My 95 K2500 Suburban factory ordered loaded is in near mint condition. Although, I put it to rest 10 years ago (April 05) w/470+k after the #2 cyl. intake valve rim chipped a sliver of metal off sucking into the cyl. on my way to work. I limped it home 50 miles. Pulled the head and its been parked since. I am now very serious about putting a new engine in it after many years of reading and watching about other peoples vids and their 6.5's as well as, researching other options one of which being my first early option using a 6.6 Dura LBZ and Alison trans. I waited for Jim Bigelow's book to come out on doing the swap but have since decided to just put back a performance built 6.5 requiring no mounting mods as would need to be w/a 6.6 Duraburb. Although, if I had the $$$, I'd have the folks that do them in FL for me, but it won't happen unless I win the lotto. I enjoyed watching your vid and learning about the mods and performance parts you put into yours which also appears to be a 95. In the vid, it did seem loud but you claim much more quiet than OEM. I bought an 05 Ram 3500 right after my Burb puked as I needed a rig NOW to keep going and at that time, it was far more quiet than my Burb. It now has 350+K on it and still going strong but I fear at some point major work will be needed and I'd not want that to happen w/o my Burb back on the road. I may give you a call to discuss in detail the build options and what you may provide. I still can't believe it's 20 years old, seems like just a few back when I was taking the kids all over the place in that rig.
Its running great! Very quiet, good MPGs, good power, Have 3:42 gear now and will be putting 4:10 in soon. Overall Im really happy with it. I plan on adding propane in a small amount to lower cost per mile.
+Torque655 Probably only 210-250hp the way it is now. Plan to be over 300 in future. With camper in back it get 18mpg. I have 4;11 gears back in it now so MPGs will change.
Leroy Diesel instead of doing propane you should install an HHO Generator that's from a credible company. This will improve fuel economy and clean up the exhaust. In essence it's allowing the fuel to burn more completely which in turn provides you with better mpg and a lot cleaner emissions which also reduces the need to change your oil as much. If you do decide to do this make sure you also get the proper Electronics to go along with it because if you don't your computer will read that there's too much oxygen and will try to compensate for it by adding more fuel. The electronics will prevent the truck from receiving more fuel and basically tricks the computer into reading it as though it's running normal. I'll be installing one in my 1 ton van that has the 6.5 diesel engine in it. I'll post a video of it on my youtube channel of the install and the results. I'll also be installing one in my Volkswagen Beetle that has a 1.9 liter turbo diesel in it.
i do like the 6.5 s,once all the fixes have been done ,pretty reliable, actually i think they are better than the 7.3 ford, for every day use,daily driver .great video, thank you for the information.
Leroy Diesel glad you are working on it not me way to many things no room for nothing put your batteries in the back of truck no room if you have to change anything a night mare unless it’s on top of motor
holy shit what the hell kinda mirrors are they??? lol r they old school tow mirrors?? also what are those things on the sides of the fenders?? the big black bumps that things clean tho
Your sending unit must be off. 2 lbs isn't enough to pull high speed down the highway. The rest looks great. I don't want a newer pickup or diesel engine. Mine pulled my 31 ft travel trailer and every other trailer just fine....and got good mileage doing so. Mine was a 93 with a Heathe mechanical boost control and ran great.
Where did you reinstall your radiator expansion tank? Or did you eliminate it? Am I missing something?Also noticed your fender intake vent.. slick. What did you take it from? Did you have to modify the engine xmember or oil pan for clearance with the new motor?Lastly, 18mpg? Really? With the mech DB2? That's awesome. Are you splitting gears with the US Gear unit is that you referred to? Any update on mileage with the 4.10's? Thanks so much for all the great info and support to the 6.2/6.5 "slug" diehards!
Hey Leyroy, any feedback on those piston rings? Did you notice oil life extension or better performance of any sort? Great looking truck, do you still have it?
How is it running to this day? My 95 Suburban is about to hit 400k... If ever it decides to give up i will be looking to have this P400 swap done. What turbo are you running? GM8?
I enjoy your 6.5L videos. I bought a project truck for my son and I to build; it's a 1983 GMC K2500 with a 6.2L that I'll be pulling out and replacing with a 6.5L turbo. For parts I've been able to get 2 6.5L motors so I a should have everything I need to build a good 6.5L turbo. I've heard that by using my 6.2 block I can build a stronger motor, do you have any input on that? Any pointer you can offer would ne greatly appreciated..
