More Power
10-15-2007, 08:57
Turbochargers
For the GM 6.5 & Duramax
Turbochargers are the final frontier for 6.5L performance development. Certainly, there have been aftermarket 6.5L turbo options available for several years now, but a serious look at turbo options hasn’t been published by The Diesel Page – till now.
Clues, concerning a need for a more performance-oriented turbocharger were apparent during the development of our own 6.5TD Project in 1998-99, but the dots weren’t connected before we sold the truck in late 2000. Since then, the final pieces of the puzzle have come together to form a complete picture that shows what it takes to allow the 6.5 to achieve a level of performance no one would have thought possible.
Understanding what role a turbocharger plays in diesel performance and learning how to choose the best turbo for the mission are as important as any other aspect of diesel performance. The hi-capacity cooling system with dual thermostats, gear-drive timing set, low-compression pistons, splayed main caps and many other time-tested and proven modifications all work together to improve 6.5 durability, but without the right turbocharger, adding fuel through performance programming has left a lot of otherwise useful power on the table. Here, we break the complex down into understandable segments that define those qualities a turbocharger must possess to help the 6.5 owner achieve the level of cool-running, smoke-free and long-term performance he’s looking for.
This article is the result of more than a decade of studying the various obstacles to 6.5 performance – true 21st century diesel performance. Selecting the right turbocharger is the final key that will unlock the potential of the 6.5L TD.
PS: There are also several photos and discussion concerning Duramax turbocharger options included here as well.
This article is now available to subscribers in the Member's Area (http://www.thedieselpage.com/password.htm#features).
For the GM 6.5 & Duramax
Turbochargers are the final frontier for 6.5L performance development. Certainly, there have been aftermarket 6.5L turbo options available for several years now, but a serious look at turbo options hasn’t been published by The Diesel Page – till now.
Clues, concerning a need for a more performance-oriented turbocharger were apparent during the development of our own 6.5TD Project in 1998-99, but the dots weren’t connected before we sold the truck in late 2000. Since then, the final pieces of the puzzle have come together to form a complete picture that shows what it takes to allow the 6.5 to achieve a level of performance no one would have thought possible.
Understanding what role a turbocharger plays in diesel performance and learning how to choose the best turbo for the mission are as important as any other aspect of diesel performance. The hi-capacity cooling system with dual thermostats, gear-drive timing set, low-compression pistons, splayed main caps and many other time-tested and proven modifications all work together to improve 6.5 durability, but without the right turbocharger, adding fuel through performance programming has left a lot of otherwise useful power on the table. Here, we break the complex down into understandable segments that define those qualities a turbocharger must possess to help the 6.5 owner achieve the level of cool-running, smoke-free and long-term performance he’s looking for.
This article is the result of more than a decade of studying the various obstacles to 6.5 performance – true 21st century diesel performance. Selecting the right turbocharger is the final key that will unlock the potential of the 6.5L TD.
PS: There are also several photos and discussion concerning Duramax turbocharger options included here as well.
This article is now available to subscribers in the Member's Area (http://www.thedieselpage.com/password.htm#features).