6.5l Turbo Diesel transplant questions

[kaiwren986]

As the thread says, Im interested in this. To start with, my county doesnt have emissions testing. Also I dont want a cummins, and I know a 454 with a MegaBlow Awesomesauce supercharger will make more power. I want to do this because I like the 6.5 turbo diesel and the thought of going back and forth to work on 1 gallon of fuel appeals to me! .

Anyways. If I can find a wrecked 94-98 diesel truck, the swap would be pretty much straight forward? Switch out the cluster and wiring harness and ECU(s), also the radiator. Getting the driveshafts lengthened or shortend and a custom exhaust. Change the fuel system out. I have all the tools I need so thats not an issue.

The only issue I cant find any info on is relocating the torsion bar crossmember. I know of one person who has done this but they seem to be MIA on other boards. How hard would this be? Or is there a way around this to handle the increased weight in the front end?

I dont want to replace my tahoe as I have fallen in love with the ugly piece of junk(not for long though!)So thats not an option either.

Thanks!
Mike

 

[_Dylan_]

So you think you are going to save enough money on fuel to pay for the motor swap? I doubt it.

It will probably be easier to find a diesel Tahoe and sell the one you have now.

 

[kaiwren986]

I dont believe I mentioned fuel savings as a way to pay for the swap. Incidentally, I'd save about $400-500 a year in fuel. Would it pay for the swap in a reasonable amount of time? No. I do intend to keep this for the next 10 years as a work vehicle. Then over time it would pay for it self. Not the main reason Im doing it though.

 

[Trippers99hoe]

Lots of work ,but if you find the proper donor it should be pretty straightforward.

 

[noJeepshere]

Easier still, buy a J-code 6.2, put a Banks kit on it, and wire the gauges to work with that. No electronics, no fuss.

 

[96ProCompTahoe]

i like having different stuff in/on my vehicles but i have to agree this is a little over the top for what it is IMO. if your dead set on doing it getting a complete donor would be the way to go since everything will have to be swapped out. would be interesting to see what you/they do with the suspension since your transplanting it into a 1500.

 

[kaiwren986]

The 6.2 may be a better option, thats true. And the suspension is the bit Im worried about. I take it just cranking the T-bars to bring the height back up might be a bad thing? If it were a 2 door or a suburban I'd just be able to swap in some heavier tbars.

 

[Stresst]

What do you think you are going to pay for a donor? 1500? 2k? Thats four years of fuel! Nevermind another 400-500 (bare min) for a custom exhaust another years worth of gas. And I am sure another 400-500 on misc crap along the way. Unless you plan on keeping this thing for 12+ years I dont think this is wise. JMHO

For the record I spent probably more then that fixxing my a/c but I didnt know what I was getting into. I would stay away from this swap......

 

[SunlitComet]

Unless it will be a constant towing vehicle leave it alone.

 

[TheBlueBeast]

I agree with everyone here, but if you really want to do this to be original or you just like diesel engines go for it. Just don't expect to be money ahead or have an easy job, to beat a dead horse.