I have question. So it appears that you are running electric injection pump and lift pump the p400 is rated at 250/550 hp tq so any idea what it would make on say db2 4911 pump and all mechanical? Also what would be the advantage of running duramax fan? And then you mounted a team turbo on banks manifolds. How was the fitment on that I thought that it would conflict with alternator did you relocate alternator or put spacers on the manifold?
+Coleman64 Nope running a 4911 DB2 IP. With a built DB2 and supporting mods you could go to 300HP no problem. DuraMax fan move a lot more air than anything else I know of. ATT to some fabrication to get it to fit on the Banks thats for sure. I spaced the turbo away from the manifold. I think it was worth it though as my MPGs are respectible for a CCLB with a camper in the back. 18MPG.
+Leroy Diesel That's good information. After having the motor in for awhile how's it been running any problems? How does it compare to to say an lb7 duramax?
+Leroy Diesel Also this seems like a dumb questions but what is the advantage to running head studs rather than just bolts? I've just always known studs to be better but if they thread into the same place on the block as bolts what's better? And what is the advantage to running roller rockers?
+Coleman64 Head studs are much stronger, and reusable. Thats about it. Roller rocker reduce friction add some duration and timing is rock steady especially with my timing gear sets I make/sell now leroydiesel.com/products/leroys-db2-timing-gear-set/
That is a beautiful engine bay! Respect for the love for the 6.5.
Wow man. You got that thing decked out.
My 95 K2500 Suburban factory ordered loaded is in near mint condition. Although, I put it to rest 10 years ago (April 05) w/470+k after the #2 cyl. intake valve rim chipped a sliver of metal off sucking into the cyl. on my way to work. I limped it home 50 miles. Pulled the head and its been parked since. I am now very serious about putting a new engine in it after many years of reading and watching about other peoples vids and their 6.5's as well as, researching other options one of which being my first early option using a 6.6 Dura LBZ and Alison trans.
I waited for Jim Bigelow's book to come out on doing the swap but have since decided to just put back a performance built 6.5 requiring no mounting mods as would need to be w/a 6.6 Duraburb. Although, if I had the $$$, I'd have the folks that do them in FL for me, but it won't happen unless I win the lotto.
I enjoyed watching your vid and learning about the mods and performance parts you put into yours which also appears to be a 95. In the vid, it did seem loud but you claim much more quiet than OEM. I bought an 05 Ram 3500 right after my Burb puked as I needed a rig NOW to keep going and at that time, it was far more quiet than my Burb. It now has 350+K on it and still going strong but I fear at some point major work will be needed and I'd not want that to happen w/o my Burb back on the road.
I may give you a call to discuss in detail the build options and what you may provide.
I still can't believe it's 20 years old, seems like just a few back when I was taking the kids all over the place in that rig.
I hope you brought it back to life!
Wow Leroy, you have a amazing truck! So many mods and upgrades. I have a lot to learn about the ole 6.5 diesel.
Thank you, they are simple old trucks but you do need to know the basics. I have a good list to go by on my home page at www.leroydiesel.com
It looks beautiful youve done an amazing job at looming all the hoses and electrical harnessing. Its a piece of art. 🤠👍
Wow! That's gotta be one of the nicest 6.5 T setups iv ever seen!!!
Its running great! Very quiet, good MPGs, good power, Have 3:42 gear now and will be putting 4:10 in soon.
Overall Im really happy with it. I plan on adding propane in a small amount to lower cost per mile.
+Leroy Diesel What kind of power you think its making? Are you over 20 mpg?
+Torque655 Probably only 210-250hp the way it is now. Plan to be over 300 in future. With camper in back it get 18mpg. I have 4;11 gears back in it now so MPGs will change.
Leroy Diesel instead of doing propane you should install an HHO Generator that's from a credible company. This will improve fuel economy and clean up the exhaust. In essence it's allowing the fuel to burn more completely which in turn provides you with better mpg and a lot cleaner emissions which also reduces the need to change your oil as much. If you do decide to do this make sure you also get the proper Electronics to go along with it because if you don't your computer will read that there's too much oxygen and will try to compensate for it by adding more fuel. The electronics will prevent the truck from receiving more fuel and basically tricks the computer into reading it as though it's running normal.
I'll be installing one in my 1 ton van that has the 6.5 diesel engine in it. I'll post a video of it on my youtube channel of the install and the results. I'll also be installing one in my Volkswagen Beetle that has a 1.9 liter turbo diesel in it.
i do like the 6.5 s,once all the fixes have been done ,pretty reliable, actually i think they are better than the 7.3 ford, for every day use,daily driver .great video, thank you for the information.
