Project 67 GMC custom 6.5 turbo diesel
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So I never thought I'd be doing this but my 350 is going away and I'm dropping in a 1993 6.5 chevy diesel. This started out with me being pissed off about 10mpg and increasing gas costs. Oh ya and I have a friend that does builds custom veggie oil kits for diesels. This started with me buying a 6.2 to rebuild and twin turbo, but somone dropped a running 6.5 in my lap so I couldnt pass. The truck is an original paint 67 gmc custom 3/4 ton. Its about 95% rust free and pretty straight if you don't look at the tailgate. So if somone needs a complete motor (air cleaner to pan, 7 blade fan to flywheel) with exhaust system, its going to be up for sale. I have the engine currently torn down and have it degreased and new main bearings installed. Was getting ready to install the pistons when I noticed one was cracked.........so I have a set of brand new pistons on the way. Next up is pocket porting the heads. Here are a few pics.
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Re: Project 67 GMC custom 6.5 turbo diesel
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Oh ya check this out. Dont the old pistons look so nice with new rings bearings and redline?
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Re: Project 67 GMC custom 6.5 turbo diesel
Cool! I'm doing the same swap into my '67 C-30 dually pickup. Are you going to be running a mechanical injection pump, or are you venturing into the electronic pump?
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I pulled the 93 specifically because its mechanical. I'm going to run the 6.2 vacuum pump to operate my turbo 400, but for long term I'm thinking about maybe going back to a standard trans 5 speed OD.
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Re: Project 67 GMC custom 6.5 turbo diesel
Just out of curiosity, how much boost / power are you trying to get out of your 6.5TD ???
The NV-4500 is a great trans for strength, but wont be a speed shifting trans Not telling you what to do or being rude, but if your are trying to get much over 350 HP, you are waisting your time & money 6.2 / 6.5TD engines are ok, but arent power houses (Ive owned a few & tried to build power with them, so Im speaking from experiance) If you are trying to get good MPG, then hi horse power isnt needed & you should be ok But I dont see a 5-speed getting you better mileage, especially if you drive in town / traffic much Yet a over drive Auto would be better Matt |
Re: Project 67 GMC custom 6.5 turbo diesel
I'm going this direction with a diesel swap because first off its a direct bolt up to the turbo 400 and the small block towers. Second parts are fairly cheap for the engine, versus doing a crazy duramax swap or cummins swap. And this engine was a complete runner when I got it. Not doing any mods to the turbo. Just helping the engine breathe a little better and tossing some marine injectors in it and bolting on an intercooler. Once its up and running I'll probably play around with water/meth injection and or propane injection. This is going to be a work truck. Not racing it, or doing more than pulling a single car trailer behind it. The only thing my fuel is going to cost me is time, and not much of it either. I'll still get to write off my mileage for my business, just wont have to pay for fuel. The only reason for the 5 speed swap would be because I drive mostly highway up here in norcal, and the truck has 3.55's. I really just want to be able to drive it 85mph on the highway, without spinning the motor to the moon.
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Re: Project 67 GMC custom 6.5 turbo diesel
I suggest you look up Heath Diesel, they are the guys with this gen engine,
tell them Chris Tobin from Diesel Builder mag recommended you |
Re: Project 67 GMC custom 6.5 turbo diesel
Awesome build!
I am still in the scouting phase for my 6.2l and will be using a 6.5 turbo setup on it. I am finding a lot of 82-84's, but my hopes are to find an 88+ to refresh. I am swapping the brakes and steering to hydroboost and will stick with my Saginaw 3 speed until I get my Muncie M21 rebuilt. |
Re: Project 67 GMC custom 6.5 turbo diesel
I have the entire hydro boost from the 88 burb that donated me the 6.2 I will not be using. Make sure if you go with the 6.2 and turbo stuff you studd the heads. I'm gonna stud my 6.5 just because I have the kit I was going to use on the 6.2.
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Re: Project 67 GMC custom 6.5 turbo diesel
Definitely check out Heath Diesel, really good guys
The 5-speed is a good swap for the over drive & beings how you do actually tow something with this, the manual trans want be a problem (I just didnt know if this was a in town putter or a hauler) For going 85 you are prolly gonna want something taller than 373's so it may not tow that great... There is a fine line there & you just have to decide which way you wanna go The bigger injectors is a good deal, infact Heaths big injectors are pretty good One thing you REALLY need to do to this engine, is get a 96 & later (IIRC) cooling system, they made a lot of changes to it & without it you will most likely over heat it Also tell Bill that Lee Parker recommended you ;) He can help you with keeping this thing going & preventing some common problems with them Im not saying that they are "bad" engines, just not Uber powerful |
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GM 6.2 build up It's a great read and has helped me to avoid what NOT to get. Also, there is a lot of great info on dieselplace.com along with the awesome info board member Russell has been giving me. I'm new to the diesel concept, but a friend and I are building a bio-diesel still at his house. He bought an '01 Dodge Ram 3500, I decided to stick with what I know and got the '71 :D I may end up just getting a runner in there for now and building a monster motor or saving for a Duramax/Allison combo as an upgrade later. Being on a tight budget sucks, but it's worth it. |
Re: Project 67 GMC custom 6.5 turbo diesel
Jimmy,
Good call on that article. I read it after the fact and the 88 6.2 I have is a v-belt motor. We aren't sure what to do with it now and were thinking about finding a shoe box nova wagon and leaving the diesel stock and just pulling mpg on the cheap with it. Ya it took us a few pitchers of sierra nevada to come up with that one. |
Re: Project 67 GMC custom 6.5 turbo diesel
Spray-bomb I've seen a few of these updated cooling set ups on ebay and wasnt sure about them. Its good to hear another opinion on it. My question is, how much of it do I need? Any good articles out there I can digest? For injectors I got a set of marine nozzles and am having my diesel guru buddy do the tear down-clean-rebuild for me. I'm still lost tho..............where is Health Diesel? Web? Brick-n-Morter? both?
