Do you have the timer and the solenoids? The early trucks are different than
the later ones. IMHO, they have a better timer circuit. I was able to find a
manual for my 82 GMC at the library. May have been a Chiltons Chevy pickup
manual.

Al

I converted my 1983 to a 1991 controller.  IMHO the parts used on the heavy
duty emissions trucks are a little simpler.  So when I am retrofitting
something I tend to use parts from a 1-ton truck. In my case it was very
easy to put the new controller into the older wiring harness (I did run new
wires to it).  It only needed a ignition switch power to it, power to the
dash light to turn it on, a good ground and a tap into the starter solenoid
wire from the ignition switch.  The 91 controller is one unit, it is the
relay and controller in one module.  Basically when you turn on the key, it
is fully on; when the controller sees the power to the starter it assumes
the engine has started and goes into after glow mode.  It does everything
automatically.  That controller has been in my van for over 10 years.  The
original 1983 controller is a magnesium module that mounts into the drivers
head water jacket and never lasted more then 6-mo for us.  I would get the
controller, a new pigtail and a wiring schematic.  Once you have everything
it will only take you a couple of hours to wire.  I would get the parts from
your local GM dealer then also get them to give you a copy of the schematic.
Make sure you install a proper hydroboost brake system, don't rely on a
vacuum pump for the brake assist.

Good luck,
mark

Haynes has a Diesel engine repair manual that I think is very good. It
has a number on it of 1736, but I have no idea if that means anything or
not. It also covers 5.7, and Ford 6.9 and 7.3, but no 6.5 , Powerstroke
or Cummins. I have had this one for years, so a new one will probably be
different. I was thinking about the exact same project-- putting a 6.2
in a 75 El Camino, but after I saw the EC, was not that interested in
it. Good tip about the brake booster, as I was wondering about that. I
think the Ford 6.9's used vacuum, but I have had several vacuum pumps
fail, and never had a minutes trouble with any hydroboost system. I have
no way to scan anything but if you do not have any luck finding the info
you need, let me know and I can make some copies and mail them to you.
Larry

Actually 3 of my 4 6.2s have the glow plugs hooked up to a manual
switch, but you have to be very careful with them and NEVER let anyone
else come near it unless you are positive they know how to operate it.
The controller in my first, an 83 GMC p/u went out some time after I
bought it in 88, my 82 Suburban had already been rigged when I got it,
and I put a 6.2 and 700R4 in a 94 Silverado and rigged them (along with
a lot of other things) the 83 Chevy van still still works fine.
Larry