@gr8fulabe and
@Rzeppa ... just the two people I was hoping would chime in!
To be frank, yes this 2H presented itself locally, so it's more of an opportunistic thing rather than intentionally seeking out a specific engine. I have been thinking about a 60-correct diesel swap for a couple years now, though. I've thought about a 1HZ or even a 12HT, but either costs more than my entire truck is worth just to obtain the motor, and both are far out of my "budget". I won't even talk about prices on 1HDT/1HD-FTE motors. Also, going with an older engine requires less fuss about modern equipment, ECUs, etc, as
@AimCOTaco mentions above - the more complicated the engine, the more complicated it will be at inspection/emissions.
As far as an emissions place goes, I'm friendly with one. Last time I needed a VIN cert they just asked that I bring them lunch. They're also about 100 yards from my shop. I was actually going to buy them lunch tomorrow in exchange for a chat about how to handle this. Abe, I have followed a post on Mud that you were commenting on about the Colorado guy getting his imported truck tested and how his cert was different than your cert for the same vehicle - something about wanting to see a catalytic converter when that wasn't original equipment. At least I think that was you on that thread. I've been trying to familiarize myself with the process for a while now.
Yes, the 2H is kind of the dog of the 60/80 Series diesels. I've talked with three folks that have them now and while they're about as slow as a 2F they get far better fuel economy and have a torque curve that starts lower and runs higher than the 2F. Down the road a bit a turbo giving 3-7psi will "wake the motor up" according to the folks I spoke with, and it won't cause any undue stress on the motor internals. A couple of my Aussie friends have said that's what gets the 2H to pull up long grades at adequate speed. Heck in my 2F I'm taking any paved pass in Colorado at 30mph, tops. Even without a turbo, if I can do that while getting better fuel economy, that's great.
Things I'll have to buy:
Alternator bracket
Alternator/vacuum pump
EDIC or make a choke cable work for fuel control/shut off
Starter
Everything else needed is with the motor, including the radiator, bellhousing, and flywheel. The motor itself doesn't care if it the truck runs on 12 or 24V so I would find 12V accessories that play nice with what everything in my truck already needs. If need be I can go dual batteries and use a solenoid for powering a 24V starter. I'm mostly done collecting things for a dual battery system in my truck anyway - that project has been on deck for a couple months. I have a set of 2H/12HT motor mount perches inbound already because somebody wanted me to provide them a CAD design - that was underway before I even saw this thing for sale. I'd have a set to copy from in other words. Before installing it I'd do new precups and reseal the motor as preventative maintenance. That would give me a chance to look at the rings and ring lands too. The entire thing bolts up to the H42 & transfer case combo I just got done rebuilding. If I go this route, I would have two complete 2Fs to sell to offset costs as well.
So ... I've been thinking about something like this for a while, and this 2H popped up. That's got me more seriously thinking about logistics and the legalese crap is the final step.
that was a great rig. i got a chance to drive it for a week at moab one year.