factory.

Check your state's smog laws on the legality of swapping a diesel into a car with a gasoline engine. It's often allowed in cases where the model was available with a diesel engine, at which point there's no smog at all :)

Answer 3

Obviously,You don't know anything about,and You gonna hit the wall striking You head against it.

You will need to change, from the donor.

engine and transmission together
computer and wiring.
tank and fuel lines.
primary and secondary filters.
don't even try to use a gas starter in a diesel engine.