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Re: Project 67 GMC custom 6.5 turbo diesel
Here a few of the better sources for parts including Heath's site. I recommend a DSG main girdle if you plan on turning up the boost. I also recommend a set of fast heat glow plugs aand manual controller. These engines are actually easy to get first generation Duramax numbers out of (300HP/500TQ range) if you change the pistons to 18 : 1. Tim (Special-K) has a Peninsula 300HP 6.5 in one of his trucks.
http://www.ssdieselsupply.com/ http://www.heathdiesel.com/ http://www.dieselservices.com/html/g...iesel-special/ http://www.marinepowerusa.com/diesel.html http://www.peninsularengine.com/ |
Re: Project 67 GMC custom 6.5 turbo diesel
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The problem with the 18:1 engines, is that they are harder to start & arent as dependable
here is Heath Diesel http://www.heathdiesel.com/ I beleive they changed the thermostat housing & the water pump, but I dont remember if there is more or not |
Re: Project 67 GMC custom 6.5 turbo diesel
Thanx guys for the links. I'll check them out for sure as this is really my first venture into diesel engines. Was planning on manual controler for the glow plugs, but hadn't thought about anything other than stock plugs. Since the pics show where I'm at as of today (just degreased the heads and parts yesterday) I may look into the girdle. I'm also thinking of a fulidampr as my balancer is showing signs of wear.
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Re: Project 67 GMC custom 6.5 turbo diesel
Yeah my dad had a harmonic balancer go out on his truck & it was actually hitting the block making a knock that we thought we had toasted the engine :lol:
I got under it with a light while it was running & found it tho :D |
Re: Project 67 GMC custom 6.5 turbo diesel
Mal,
What are you going to use for a wiring harness(motor)? |
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Well its been a little slow going this week. I got my new set of pistons on Monday, and just got the rotating assembly back together and in the motor Thursday. Next up will be some pocket porting on the heads. Port match the intake and heads. Valve job and reassembly. Install the stud kit and flop the heads on it.
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Re: Project 67 GMC custom 6.5 turbo diesel
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I got a little busy on this thing the last couple days. I needed some time away from my business 24/7 schedule. Obviously from the pics I have quite a bit of the motor together. We tweaked the injection pump to put a little more juice out. Studded the top end of the motor. Threw a new timing gearset on. Beadblasted the intake and front engine cover. Painted it chevy orange to go with its new surroundings. I'm now waiting for the lower end girdle kit and the dmax fan, H/O water pump and 180 hi flow thermostat to show up before I bolt up the oil pan and toss the accessories back on. I was going to add a fluidampr to it but I've deceided to hold off for a little while because I still need to purchase the intercooler and piping kit. Maybe once I've sold the ranger I'll pony up the cash for the fluidampr. In the mean time I'll be tearing the front clip off the gmc pictured and removing the vacuum power brakes, engine, trans, and heater dog house. I'll give it all a bath and paint up all the tin under the hood.
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Looks great! These engines look better with a color besides the factory black. I'm going with Detroit Diesel alpine green on mine since thewy were designed by Detroit. That's the color Detroit was using in '67 when the truck was built, so I felt it was fitting.
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Re: Project 67 GMC custom 6.5 turbo diesel
Thats pretty sweet. My buddy wanted me to find a pair of old chevrolet scripted valve covers so he could cut the chevrolet out and graft it onto the drivers side valve cover for me, but that would have stretched my patience too much. I really wanted it to be chevy orange RIGHT NOW!!! I'll post more pics once I get the rest of the stuff bolted on and once I start tearing apart my truck.
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Re: Project 67 GMC custom 6.5 turbo diesel
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Ok so its getting really close to D day. I'm actually trying to drop the motor this weekend. My stud girdle kit was delayed, but they took care of me and shipped it expediated on their dime. I got my waterpump (from SSdiesel supply) bolted up, started bolting up the accessories, painted the exhaust manifolds, got a D-max clutch fan for it (from ssdiesel supply), and backed the truck into its hole and pulled the front clip. For you guys east of the Rockies this should make you jealous. I unbolted everything with a 1/4 drive, 3/8 drive ratchet, hand wrenches, and a screwdriver. Had the bumper and clip off it in about an hour, to hour and a half. So the engine with everything on it needs to be sold. The power brake system needs to be sold and I need to pull the entire heater out of the truck. I'll cut a peice to cover and bolt up to the firewall to cover the heater holes, I'll install a cable driven throttle, and intall a full hydroboost system for the brakes. So here's the pics.
