A good R&R is always the way to go over total engine swaps. Smart move. Especially when it feels like you just finished all that custom exhaust and intercooler piping
Thanks man. So much custom stuff fabricated for this setup, I couldn't see ditching it all when there's a plug in options that makes the torque I want.
While the worn out balancer may have contributed to the crank failure, i believe the block is probably more to blame. You most likely had main web cracks that finally let go. Probably more than 50% of GM diesels left driving have main web cracks, and they progress to the point of block/crank failure like what happened to you. I know my 6.2 has small cracks on the main webs. I don’t know how long they have been there, or how quickly they are progressing, but it continues to run and I just take it easy in hopes to not stress the block too much.
Impressive. You had every different thing that could break on a 6.2 individually happen all at once. Even so, you and your Dad built a quality engine to go 20 years. Most 6.2’s didn’t make it more than 10 stock so you might have a world record. Call Guinness!
I too am swapping my broken 6.2 with an optimizer. Snagged one with 4k miles for $1000. About wrapped up with studs and all the other goodies. 88 suburban.
Sorry about the 6.2. Glad you and your dad were able to do this together. 20 years is impressive. You made a good choice going with the 6.5 . Looking forward to this build.
I will say, that was impressive catastrophic failure. I will now be upgrading my harmonic balancer. I absolutely love your genuine in-depth videos. Keep up the solid work! Shout out to your helper.
Thanks, Chris. It did let go in pretty spectacular fashion, and I'm glad it motivated you to change your balancer. The engines will hold together for a good long time with level of care.
This is a very well done video. Excellent editing. I like the voiceover instead of mindless chatter. Being able to segment the video into searchable sections is a very nice touch. Keep up the good work! Enjoying the channel.
Bummer that your engine died, but I like your approach projects and I'm looking forward to the rebuild. And obviously Charger content is always cool also when that starts up.!!
The engine project won't consume us for too long, but it will enable some other great adventures in the near term. That includes picking up Charger parts.
P400 for the win! Seriously considered one for my Burban. We started getting them in 03 in Baghdad when we were blasting our 6.2Ls apart through daily abuse in the desert heat. Great motor for what it is.
It's also a lesson in just preventive maintenance. I couldn't see any cranks or problems with the balancer, but it was old enough to merit a preventive change.
Great choice keeping the ol idi, they are great little engines. I too have a GEP in my burb, its given me zero fits at 35lbs of boost for 2 years now. Main and head studs as well. Awesome rig you got there, love that thing.
Tough luck! When I first started watching these videos, I figured the 6.2 would go boom eventually. I think the 6.5 is a way better option… I always look forward to the next Suburban video
FWIW the optimiser does not have a forged bottom end. You should have lowered the compression when you built the new engine. Chris at Twisted Steel Performance has pistons to do that.
That's what I always thought, too, until I called GEP. They consolidated at some point, and now offer them with forged cranks. It's detailed in the follow on video. Also, I considered 18:1, but need the off-idle torque for the off-roading I do, so 20:1 was the better fit for what I wanted. I do still want to build an 18:1 engine.
@@lsandk3 The manufacturer told me themselves. They consolidated and use the P400 forged crank in the Optimizer (at least when I built mine in early 2022). I saw it. It's forged. This is a win for anyone looking to replace a 6.5 that wants a forged bottom end. ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-BSB2n-WT7eY.html
I am actually going through a heap load of build footage, and building that episode now. But the 6.5 has about 17K miles on it, and runs like a freaking top.
The big question is: When are you gonna auction off the 1.75 Cylinder crankshaft, the 3 cylinder crankshaft, and the 2.75 cylinder crank? (yeah, that didn't add up to 8!)
How long was your balancer on the engine? I put a new one in about 10 years ago and it was probably a Chinese one. Do you think I should replace it again at this point?
@@WillometMotorFab I think I bought a Dorman last time. I have a feeling if I go AC Delco it's going to be same quality. May have to bite the bullet. Can't wait to see the next engine video!
@@WillometMotorFab I thought that was the banks manifold. I have been looking for one for a good while, they are so scarce. I'm probably just going to make my own if I can't find one in the next month or so.
Fresh injectors, a full 3" dual exhaust, J intake, and a lot of cool air flow are a very inexpensive place to start. From there, a Holset HX35 is a good value turbo worth adapting, and they made a ton of them.
