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View Full Version : 6.5L Diesel swap into a 454 '88 3500... what all is needed?


Redfox0099
02-17-2010, 07:25 PM
I just got a 1988 Chevy 3500 2wd truck that I want to use for towing but today it got 7 MPG.... ugh.



What all is needed to swap in a 1994 6.5L turbo diesel motor (i was going to buy the whole truck), I was just going to pull the cab off and switch cabs and motors as I thoughth that might be easier.


Is there any advice on it, what all is needed?

Thanks


My Truck:

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y284/redfox0099/1988%20Chevy%20Hauler/860_1769.jpg
Redfox0099
02-18-2010, 08:17 AM
Bump
93$ilverado
02-18-2010, 08:23 AM
Sorry not sure but you will probably need to swap fuel tanks also, but I think it probably would be easier to swap cabs.
Redfox0099
02-18-2010, 01:32 PM
I think we are going to cut the frame and weld in the crew cab front with everything setup for the diesel onto the tow bed I have and change the tanks.... Probably easier in the long run.
Redfox0099
02-18-2010, 05:04 PM
Ng special I need to know on the 6.5L motors, it has 171K on it so we were going to tear into the motor, I am familiar with 7.3L fords just not these Chevy Diesels

anything to look for or something that must be replaced?
68post
03-17-2011, 08:33 PM
Ng special I need to know on the 6.5L motors, it has 171K on it so we were going to tear into the motor, I am familiar with 7.3L fords just not these Chevy Diesels

anything to look for or something that must be replaced?

Cracks in the rear cylinders, the main bearing bulkheads, and between the valves in the heads. If the block is ok at 171,000 you'll most likely never have these problems.
Rocker arm retainers are nylon buttons that need to be replaced at those miles. ARP head studs and Felpro headgaskets,
new timing chain set, harmonic dampner (oem style every 70,000 or a fluidampr once in a lifetime), and oil pump for sure.

With a valve job, new injectors and injector pump you could possibly even go another 100,000 if the bearings and rings look good (or replace them and balance the crank for 250,000 good miles). All I can think of for now.

Hope you found all this out by now and have done all of these ! Sorry I'm "late to the party".