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Re: Project 67 GMC custom 6.5 turbo diesel
Subscribed! When I get back from vacation, I'm going to be putting mine in. It is on the stand, assembled and ready to put in. I've pretty decided to intercool mine as well to help with towing, so I'll have to plumb that also.
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Re: Project 67 GMC custom 6.5 turbo diesel
What are your plans for the radiator?
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Re: Project 67 GMC custom 6.5 turbo diesel
I'm going to run a stock 4 core and see how that does. I'm going to run an external oil cooler, that I grabbed from the 93 donor truck. I was thinking about pulling the stone guard out and and building an air scoop so that it pushes air up, that way I can lay the trans and engine oil coolers down flat, and blow air UP through them, as the intercooler is going to take up some real estate behind the grill.
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Re: Project 67 GMC custom 6.5 turbo diesel
Awesome color, I was looking to paint my 6.2L classic orange as well. I should have my motor on the stand on Saturday with any luck.
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Yesterday sucked! The easiest thing I did was strip the engine, trans, heater, and vac brakes from the truck. After that it was down hill. I got the main girdle kit and instead of receiving 6 12MM arp washers, I got 4 and 2 10MM arp washers. Needless to say those things are hard as hell, so 2 hours and 4 drill bits later, I had an extra pair of 12MM washers. I would have just waited for them to send me the right crap but I'm trying to get the engine and trans in the truck Saturday. So waiting for the extra stuff to come down from Canada was not an option. Does anyone need this 350? It comes with everything attached to it except the wiring harness, and trans!!!! I even have a set of headers and exhaust systme that I'm no longer in need of. Friday I'll be yanking the original throttle out of the truck and blowing some new holes in the firewall for the cable throttle, bolting up the oil pan, and exhaust manifolds and getting ready to drop the drive train back in.
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Ok so people have aparantly found some money they couldnt spend on vacation but could on ebay because I got really busy again, and this project took a back seat. The engine has been "sitting" in its new home for about 2 weeks or so now. I found the factory small block towers and small block mounts were not going to work. I swiped a pair of towers and mounts from a 73-87 truck and those are really close. I have to hack up the frame to make the engine sit down in the cradle but f'it I'm going to weld the towers to the frame and x-member anyways. I figure if this doesnt work out I'm going to have a fit and part the truck out. With the procedes from that I can put a pretty nice big block in my chevelle. Anyways this is where I'm at and just as soon as things start to go my way again I'm sure I'll put a smile back on. Looks kinda neat sitting there tho.
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Re: Project 67 GMC custom 6.5 turbo diesel
What was keep the small block towers and mounts from working?
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Manufactured some free time this week to cut and grind what needed to be (and then some) and get the engine nestled into its new home. Sorta. Everything is marked and the engine is resting there, but I need to pull it back out and have the towers welded down. I'll detail pics of my ugly cutting/hacking job on the frame and after everything is welded in and what I had to clearance on the th400 and maybe the frame to get the crossover tube to fit. Factory heat shields are a definate no-no on this project. No room for the studs or the tin. Hopefully I'll have the 6.5 in its final resting place pretty soon. Pics to follow.
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Re: Project 67 GMC custom 6.5 turbo diesel
Thanks! I appreciate the heads up on the SBC mounts. I'll post better pics when I get it back in, but the BBC mounts put raise it enough that the heatshields and would actually fit. I have the studded manifold bolts, and they are nearly an inch away from the frame. Your mounts may be stronger. How will the 67-71 mount hold up? - that may be another story. We'll see...;)
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Re: Project 67 GMC custom 6.5 turbo diesel
Ok so its been a damn long while since I've posted some updates. Engine and trans are finally mounted in their final resting place. I have my intercooler and piping kit in hand, and the core bolted back to the front so I can mock up mounts and create some new holes for pipes. I started playing around with exhaust ideas and come to the conclusion that i'm going to have to modify the 93 down tube and run on the outside of the frame rail. This will force me to cut my inner fender and fab up somthing to fill the hole if necissary. I also have the hydro boost bolted up and only have a few issues to clear up there. I also need to determine if I need to shave my duramax fan as its damn close to the very front x-member on the frame, or shave the x-member. So far things have started moving along again and my buddy thinks we should be ready to fire it up in a few weeks to make sure the engine runs. I'm thinking that if we fire it in January, I'm doing good. I should have some new pics of engine mounts, hydroboost and other up soon.
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Re: Project 67 GMC custom 6.5 turbo diesel
:wop:
I would shave my X-member before I even touched that fan ;) Hope it all goes well I noticed that you used studs to bolt your head down, thats a really good upgrade on these things That with the intercooler & the 97 cooling system, should make this thing a pretty darn good engine & last a while BTW, love the VW bus :D |
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Yeah, I figured out that exhaust problem myself! I did give me a good excuse to fab up a full 4" exhaust system!:lol: |
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