Detroit Diesel Build

[ExpoFeast]

This is my first post. Just thought I would introduce myself. I've searched around here a bit as a visitor and finally purchased a vehicle I deem worthy of expedition travel. A 1998 GMC K1500 6.5L Diesel. Although these engine have had there issues with a few simple upgrades they can be great, long lasting and simple to maintain/work on. Its going to be a slow build, like everyone else, but it should be a lot of fun. Im starting with addressing the reliability of the engine and fixing up the little details of the truck then a full on build.

Short term plans include:
Larger diameter exhaust and downpipe DONE Pg. 1
PMD relocation DONE Pg. 3
New Injectors
Leveling Kit with Bilsteins Scrapped, Collecting Parts for SAS
Tires and Wheels DONE Pg. 2
Driving Lights Mounted Pg. 3, Still need to wire relay and switch
Steering Stabalizer DONE
Tool Box

Long term plans:
Solid axle swap
F250 HP dana 44 with Chevy 6 lug outers
Front winch bumper
Rear bumper
Sliders
Bed cage and rtt

Ill try to post details and pictures along the way. Im really excited about starting this truck. The goal is to keep fuel mileage as high as possible and total height to a minimum. Even with the sas I would only like to fit 33's and I am willing to trim. Please feel free to comment or give suggestions. I would love the input.

-Tyler

 

[shovelbill]

for all that work it really doesn't pay to go with a 44 in the rear. a semi floating 14 bolt would be easy to find in a 4.10 ratio for those 33's.

here's a decent resource for diesel stuff: http://www.dieselbombers.com/chevy-gmc-6-2l-6-5l/

google AMG P400......top of the line 6.5.

 

[ExpoFeast]

Thanks for the reply. I'm thinking 44's for clearance, especially with smaller tires and also for parts availability. I actually already have a semi float 14 bolt and it's great but somewhat rare and very large. Id like to keep this a half ton truck for sure. I really appreciate the forum recommendation. I've also been spending alot of time on the dieselplace 6.5l forum.

-Tyler

 

[Rot Box]

6.5's in stock form breath and exhale through a straw. They benefit greatly from an intake and exhaust. The PMD relocation is mandatory imo and make sure you get the kit that isolates it from the engine bay! Like the one Heath sells. The kits that bolts it to the intake manifold with a heat sink actually build more heat--ask me how I know!

The semi float 14B is a winner. You will greatly sacrifice strength for a little less weight and ground clearance imo.

Post up some pics! :bike_rider:

 

[ExpoFeast]

 

[chilliwak]

Welcome to the forum Montana! I think your truck has a lot of potential. I agree with everyone else, go with the 14 bolt.:iagree: I look forward to following the build and please keep us posted with pics. I love pics!

 

[Bullseye240]

http://www.thetruckstop.us/forum/forum.php

Best place for 6.5 info around. Great bunch of guy's and gals over there to help you out. They have helped me put over 225,000 miles on mine so far. It would be a lot more, but I don't daily access to my truck right now.

 

[ExpoFeast]

Got the exhaust done today. 4" Diamond Eye with no muffler. Im going to try it out for a day or so and see if there is any noticable drone. The exhaust went on really easy. It is meant for the 2500/3500 but fit the 1500 with only minor modifications (I had to make one hanger). The 6.5L isnt a quiet animal to begin with but Im not sure how loud it will be. Ill try to post up some pictures of the under carraige this weekend and I should have a video as well. But for now all I have is a picture of the new pipe.

-Tyler

 

[Rot Box]

Did you replace the down pipe as well? Most (especially the 1500-LD2500's) are nearly pinched off.

I thought mine would be loud as well so I added a muffler. Later down the road I removed the muffler and loved the way it sounded even cruising on the freeway.

Btw nice truck!

 

[ExpoFeast]

Thanks. I did do the downpipe and it was very restricted. I just drove home with the exhaust and I barely noticed a difference over stock as far as noise. Noticeable power difference though and I imagine it will really lower egt's.

-Tyler

 

[dragogt]

http://www.thetruckstop.us/forum/forum.php

Best place for 6.5 info around. Great bunch of guy's and gals over there to help you out. They have helped me put over 225,000 miles on mine so far. It would be a lot more, but I don't daily access to my truck right now.

Did you replace the down pipe as well? Most (especially the 1500-LD2500's) are nearly pinched off.

I thought mine would be loud as well so I added a muffler. Later down the road I removed the muffler and loved the way it sounded even cruising on the freeway.

Btw nice truck!

X2 to both of these..

The down pipe is one the Best single mods you can do to 6.5...

 

[85CUCV]

I'm running a 6 lug 14 bolt semi float in my M1009 Blazer from a 94 Chevy light duty 3/4 ton. Relocated the spring perches and converted to disk brakes. I'm running a detroit and 4:10 gears. I like the clearance on my 33's. It is stout enough for my needs.

Dan

 

[ExpoFeast]

Well I got a few things done this weekend. Oil change with Royal Purple and a K&N filter. I can hear the difference in how she starts and runs already. Its amazing how much better an engine feels with synthetic oil. I also shot a video of the exhaust tone out the back.

-Tyler

Exhaust Video

 

[ExpoFeast]

So I put my new tires and rims on today. 17x8 cragar soft 8's with some 255/75r17 jeep jk rubicon bfg mt take offs. I found the tires on craigslist for $200 with only 500 miles on them. They are load range c so I had to max them out at 50 psi but they meet the oe requirements.

-Tyler

 

[Sock Puppet]

Looks great! That's a heckuva deal on those tires!