More power for my 1990 8.2 turbo diesel

[Thomas_The_Mini]

Hello,

I just bought a 1990 GMC blue bird with a 8.2 turbo Diesel engine. I have read many horror stores of the Fuel Pincher. I do not expect this engine to last decades just another 100k miles. This 8.2 currently has 147k on the odometer. I only want to add more torch for those steep grades in the Rockies and more horse power to be able to do 70 mph on flat roads. If these upgrades can last me 1 or 2 years till I save and find a good Caterpillar 3126 I will be a happy skoolie camper. Any and all power and torch suggestions are welcome ����

[EastCoastCB]

3116 isn't bad, but they are not fun to mess with if there are injector/pump/rack issues.
IDK boutmore power from an 8.2 but its a mechanical engine so the pump can surely be turned up a bit. gearing is the way for more mph, but that's not going to help in mountains.

[Booyah45828]

The 8.2 uses a unit injector system, so no injection pump to turn up.

You can get more power by changing injectors, nozzles, and adjusting the injector height(timing).

Most in the know wouldn't recommend modifying an 8.2. They weren't all that reliable in stock form, and turning them up didn't help that. If you do any upgrades to one, I'd choose a better turbo and install an intercooler as well.

If you're going to swap in an engine, why not choose something bigger/more hp then a 3126? Unless you're using a donor bus, most of your work will be custom anyways, so go big.

[EastCoastCB]

If I were swapping I'd be going for an 8.3 Cummins or something. Maybe even a DD oil burner.