Leroy Diesel glad you are working on it not me way to many things no room for nothing put your batteries in the back of truck no room if you have to change anything a night mare unless it’s on top of motor
holy shit what the hell kinda mirrors are they??? lol r they old school tow mirrors?? also what are those things on the sides of the fenders?? the big black bumps that things clean tho
verry nice setup! Thanks for sharing!
Our trucks are almost the same color. Nice. 298K original motor. Excluding heads.
Can you do an episode on the intake manifold and plenum please? Thank you
Your sending unit must be off. 2 lbs isn't enough to pull high speed down the highway.
The rest looks great. I don't want a newer pickup or diesel engine. Mine pulled my 31 ft travel trailer and every other trailer just fine....and got good mileage doing so. Mine was a 93 with a Heathe mechanical boost control and ran great.
I had a 4.10 4 wd and countless times running 75 -80 mph wished I'd had higher speed diffs.
Really enjoyed the video
what truck did your mirrors come off of and do you have a Web site to get parts from you. do you sell the intake hat like yours also?
You've squished alot under that hood! What do you use for the overflow tank and windshield fluid?
What intake plenum in silver is that? Very nice.
What year are the dodge mirror’s off of and what mods did you have to do to make it work ?
Where did you reinstall your radiator expansion tank? Or did you eliminate it? Am I missing something?Also noticed your fender intake vent.. slick. What did you take it from? Did you have to modify the engine xmember or oil pan for clearance with the new motor?Lastly, 18mpg? Really? With the mech DB2? That's awesome. Are you splitting gears with the US Gear unit is that you referred to? Any update on mileage with the 4.10's?
Thanks so much for all the great info and support to the 6.2/6.5 "slug" diehards!
Hey Leyroy, any feedback on those piston rings? Did you notice oil life extension or better performance of any sort?
Great looking truck, do you still have it?
Awesome! I’d like to do a similar project in the future. Awesome footage and thanks for sharing your project with us.
How is it running to this day? My 95 Suburban is about to hit 400k... If ever it decides to give up i will be looking to have this P400 swap done. What turbo are you running? GM8?
4estfloor. Hes runing the A team turbo
I enjoy your 6.5L videos. I bought a project truck for my son and I to build; it's a 1983 GMC K2500 with a 6.2L that I'll be pulling out and replacing with a 6.5L turbo. For parts I've been able to get 2 6.5L motors so I a should have everything I need to build a good 6.5L turbo. I've heard that by using my 6.2 block I can build a stronger motor, do you have any input on that? Any pointer you can offer would ne greatly appreciated..
it's the original motor for the truck and the truck is a 1983 GMC
Very Nice !
Where did you get the intake hat? I've been looking for a larger intake for my 6.5?
I have question. So it appears that you are running electric injection pump and lift pump the p400 is rated at 250/550 hp tq so any idea what it would make on say db2 4911 pump and all mechanical? Also what would be the advantage of running duramax fan? And then you mounted a team turbo on banks manifolds. How was the fitment on that I thought that it would conflict with alternator did you relocate alternator or put spacers on the manifold?
+Coleman64 Nope running a 4911 DB2 IP. With a built DB2 and supporting mods you could go to 300HP no problem.
DuraMax fan move a lot more air than anything else I know of.
ATT to some fabrication to get it to fit on the Banks thats for sure. I spaced the turbo away from the manifold. I think it was worth it though as my MPGs are respectible for a CCLB with a camper in the back. 18MPG.
+Leroy Diesel
That's good information. After having the motor in for awhile how's it been running any problems? How does it compare to to say an lb7 duramax?
+Leroy Diesel
Also this seems like a dumb questions but what is the advantage to running head studs rather than just bolts? I've just always known studs to be better but if they thread into the same place on the block as bolts what's better? And what is the advantage to running roller rockers?
+Coleman64 I dont have lb7 to compare it to. My truck will do anything I need it to though.
+Coleman64 Head studs are much stronger, and reusable. Thats about it. Roller rocker reduce friction add some duration and timing is rock steady especially with my timing gear sets I make/sell now leroydiesel.com/products/leroys-db2-timing-gear-set/
how much boost are you making and is this a 6.5 stock turbo charger?
ZGERMAN I need to put starter in
the battery says no
How did you install the oil centrifuge?
LeroyDiesel do you ssaleall the centrifuge kit?
You should not be idling the new rebuild until at least 150 miles of heat cycles and hard driving.
You must really love that truck to invest so much time and money into it. Run a gas engine and be done.
Anyone in there right mind would never convert from a diesel to gas, the diesel engine will out last the gas engine.