Pangle
Wanderer
I thought I would share my latest build with everyone.
As the title states, its a 97 Chevy 4x4 Diesel 6.5 with 70k original miles. It has a wheeled coach box with the cab pass through and large side window which is great. I think its pretty rare to have the combo of diesel, with 4x4 and the pass through...
I bought it from a very small town in the middle of no where WV. It has been well maintained and with 70k miles its not even broken in. Everyone seems to hate on the 6.5 and thus far I have no idea why. This motor has been nothing short of reliable and much more powerful that my granted NA 7.3 idi. I have done 3 ambos and 1 Ford Excursion with the 6.0, and this motor is quieter, and seems to be at least as powerful as the 7.3 turbo I had in my quig van, and much more than the IDI.
According to the research I have done the 6.5 is a great motor and is still regular used in the Marine industry, however the factory GM parts seem to be the weak points, such as the lift pump and PMD. I will make some upgrades in the future if need be but right now it runs awesome and very low temps.
I have changed out the failed glow plugs and controller and changed the oil and thats it mechanically. Why fix it if it AINT broke...
Inside I have installed some floating floors with underlayment, sink, fridge, and micro. I have built a fold out bed which is 72'x40" with my custom double layer memory foam mattress.
The cab and face of the box have been painted in light gray Monstaliner, and the box was painted to match. I have really enjoyed working on the one and look forward to getting out on some adventures. If any of you have read my previous posts I usually end up building them, doing a large trip and then selling them on. I have to admit though I am really in love with this one. The pass through cab is awesome and the large side window make it very cozy inside.
As the title states, its a 97 Chevy 4x4 Diesel 6.5 with 70k original miles. It has a wheeled coach box with the cab pass through and large side window which is great. I think its pretty rare to have the combo of diesel, with 4x4 and the pass through...
I bought it from a very small town in the middle of no where WV. It has been well maintained and with 70k miles its not even broken in. Everyone seems to hate on the 6.5 and thus far I have no idea why. This motor has been nothing short of reliable and much more powerful that my granted NA 7.3 idi. I have done 3 ambos and 1 Ford Excursion with the 6.0, and this motor is quieter, and seems to be at least as powerful as the 7.3 turbo I had in my quig van, and much more than the IDI.
According to the research I have done the 6.5 is a great motor and is still regular used in the Marine industry, however the factory GM parts seem to be the weak points, such as the lift pump and PMD. I will make some upgrades in the future if need be but right now it runs awesome and very low temps.
I have changed out the failed glow plugs and controller and changed the oil and thats it mechanically. Why fix it if it AINT broke...
Inside I have installed some floating floors with underlayment, sink, fridge, and micro. I have built a fold out bed which is 72'x40" with my custom double layer memory foam mattress.
The cab and face of the box have been painted in light gray Monstaliner, and the box was painted to match. I have really enjoyed working on the one and look forward to getting out on some adventures. If any of you have read my previous posts I usually end up building them, doing a large trip and then selling them on. I have to admit though I am really in love with this one. The pass through cab is awesome and the large side window make it very cozy inside.