6.5 to 6600 OR new & better 6.5
Well its been quite a while since I was on TDP. Since my 95 K2500 Sub went kapooy at 476K back in 05, I was forced to make an immediate decision on another rig ASAP. After testing them all, I settled on a new 3500 Ram QC now with 239K on it and I became a TDR member. But I'm really missing my Sub and now getting close to giving it a new heart which brings me back to TDP for questions and answers hopefully from very reliable sources. Of course opinions are welcome, but the raw facts are what I really hope to find here from those having done what I decide to do.
I was originally going to convert to a 6600, bought Jim's book when it came out on the whole process, came very close to buying a LBZ & matching trans until the bottom fell out of the market and my industry. In hind sight, perhaps I'd been better off at just flipping for another 6.5 right away and get the rig running without a big to-doo. I investigated 6.5 perf. option engines I found via here, even contemplated a 5.9 for it, but I think the 5.9 is best kept for the Dodge frames.
So here's my questions:
Should I opt for the 6600 LBZ or yet a later LBxx ?
Should I opt for a precision built 6.5 with the max HP that is possible either something out of BC or from a local source in Washington or ??
It's been a while since I read up on the Canadian built 6.5 block and I haven't been keeping up on the 6600's of late either. Few years back I found an LBZ & matching tranny w/harness and ECM w/66K on them for $9,600.00 plus freight. Not a bad price. I don't know where the best place to start looking again if I go that route other than a local yard so, if anyone has some info on that as well, I will look forward to it.
Thanks for any feedback..
"6.5 to 6600 OR new & better 6.5" update
Quote:
Originally Posted by
More Power
If "simple" and "best" are combined into one question, I would have to say the new AM General P400 6.5 would be my answer by a wide margin. It's as bullet-proof as a 6.5 can be, and offers the best platform to build an excellent power package for any factory-rated Suburban use.
There are so many questionable vendors out there offering all sorts of questionable products that it's hard to wade through them all. China has made the situation much worse than it was just a few years ago, regarding recommendations for products and vendors. Every week I hear from others how some sort of Chinese auto part has failed in a cheezy sort of way. I even have my own story about a front hub/bearing/ABS sensor replacement I installed (briefly) on my daughter's car that was purchased from a major auto parts house - but turned out to be made in China.... A total piece of crap that didn't work, but cost a lot....
Stick with vendors who we know and trust. They have a reputation to uphold and have demonstrated a commitment to the community.
Jim
I recently had all new brakes and rotors put on my Ram, parts from Auto Zone (rotors) were lifetime warranty and made in China not the pads though. I was reluctant to buy them but my mechanic said they were "OK" and of course less $$ than US made. We shall see how well they hold up. Otherwise, I do my best to avoid anything NOT US made and especially from the ChiComms.
I've been saying it for decades and stand by it "China is our worst enemy" and even though they are beating us in the trade war we in with them, we haven't seen anything that's yet to come. The "sleeping giant" I fear is in a coma and deaths door and unless WE WAKE UP to that fact, we're doomed.
That aside, thanks for the feedback Jim, I will investigate the new P400 and find out what it has to offer as compared to the old 6500 GM. I'd like to get 300HP vs the old stock 195 without having to go wild with parts, but having lost touch with that power power plant, perhaps now there are newer mods for it.
Rob