6.5 TD/NV4500 conversion into 73-87 full size?

[sharbour]

Has anyone successfully done this? At first glance, it looks easy since the 6.2 was a factory option. However, it looks like there is no way to fit the 6.5 turbo exhaust manifolds without major interference from the frame rails and A/C box, according to some posters. My goal is to use as many factory parts as possible. I'm gathering info, this will be my winter project next year.

The donor is a 1993 Chevrolet K3500 longbed. It has the mechanical injected 6.5 TD, NV4500/BW4401 drivers side drop transfer case and 4.56 gears with 31" tires. Runs and shifts like a top, same power as my 350TBI at half the RPM, but almost double the mileage.

The transplantee is a 1991 K5 Blazer, 350TBI with SM465/NV241 and 4.88 gears with 35" tires and a 6" all spring lift front, 2" spring/4" shackle drop kit back.

What's the most straightforward way to do this? I haven't been able to find anybody that's done this.

Will the exhaust manifolds fit? If not, should I use 6.2 manifolds with a banks turbo piping kit? Can I use the the GM3 turbo with the banks piping? Would it be easier to just make a custom piping set for the GM3?

I'm pretty sure the transmission will be fairly easy to mount in, but I'm less sure about the NV241, I'll need it for the passenger drop. Will it bolt up? Will it need a new input shaft? The output shaft has already been changed to a fixed yoke.

It looks like the drive shafts will probably have to be custom length, no big deal.

Where can I find a factory 4000 rpm diesel tach for the Blazer? Did they use them on the military 6.2 trucks/blazers?

Thanks guys, any info would be appreciated.

Sean Harbour
West Linn, Oregon

[vdb11]

Ha sorry I'm no help but I would LOVE to do this too! I would like to hear how this is done too. Someday I would like to drop my 6.5 and NV4500 into an 80s M1008 5/4 ton chevy :) Good luck with this build!!

[countryboy90]

the 241 SHOULD bolt to the back of the nv4500. as for the enige, you will have clearence issue with a/c box on the firewall (if your blazer has a/c) and your downpipe maynot fit between the engine and the frame. you probally will have to get different driveshafts, i would look for a blazer that had a 700R4 and those shafts will most likely be the right lengh.