Cowracer
10-03-2005, 04:33
I got my truck back on saturday. I had no idea how many of my (truckless) friends were waiting on that event. I wound up hauling 4 loads of firewood, an 2 loads of furniture, and an engine crane, engine stand, and a lawnmower over the weekend.
And I don't even own any of it, dammit!
Anyway, the truck is running very well. It felt a little 'tight' for the first 50 miles or so, but it has since loosened up and power came up nicely as the rings got aquainted with the bores. I got a minor dribble out of the #1 injector (one drop every 10 seconds or so) to fix, but other than that, it is 100% road ready.
Power is good with the boost above ~7 lbs. It slightly flat with no boost, but thats to be expected with an 18:1. Above 7 lbs, the torque curve feels as fat as can be. I have limited boost to 11 psi for break in. I will adjust it up to about 14-15 in a 1000 miles or so.
It is noticably smoother at cruise speeds. I cruise at about 3000 rpm, and while I didnt get there too much yet, it is entirely without drama. The engine seems relaxed there. At 2500 it is smooth a baby's ass.
So far, the first start of the day is easy, but we'll see if the 18:1 hurt in the dead of winter.
Over all, I think I got a winner. And I have to give a shout out to Mike Starkey. He is not a member, but he knows the 6.5 inside and out, and did a fantastic job on changing out the motor. If any one is in the STL area and need a good 6.5 mechanic, Drop me a line and I can hook you up with him.
Tim
PS. I had to buy what amounted to only my 3rd load of fuel this year. The last one was at 1.69 a gallon. Took $84 to fill the big ******* up from DNE (damn near empty) on sunday. Yikes!
And I don't even own any of it, dammit!
Anyway, the truck is running very well. It felt a little 'tight' for the first 50 miles or so, but it has since loosened up and power came up nicely as the rings got aquainted with the bores. I got a minor dribble out of the #1 injector (one drop every 10 seconds or so) to fix, but other than that, it is 100% road ready.
Power is good with the boost above ~7 lbs. It slightly flat with no boost, but thats to be expected with an 18:1. Above 7 lbs, the torque curve feels as fat as can be. I have limited boost to 11 psi for break in. I will adjust it up to about 14-15 in a 1000 miles or so.
It is noticably smoother at cruise speeds. I cruise at about 3000 rpm, and while I didnt get there too much yet, it is entirely without drama. The engine seems relaxed there. At 2500 it is smooth a baby's ass.
So far, the first start of the day is easy, but we'll see if the 18:1 hurt in the dead of winter.
Over all, I think I got a winner. And I have to give a shout out to Mike Starkey. He is not a member, but he knows the 6.5 inside and out, and did a fantastic job on changing out the motor. If any one is in the STL area and need a good 6.5 mechanic, Drop me a line and I can hook you up with him.
Tim
PS. I had to buy what amounted to only my 3rd load of fuel this year. The last one was at 1.69 a gallon. Took $84 to fill the big ******* up from DNE (damn near empty) on sunday. Yikes!