I have been running an 8.2 for 6 or 7 years now in my 1987 C70 Chevy, 22,000GVW, 5 speed/split rear. I got the truck with 94,000 miles and have put about 12,000 miles on it since I have owned it. It's a 165hp engine that puts out about 500ft/lb of torque. Turbo models net you 205 hp but they say little or no torque increase.
Let me tell you my experiences with this engine first and then I will compare it to other engines I have ran. I have had to bring this 26 year old truck home on a flat bed ONCE in 7 years. The lift pump went, an $80 item that was easily replaced in my back yard. Many NEWER trucks can not say the same!!! Other than that, filters and fluids are the only expense this engine has cost me in 7 years, 12,000 miles.These engines for some reason start very easily in the cold with nothing more than a good set of batteries. I have gotten 11mpg and get the best mileage around town, the truck is on the governor at 62mph. I use less fuel than most 1/2 ton pickups when pushing snow with my 9' Western Heavyweight plow. Pushing snow, I could run with any new medium duty truck that our state had to offer.These engines came with dual oil and fuel filters for long life service. I am very happy with the cost and reliability of this engine and will continue to run it until it gives me reason not to.
The downfalls: The truck is slow. With 6 ton in the bed or towing a heavy trailer, its fine from 0-35mph. 35-50 takes some patience and if you live in the mountains, forget it. It has 4 head bolts per cylinder, most engines have 5 or 6, so it is not a good engine to turbo and hop up. Its a throw away block, once it goes, a new engine is in order. You may have trouble finding a shop that is well versed on tuning this engine. I am lucky to have a factory Detroit shop near me, I wouldn't want to run one of these without a good repair facility, the tools and equipment needed to tune these engines is expensive and not something a back yard wrencher wants to invest in. These are mechanical injected engines and need 50/100,000 mile tune ups to keep them in peak working order.
Comparisons:There is no comparing a diesel to a gasser, unless you are talking brand new trucks. The EPA has all but killed the modern diesel engine.
Diesel has 20% more stored energy per gallon than gasoline, they make more power, are more economical, last longer and have a better resale value than their gas counterparts. They also take kinder to being stored for months at a time. Ethanol has ruined gas engines that do more sitting than running.
I also run the 7.3 IDI diesel in my 1991 F350. I know for a fact that the 6.9/7.3 IDI can match the power of the 8.2 with a turbo. I have put down 217hp/390ft/lbs of touque at the rear wheels on my pickup. Parts for these engines are cheap and they are stupid easy to work on. The only thing specialty that is needed is the means to time it. Meters can be had off of flea bay for a few hundred dollars. The IDI's have 5 bolts per cylinder on the head but due to their high compression only run 12-15 psi max boost. I made my dyno runs with 9psi of boost. I personally know a tow truck driver that logged and documented 980,000 miles on an IDI, went through 3 cabs on an F450 chassis so they are plenty tough. Keep in mind that these too are mechanical engines. The injection pumps and injectors are medium wear items, needing replacing at about 125-150,000 miles.
I would be inclined to say that the 3208 Cat is an apples to apples comparison to the 8.2 fuel pincher. This is based on readings and talk, nothing I have had a personal hand on.
The 5.9 Cummins, International DT360 and DT466 can not be compared to any of the engines above. The 5.9 Cummins and the DT360 are very similar in size, same displacement, similar dimensionally, the International being slightly heavier, wet sleeved giving it in frame rebuild potential. The DT 466 is about 20% bigger all the way around. All three of these engines have HUGE aftermarket support and can make 1000 hp, the '466 can make 2500+hp and spin 5,500 rpm's in the sled pulling world. Any one of these engines can make 350hp without breaking a sweat, the '466 would give you way more torque at an equal hp level. Heck, you can get 350 hp out of the 5.9 Cummins without spending a dime to do it if you have the mechanical P pump series.
As much as I deem my 8.2 reliable, IF I had a few grand to spare, I would sell it and get an International with the DT360 or DT466 in a heartbeat. I would definitely turn it up to about 330-360hp and have a blast pulling any load effortlessly. Until then, the 8.2 is my "Ol' reliable." It simply starts every time and does what it can do without fail. I hope my long winded reply is accurate and of help.:msp_unsure: Good luck.:msp_thumbsup: