How much do you like your 6.5

Both trucks were around 6K purchases, and I knew they had led 'hard lives' in municipal plowing duty. I got ~180K miles out of the pair. However, I put at least as much back into both trucks over the ~3 years I owned them, in the form of 'non-wearable' repairs like an engine, transmission, and parts/mods listed in more detail below.

Once I found TheDieselPage.com, ALL of the answers were here. As a result, not much money was wasted at dealerships, mostly I had my local shop do the work I couldn't, with information gained here.

Both trucks developed stalling problems at least once, and got externally mounted PMDs and coolers. Both got cooling upgrades in the form of JK's fan clutch and HO water pumps, and one got a dual thermostat setup with the replacement '98 engine. Both got lift pumps and one needed fuel lines replaced due to pinhole leaks.

One had a waterpump literally explode at highway speed, taking out the fan and radiator with it. Alternators and starters didn't last very long - they got abused with LOTS of cold crank sessions. (My 2002 DMax has its stock alternator and starter at 245K, in comparison.)

Both were hard starters in cold weather, even after new glowplugs, glowplug relays, two sets of batteries, cables and connectors. They spent too much time on the other end of jumper cables, portable generators, and HAD to be plugged in below 20F to start at all.

My winter snowplow crew grew very frustrated with this - although they were patient because they knew the investment I had made in the trucks. After the first Duramax showed up, it was hard to get any of them to run the 6.5s!

One got a new transmission, maybe the fault of a reckless snowplow operator - who knows for sure. The rest of the brakes, u-joints, tires, etc etc were all normal wear parts. To their credit, neither needed new injectors, injector pumps or turbos in the time I owned them.

I actually still have a fond spot for the trucks because they taught me so much about diesels and introduced me to this community, but there is no way to rationalize them as cost effective for my business.

The Duramaxes have made up for it, however. They are nearly bulletproof and just keep taking the use and giving back good mileage and maintenance.

Mark
You are just too hard on your toys :D (Sits giggling wildly)

I can understand when you look at it from a business standpoint that the numbers have got to crunch.

I have in the past bought 2 new rigs with 6.5's and this was before this wonderful PAGE came to be.

Any more I snoop out stuff that I can buy cheap that needs loving and coax it home.

In all fairness the 6.5 trucks have given a lot of folks a lot of good miles with minimal bother.

I can certainly understand where Mark is coming from though. The DmaX trucks have had their issues but nothing like the 6.5 trucks did during their teething years.


Mark
Hope this is a good season for you with Zero brakedowns on the equipment.

Robyn

Thanks for that info, Mark.

Joe.

Hi, i had this engine swap on my truck because of the 6.2 went out, any way trips from here (long beach ca.) to mexico, about 1700 miles and back to cali. and about 3 or 4 times to converse tx, and one to las vegas on january for the convension, plus the one here now days about three wks ago ( note that the trips are from and back to mexico including las vegas) i've put about 30k on this engine and still running strong and i'm happy with it. I'm happy with my 6.5 td only thing it gets hot in cabin.

I have owned a LOT of vehicles through the years, lots of Toyotas, Mitsubishis, 1 or 2 Nissans, several GM trucks, Olds & Pontiacs & 1 cj5.

I feel comfortable just changing the oil & then letting my wife & kids take it to see family in Oklahoma, about a 2000 mile round trip for everywhere she goes. I have done very little as far as "repairs", mostly has been regular maintenance, now over the course of about 60,000 miles

I like LOTS of METAL when it comes to my family, I can't imagine them being in a sub compact & being t-boned.

It gets around 16 in town & as much as 21-22 on the highway. Hopefully will go up with a few more mods.

I would buy it again in a heartbeat, actually I would like to find a clean 98 or 99 with no rust to be the replacement for this one.

i love my 6.5

My 6.5 is my first full-size truck and although I love the truck, I have to admit to some frustrations. The random mix of metric and standard fasteners is probably the biggest. And for being such a large vehicle, it is surprising to me how difficult some things are to get to to service them - it is packed tighter than any other vehicle I've owned!

(Can I join in the love-in, even though I don't have any 6.5s left?) :rolleyes::rolleyes:


My favorite thing about the 6.5L was the adjustability (fuel rates, boost, exhaust) and what it taught me about diesel power.

I will never forget the first drive, after the exhaust, chip, and Turbo-Master were all installed at the same time.

Wow. :eek: I was hooked on diesel modifications from that day forward...

Just wanted to say that even though we are having a heck of a time getting to the bottom of our rough running issues, we sure love our 1994 6.5 Turbo Diesel. We have just finished going through the interior washing and scotchgaurding all the seats, headliner, and trim. Brand new carpet looks great! Even with it running rough, She started up after turning over maybe 3 times after sitting outside for a week at 12 degrees F!

Loved my 94 dually. Its been to hell and back, stolen, crashed, you name it, its happened. Sold it to my brother a few years back when he needed a big truck more than me. Well, he still has that old mochine and its looking and running great. I may just get the old girl back one of these days. Cheaper than a new one!

Well, I'm late getting in on this thread. Been away from the DP all summer.
Still have, and still love the old 95 Burb. Drove it all summer, back home in New England. Love the Dura Max, but can't wait to get back into the Suburban each summer.
Over 185 K on it now. Still starts with just a bump of the key. That's because of the mechanical injection, of course.
It'll probably always be right up there at the top of the all-time best that I've owned. Dunno. The 73 Saab Sonnet keeps me on the fence with that decision.
In all those miles, the list of parts replaced is very short, if you discount the change to mechanical injection, of course. New front disks and pads, one rear wheel bearing, three sets of tires, new AC/heater controls, set of Greg's HD cooler lines, one H4 bulb, one set of injectors, two front-end allignments, and several other incidentals. Just think of all the original stuff still on this thing! Fourteen years old right about now, and still no rust! Only been in the Vermont snow a couple of times.
Yup. Gotta love the 6.5.
Bless you all, and glad to be back.
Dick Wells:)

Hello All,

Well, Dick was the last to post on this thread back in November 2008!

Thought I would just add that I've been in love with Suburbans since my Dad first had a gasser when I was in High School.

That reminds me. To the Mom's and Dad's out there: If you have a teenage Son or Daughter, Don't lend them the Suburban for date night! :)

I've always wanted my own Suburban since those old days.

I was looking forward to camping season last year. But gas prices were going through the roof! My 06' F150 5.4 only got 5 MPH pulling the camper. Gas was going close to $5.00 a gallon... Thats $1.00 a mile in fuel cost!

I was also tired of the pick up truck configuration... Musical equipment, groceries, people, dog, were all a pain to load into a pickup cab.

I remebered Dads Suburban. That is the type of vehicle I needed to suit my needs.

I started researching tow vehicles with Diesel Engines (because of better mileage and power over gassers). I was really leaning toward the Excursion, when I discovered the Suburbans came with a Diesel Engine!

Then I found this site. I immediately subscribed.

After hours of reading, and a few questions, I was confident enough to buy my clean '99 (166,000 when I bought it) for 6500.00. It sure beats 11,000- 14,500 for a compairable Excursion!

Yeah, I've had to break my knuckles on the thing a few times, but I knew that going in. But doing research here before I bought the Burb, I knew the main problems, and that the truck is overall very reliable!

I do get frustrated just trying to grease the Damn thing! :)

But for the price and utiliy of this vehicle, it can't be beat!

It's also my wifes daily driver (makes me jealous that she gets to drive it more than me).

Runs great, good mileage, dependable, always starts without plugging in, even during Michigans wonderfull winter temperatures.

Most of all, I don't worry about my wife while she is driving this economical, reliable and SAFE vehicle.

I've never loved a vehicle before. I do love this Suburban!

Can't wait to do the mods!

When I get this one done (mods done), I'm gettin me another one!

Maybe its like kids... a bit easier after you've learned from the first one!

Simply put, I bought "The Beast" almost 10 years ago to the date with 16,000 miles on it and it's getting ready to turn an actual 200,000 miles soon. The ONLY thing that would tear it out of my hands is either some super riduculous offer or a new Duramax Suburban if and when GM decides to realy release it, and then I'd have to think twice before 'Down Sizing' to the new body style (that is if GM CEO Barrack doesn't put the stops to it).

HI all

Now i have the beast running like it should its great!! :cool:

I have a landrover 142 defender with a new GMC 6.5 turbo fitted in it :eek:
she is great for playing and towing, she has not done many miles since the engine went in i.e. 2k mile :o.

the next project on her is to fit a Toyota landcrusier VX gearbox :rolleyes:,
as the landrover one is a old 4 speed with overdrive and it is getting a bit shot at, to many rattles from it and the toyota one will take the HP and torque from the engine better than the rover one

Here are two recent photos one of the engine /turbo instalation :D


http://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b2...0/Photo074.jpg

http://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b2...nder140HT2.jpg

I will give an updated installment to my opinion.

I guess my opinion does carry some weight around here on these issues :D

I bought my first GM diesel back in the 80's. It was an Olds Cutlass calais with the little 260 diesel. (1979)

It was a lovely little rig. Got 27 MPG on the Hwy and 22 around town.

Had to work on the thing a lot to keep it going but it cost me very little to buy.

The next rig was an 82 Blazer/Jimmy 4x4 with the 6.2
Ran the wheels off that little beast. Loved it a bunch.

The next rig we got was a 1986 6.2 Burb 2500
Put a Bazzilion miles on the thing. Never had much issue either.

Bought a 1993 GMC pickup 2500 4x4 Ext cab with the 6.5 (New)
Had good luck with that rig, traded it off in 94 for a Dually crewcab 4x4 and this truck had the first of the infamous electronic injection systems.

Truck was nice but the problems with the electronics took some of the fun out of it.

Bought a 95 Burb new in August of 95 was on order for 7 months.

Lovely rig, same issues with the electronics though.
Traded that truck off in 97 for a 95 Burb with a 454 (gas still affordable)

Tried a Ford Powerstroke in 97 SOLD that lemon in 2000 and bought an 86 GMC crewcab 4x4 with a 454.

Loved that beast, hated the mileage.

2004 in the spring saw the 95 Gas Burbs demise due to a broken tie rod and resultant crash.

Then came a return to the diesel Burbs. Bought the 94 that we currently have followed by another that was almost identical. (Had two the same color)

I must be insane for buying all these rigs (and this is only a few that we have owned) Many gassers and other toys)

June of 2007 saw the old 86 crewcab off to a new home and the current DaHooooley come into the family.

Currently 2 6.5 rigs here.

I guess my overall opinion is this. The 6.5 is a good engine but it needs to be in the hands of someone who understands the little beasts and is willing to get their hands dirty from time to time

Certainly not for the individual who knows nothing about what goes on under the hood.

I would if I could buy a brand new 1995 6.5 Burb in a heartbeat if they were available.

With todays technology and the aftermarket to fix the issues they are a great piece of equipment.

Now with the availability of the new engines from AMG/GEP they are most certainly top notch.


Gotta love the 6.5 diesel


Best

Robyn

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Robyn

I will give an updated installment to my opinion.

I guess my opinion does carry some weight around here on these issues :D

I bought my first GM diesel back in the 80's. It was an Olds Cutlass calais with the little 260 diesel. (1979)

It was a lovely little rig. Got 27 MPG on the Hwy and 22 around town.

Had to work on the thing a lot to keep it going but it cost me very little to buy.

The next rig was an 82 Blazer/Jimmy 4x4 with the 6.2
Ran the wheels off that little beast. Loved it a bunch.

The next rig we got was a 1986 6.2 Burb 2500
Put a Bazzilion miles on the thing. Never had much issue either.

Bought a 1993 GMC pickup 2500 4x4 Ext cab with the 6.5 (New)
Had good luck with that rig, traded it off in 94 for a Dually crewcab 4x4 and this truck had the first of the infamous electronic injection systems.

Truck was nice but the problems with the electronics took some of the fun out of it.

Bought a 95 Burb new in August of 95 was on order for 7 months.

Lovely rig, same issues with the electronics though.
Traded that truck off in 97 for a 95 Burb with a 454 (gas still affordable)

Tried a Ford Powerstroke in 97 SOLD that lemon in 2000 and bought an 86 GMC crewcab 4x4 with a 454.

Loved that beast, hated the mileage.

2004 in the spring saw the 95 Gas Burbs demise due to a broken tie rod and resultant crash.

Then came a return to the diesel Burbs. Bought the 94 that we currently have followed by another that was almost identical. (Had two the same color)

I must be insane for buying all these rigs (and this is only a few that we have owned) Many gassers and other toys)

June of 2007 saw the old 86 crewcab off to a new home and the current DaHooooley come into the family.

Currently 2 6.5 rigs here.

I guess my overall opinion is this. The 6.5 is a good engine but it needs to be in the hands of someone who understands the little beasts and is willing to get their hands dirty from time to time

Certainly not for the individual who knows nothing about what goes on under the hood.

I would if I could buy a brand new 1995 6.5 Burb in a heartbeat if they were available.

With todays technology and the aftermarket to fix the issues they are a great piece of equipment.

Now with the availability of the new engines from AMG/GEP they are most certainly top notch.


Gotta love the 6.5 diesel


Best

Robyn

---

Roybn- Please tell me what amg/gep is. I need a 6.5 asap. Please reply or richacton@gmail.com or 719-207-1750 - anything would help, newbie(bvelectric) Thanks

AMG - http://www.thedieselpage.com/features/AMGsnew65.htm

AM General (Manufactures the HMMWV for the military) AMG
General engine products GEP

The new optimiser 6500 and the P400 are the latest incarnation of the 6.5 diesel.
Redesigned block, heads, crank. The P400 has a total lower end main cap girdle assembly plus the block casting is of a better material (so we are told)

The P400 is a lovely engine but Pricey $$$$$$$$$$$$$$

A good solid 929 or 599 casting 6.5 block that has little or no carcks and then has had the center main bolts inserted would be a great foundation.

Add to this a forged crank (peninsular diesel) and some new heads. ( I like the ones from Clearwater cyl head)

This would make a perfect build IMHO

Now if $$$$$$$$$ are no object then the P400 would be sweeeeeeeeeeet.


Missy

6.5 diesels get into your blood then there's no getting away,.
i have a MGW wannabe dually with the same fancy wood interior, consoles, flares, cab extender thingy with a wing,. sunvisor. It's canadian camouflage in color, with red interior, it has 131,000mi and recently it developed a terminal type problem, 1 hole quit working and is pressurising the crankcase pumping oil everywhere, but it made it home nearly 500mi using 9 gals or oil,.and yesterday when it was F-F-F-F...ahem,.. Freezing cold -30c or so,. after two glows, it fired off as usual on its lumpy 7 cylinders,.went to my friends shop pulled intake and lines to see if mebbe it was something really easy like a skewed rocker arm,. but no ,. so i,ve a line on another engine,.and i'll be transferring all my stuff over to make the old girl go again,.
I still love the truck,. but i,m almost ashamed to say,. i,d love it more with a LB7 and an allison in it,..(and 3:21's) I like the style of the 92-2000 trucks more than the later models,

Nick

I fell in love with the 6.5 while in the service of the FDNY.
We use them as Battalion Chief Cars and utility trucks. But I really wanted one after 9/11. At ground zero they were left running day and night with out a hitch, all you could hear was that old familiar sound purring away in the silence of the aftermath.
Had to have my own.

I love my stupid suburban soo much that I am going to go ahead and dump a pile of cash into a truck that when finished would only sell for the amount of money I'm dumping in!!

I figure before the dust settles it will cost me 7K to do a motor swap...priced it many ways..

1) Buy a new AM Gen engine and just plop it in....7k

2) Haul my old block out, do it totally right (balanced, light weight pistons,rods, heads, cam, lifters etc and so on much machining.......6500 and I still have the old brittle block!

3) Buy another suburban on E-bay 7K and wait for the shoe to drop!

I was going to buy a new car for myself, but we all want the war wagon for going to our other hideaway. Its the only thing that hauls 3 dogs 2 adults 2 kids and all of our crap.

I'm a pathetic dope......


Sidenote:
Truckie I'm down the road on the Job in Stamford....friends with several of the FDNY brothers. Quite a few came from our department...after 911 we picked up a couple early retirements from the city...Welcome aboard bro!

Here's my 1995 GMC Suburban. We had her on display at the 9th Annual Illinois Renewable Energy and Sustainability Lifestyle Fair in Oregon, Illinois.

Currently with 271,000 miles (81,000 on vegetable oil) AND sporting a new set of SHOES! She's still looking good and hauling BUTT! :D

Not sure if anyone can give me particular specs on this truck, it is listed a a K1500, but it has 8-lug wheels (I believe a 3/4-ton suspension and a heavy duty towing package.)

The paint and clearcoat on the hood, front fenders and the front of the roof is beginning to peel off and the paint on the back side panels is dulling. But, the only rust on it is along the very botton of the rear doors. So the plan is to get her ready to replace the chipping and failing paintjob with a military style rhino lining (without the grit) face lift.

Here is a shot of the insulated 40-gallon vegetable oil tank.

http://i71.photobucket.com/albums/i1...10altfair3.jpg



http://i71.photobucket.com/albums/i1...10altfair2.jpg

http://i71.photobucket.com/albums/i1...10altfair1.jpg

Even though it's 97 degrees in the shade and the heat keeps pouring out of the vents... I still think this one's a powerhouse!

forbey

Hi Forbie,
Your 1500 Suburban has 2500 suspension and brakes due to the heavier engine than the gas 1500 suburban. I think the chassis may be 2500 spec rather than 1500 but am not a 100% sure.
The only difference that I am aware of is the diff ratio is 3.42 to 1 and the towing capacity spec is lower than the 2500 spec vehicles. Despite this I have found that the 96 K1500 we have is more than capable at hauling way beyond the specified tow capacities if driven approprately . Especially since I installed a 4 inch exhaust system allowing the heat to escape and reduces the number of times the temperature gage red lines.

Our 96 K1500 was purchased in Houston Texas in 2001, shipped over to Scotland across the pond then shipped over to Alberta six years later when we moved to Canada in Jan 2008.
So I guess we kinda like our Sub too. Mileage is now nearing 220,000 miles.

That's a nice looking truck you have. How about an article on your veggie experiances?

Regards

Jim

We've discussed many times about the draw of forums for the problem trucks, but many times, the owners who don't have any significant problems rarely chime in with the good news stories. This produces a biased perception of the engine and the trucks they're in. Here's a good news I received today:

Quote:

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Thanks Jim, I’d like to ask u a question: background: I have a 1994 Chevy 6.5 td that has about 340,000 miles on the odometer, and have not done any of the upgrades you’ve written about. I have never had any problems with the truck. The turbo and injection pumps were changed about 2 years ago, but all is well, weird right??? I don’t have to drive 300 miles per day for work any more and I wanted to beef up the truck for more power... I don’t ever pull anything, I just like my diesel truck. Al Green

---

As bad as we think the DS4 might be, Al reports his truck required just one in 16 years and 340,000 miles...... Al went on to ask about performance upgrades.

Jim

I've got a 1995 K2500 E/C L/B 4by that I've had for four years now. Its pushing 250k but, I love the thing.:cool: Rides like and old buick, and is comfortable.
Trouble is, it's been left behind a little in the TLC department.
It is currently looking for new front steering components, new rear brakes, door pins, oil cooler, tail gate fixed, new boards, paint, and to top that all off, now it started to do this surging reving thing, especially on start up(pump?).
So....spend on this truck or find something else?


P.S. I may shortly be in need of a dually cab & chassis to mount a tow truck wrecker on. Anyone know if I would have to change the rear axle to accombodate the wheels do they fit on this axle?

Just thought I would chime in again.

We are down to just one 6.5 truck at present and still love it.

My experience with these rigs has been wide spread over the years of 93 to present.

Have owned a 93 xtended cab, a 94 dually CC, (2) 94 Burbs a 95 Burb and currently a 95 Dually CC 4x4 (DaHooooley)

The 95 Burb was new when we got it and we had our share of issues back then (Mostly IP, PMD stuff) back before we learned the ins and outs.

Locally I have been involved with several folks and trucks over the years.

The 6.5 seems to be good for around the 200-250K mile point and then head gaskets fail.

This does not mean that some will not go farther, just that this point seems to be a benchmark if you will.

As Jim Mentioned, folks who dont have any issues never frequent FORUMS or Chat Boxes looking for answers.

The exception to this, is of course those of us who are already addicted to the boards :D and buy and sell rigs like many folks change shirts. :rolleyes:

Ran into a fellow the other day that has a 93 Std cab 2500 truck with near 500K on the thing and he told me that all he has done to the truck is just service it regularly.

Would be real treat to tear that engine down and see whats inside.

Myself, I believe that 200K ++ on any factory rig is really not a bad life span.

Its has not been that many years ago that 100K was considered by most to be the end of the road and a rig with that many miles would be really tough to sell.

The last several rigs I have purchased have had way past the 100K mark before I ever owned them.


Just some observations.


Missy

Love my '99 Burb! I'm 37 and plan on keeping it 'till I die. Matt at Penninsular put a new Navistar engine in at 138,000 in 2007 as the original was leaking water into the oil from the minute I drove it off the used car lot. :confused: The new engine has been great! I have been wanting to upgrade stuff but money is tight. I am putting in a remote FSD with new grey Stanadyne PMD from Accurate Diesel today as the old one quit over the weekend. But that was on the top of the mod list anyway. Next will be 4" exhaust. Then probably a mechanical waste gate. At some point a performance computer. Also I want to add the flex tube for the OPS and fuel filter bleed/gauge tap from pmdcable.com and maybe a few more gauges. I have 180,000 on it now. No rust. Leather interior, heated seats etc. It would be nice to put in an aftermarket stereo with blue tooth and DVD, Nav etc. Maybe even a screen in back for the kids. I absolutely love getting into it every time! :D

My commuter is also special-a TDI Jetta!

If I could only find a biodiesel pump nearby. :p

Really hard to beat the creature comforts of a late model Burb.

Glad things are all working out for ya.


Robyn

I can confirm that it is possible, my truck now has 257000 km on the odometer, and the IP is replaced once.
Not shure when, but it was early in its life. (way before i got it.)
i have owned it for 5 years now, and i love it ....:)

Quote:

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Originally Posted by More Power

We've discussed many times about the draw of forums for the problem trucks, but many times, the owners who don't have any significant problems rarely chime in with the good news stories. This produces a biased perception of the engine and the trucks they're in. Here's a good news I received today:



As bad as we think the DS4 might be, Al reports his truck required just one in 16 years and 340,000 miles...... Al went on to ask about performance upgrades.

Jim

---

Looks like a good first post, love my truck. It's a 96 K3500 CC SRW. Traded a 99 K2500 gas suburban for it. Once you start looking there are as many 6.5 in SW Saskatchewan as the others. Plan on keeping it, even if it means a new motor some day. Needs a new paint job and bumpers and that silly sun visor shaved. Love working on it, paitently waiting for my service manual for it. Once it's in shape, time to tweak.....

And by the way, any known (or possible) application for a thermal imaging camera for these rigs? I ride a Kawasaki two stroke triple cylinder bike and it has helped with the carb tuning process. Maybe this should be a new post...

Justin

Over the years I have had the following with a 6.5 in it:

1996 k2500 extended cab long box.
1998 k1500 extended cab short box.
1995 "heavy half" suburban (basically same as 3/4 but 3.42 gears instead of 3.73).
1999 K3500 SRW crew cab long box.
(Also had a 1992 1/2 extended cab short box with a 6.2 and nv4500)

I would take any one of them right now (the best match for the engine I found to be the 6.5 1/2 ton pickup).

I just traded the '99 for a 2007 lmm duramax in February, and more than once I have wished I had my 6.5 back - I like everything about that engine, and the pickups they are in. I also have a 2000 tahoe that I pulled a new 26 foot travel trailer with, and as I was pulling it home, I kept thinking, "This would be a perfect setup if it had a 6.5 in it." With the 5.3 gas, it was less than perfect. So, nothing specific about what I like about the 6.5, but right now not having a 6.5 is a lot worse than having one ever was.

6.5/6.2 diesels the red headed step child of the diesel truck community,.
I,ve had 4 trucks now an 88 suburban 6.2 4wd,.sold to a friend who is still driving it it has close to 500kms on it,.i bought a 93 'parts' truck that another friend bought off me and he's driving it, its a 3500 2wd single rear wheel drive truck no options 'cept p/s p/b,.it,s over 500kms, i bought a 4 dr dually ex horse hauler that's fancied up like missy's with oak interior and flares, visor, custom front bumper etc,. i hot rodded the motor after i did head gaskets,. added head studs,. modified a gm8 turbo and put a big chip in the 5068 pump,. it would routinely boost over 26 psi for a year or so,. finally melted a piston,. I bought a 94 extended cab 4x4 for the motor,.($1000) but everything worked including the air,. so i,ve been driving it for 2 yrs now,.its approaching 400kms,.
and the big dually is going to be getting a P pumped 12v cummins with the 47rh trans,.(i think) unless i come across a late model stiffer block,. then i may re-do a little motor again,.
the 4x4 has 3:42 gears and seems to be the happiest 6.5 i,ve owned it routinely does 20 mpg (converted to mini gals for you murhicans)

neat little motors ,. i like 'em.

Nick

Quote:

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Originally Posted by phantom 309

(converted to mini gals for you murhicans)

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Yeah, but our miles are bigger! :D

Quote:

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Originally Posted by JohnC

Yeah, but our miles are bigger! :D

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Totally!

I got my hands on a beat up 1971 Power Wagon W300 ... worked on it a bit and then bought a 96 3500 CC dually. I love it!

There's a lot wrong with it -- hopefully, it will be a parts truck for the next 6.5 I get.

I got into the Chevy Diesel market when we had our 5th kid. We needed a car to haul the family and luggage on vacation and around town. We first went the standard route and bought a 1999 Chysler Town and Country but every car has issues and after nickle and diming, with new transmission, I started looking for something that could haul the gear and have 4wd, etc. My options, excluding vans, were the Excursion and 6.5. My dad did everything he could to talk me out of the 6.5 but it came down to money. I could buy 2-3 mid 90's suburbans for the price of one Excursion and even if I would buy the Excursion it still requires maintenance, not to mention Ford's issues.

So, we bought a 1994 Suburban with a Jasper rebuilt engine and rebuilt tranny with 280,000 miles. I've had this rig for about a year and no issues with the engine. I've had to replace a brake caliper and hydroboost but I expected that with the miles. As others have mentioned, I have issues with overheating Exhaust temps which have slowed me down on the highway but even at 18MPG I figure I'm saving around $500-$700/yr on fuel compared to a gas suburban.

I'm new to the Diesel scene but knowing now, I would have never bought a Town and Country so compared to the mini-van I love the burb and planning on buying a 95, I like the interior better.

As others have mentioned, I plan on doing my own work on the rig, otherwise an engine change or IP change would make these engines unpractical via cost.....that's why you can buy them so cheap. Works great for the bottom feeders of the diesel world.

Here's looking forward to 400,000 miles.

Liked my 98 when I bought it.

Then it cracked a piston crown and left us stranded in a foreign country (usa) with a 35 foot trailer on a mountain pass.

Like turned to dislike.

A $10,000 repair bill turned dislike into hate.

A year later, hate has turned back to like.

I don't use the world "love" with inanimate objects, it cheapens the meaning of that powerful word for me. So like is as good as it gets for the truck.

Like is going to have to be good enough, I've got to keep it for another ten years to get my money back out of it!

Still, I have less in it than 3 times what it would cost for a new DMax...

Ive had mine nearly a month now and Im still leary of it not knowing them as well. Ive owned many vehicles with tbi and vortec 350's and a few 4.3's a few of the 350's making 350,000+miles before selling them and trust them to all ends of the earth....but this 6.5 ive been on edge with driving 200miles a day. Gotta say I love the much better fuel mileage!

Quote:

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Originally Posted by phantom309

6.5 diesels get into your blood then there's no getting away,.
i have a MGW wannabe dually with the same fancy wood interior, consoles, flares, cab extender thingy with a wing,. sunvisor. It's canadian camouflage in color, with red interior, it has 131,000mi and recently it developed a terminal type problem, 1 hole quit working and is pressurising the crankcase pumping oil everywhere, but it made it home nearly 500mi using 9 gals or oil,.and yesterday when it was F-F-F-F...ahem,.. Freezing cold -30c or so,. after two glows, it fired off as usual on its lumpy 7 cylinders,.went to my friends shop pulled intake and lines to see if mebbe it was something really easy like a skewed rocker arm,. but no ,. so i,ve a line on another engine,.and i'll be transferring all my stuff over to make the old girl go again,.
I still love the truck,. but i,m almost ashamed to say,. i,d love it more with a LB7 and an allison in it,..(and 3:21's) I like the style of the 92-2000 trucks more than the later models,

Nick

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Howsabowt some updates as we get towards another year end?

The truck i bought for the motor for the dually has gotten to me too,.
its a 94 extended cab 4x4,. runs like a champ, i put a 5068 pump on it and it runs and pulls real well,.it's rusting away under me tho,..shame.
I,ve driven it back and forth between Ontario and Alberta 3 times,. last time pulling a pretty good load,.
bottom line i just love the old thing,

Still loving 6.5 diesel

Hello all
I have 96 dully with a 6.5 turbo. Love the truck and the body style. But I know there has to be some not so expensive upgrades out there that won't break the bank. Where do I start? If any one has done some mods to their 6.5 that improved powered can you share list of tricks. This is my first diesel I want roll this baby out of the garage the right way.


Thanks

Hello

A free flowing 4 inch exhaust system (Several companies offer good kits)

A power chip (Or in your case, the 96 requires an ECM swap)

Depending on the ECM program you choose, a turbo master waste gate controller would be good.

Set max boost to about 12 psi

If your truck does not have the cooling system upgrades (Dual t stat set up and high flow water pump) this is good.

A gauge set (Boost and an exhaust gas temp gauge "pyro" )

The combination of the exhaust and the reprogrammed ECM will give you about all that's easy to reach


There are several vendors that can help.

John Kennedy
Bill Heath

There are others, but these are two I am familiar with and trust.

Several companies offer larger exhaust systems for these rigs, and the big deal is BIG PIPE and a free flowing muffler.

If your interested in more $$$$$ a turbo upgrade can help some.


Hope this helps

Missy