6.5l turbo in a 68 Chevy 3/4 ton??

[Steelawork'n]

The title speaks for itself. I would like to put one of the newer versions of this engine in my '68. Will it just drop in a bolt right up? I realize there are electrical issues, but will the engine just drop right in?

[redbird2]

I haven't worked on a 68 in over 20 years how ever it should bolt in as the motor mounts are in same location as a small block chevy good luck go with at DB2 mechanical pump very little wiring then.

[Robyn]

The 6.5 will drop right in and everything will bolt right up.
If you are usinga manual tranny there will be the need for a flywheel that fits the 6.5 and possibly some linkage issues.
If you are using an automatic, most likely a TH 400 just be sure to use a converterm that is set up for the diesel.

I would definately use a DB2 injector pump. 92-93 6.5 vintage.
You will need a vacuum control valve that bolts to the pass side of the pump to control the modulator on the TH400.

Really pretty easy swap.

Be sure to use an adequately sized radiator as the diesels need loads of cooling

Hope this helps..

Robyn

[odee]

might want to look into a banks turbo manifold. Stock wants to put the turbo where the heater core is. We are putting a 6.5 turbo into a 71 model right now with the nv4500 tranny and a 205. The down pipe took a little work to make fit. Bolts in using stock mounts from the gasser.

[Steelawork'n]

Odee, I think the '68 frame is the same as the '71. You should do a step by step feature here on the forum with pictures and all.

So, if I go mechanic fuel pump, can I upgrade later to the electronic? I'm planning to do a total rebuild of the truck from the frame up. It current has the 4 speed manual with a 4:10 Eaton rearend. The rebuild will include all new high output electrical system so, it should handle all the cool electronic stuff.

[redbird2]

The installation of an electrical fuel pump is a little more work than just installing, actual a lot more work, you have to install ecm, you will need all the sensors to make the system work properly,

go with the mechanical it is a cleaner looking install lot less headaches on a retofit project It can be done spend your money and time tricking something else out on the truck thats my 2 cents

keep us updated on the install project

[Steelawork'n]

I'm just gathering information right now. It seems that the 6.5 is a-lot more headache than the gas engine I'm currently running. I very seldom have anything do to my 283. Just a yearly fluff and buff on the ignition system and exhaust header gaskets, check the brakes, do the oil regularly and I'm good to go. The diesels seem to break way to often. This is base on the info I've gathered from the forum so far.

So, am I missing something? Or, is there really less problems with the 6.5 TD than I am aware of?

[JohnC]

I think you're trying to compare '60s technology with mid '90s technology. Put a mechanically injected 6.5 in and run it for 125,000 with nothing other than oil and filter and air and fuel filter changes. No points, plugs, wires, timing, dwell, carb adjustments....

[JeepSJ]

I think you are reading about the problems with the pumps on the electronically injected engines. The pump drivers were problematic on those, but there are several solutions that basically eliminate the problem. Like what John said - go with a mechanically injected engine and they are super reliable and require very little maintenance. After doing a lot of research, I stuffed one into my Jeep. No ignition system maintenance to worry about. Change the oil and the air and fuel filters on a regular basis and enjoy the power and economy.

[Steelawork'n]

Ok, that's good news. With that, it will probably prove to be more reliable than what is in there. And, in addition, I will be able to do away with the old weak starter I'm always replacing every 3 years.

I'm looking forward to the conversion. I get to move the gas tank between the frame-rails. Plus it will get better fuel economy and I just might be able to get a tank twice the size of what is currently in there.