Propane on a 6.5, can it be done?

[97-6.5TD-F]

Was wondering if this is feasible or not. I hate it when dmaxs or otherwise pull away from me off the lights:D. Does the 6.5 have too high of a compression ratio to get away with this?

[DA BIG ONE]

Was wondering if this is feasible or not. I hate it when dmaxs or otherwise pull away from me off the lights:D. Does the 6.5 have too high of a compression ratio to get away with this?

Boost level plays a part here and you would have to be run lower overall boost, and yes propane can be used.

However, other mods would be needed first like better flow to intake, better flowing exhaust & x-over, gauges to monitor things, aftermarket performance program if you have electric ip, for best performance.

The question now becomes; how fast do you want to spend?

[97-6.5TD-F]

What would some other feasible options be to get hp/tq higher? I have priced out computers, do these help quite a bit? The dsg one advertises 30 or 40 hp. I think heath makes one also?

[DA BIG ONE]

What would some other feasible options be to get hp/tq higher? I have priced out computers, do these help quite a bit? The dsg one advertises 30 or 40 hp. I think heath makes one also?

No matter what you decide to do a freeflow intake and exhaust is a must and w/o them you will not see any gains to speak of.

Most common is elimination of panel type filter and going to freeflow filter w/box.

Next is 3" to 4" exhaust syatem to include x-over pipe.

From here other mods will show results you can feel right away....................again its a matter of how fast do you want to spend?

[Mark Rinker]

IMO, propane fumigation in conventional diesels is best approached from an 'alternative fuel' point of view, with a side benefit of more power. If its more power that you seek, the 6.5 has many proven mods to help it breath and burn more #2 fuel first.

Propane in quantities higher that 4:1 (diesel to propane) requires an engine that can hang together under high cylinder pressures. The 6.5 has a history of head and bottom end problems. Propane is probably NOT a good candidate for the 6.5, except in small quantities and ratios, and as an alternative fuel to expensive #2.

Jim Bigley helped me submit an article on my experiences with propane on a 2001 Duramax. It on the newsstands now - DIESEL WORLD magazine (December 2007 issue). Give it a read if you can!

[Robyn]

A water alcohol ijection system may be a better way to go as it lowers egt as well as add power.
The suggestions so far are all right on the money.

The 6.5 needs BIG exhaust and a good free flowing intake filter as has been mentioned.

The next thing it needs is good reliable control of the turbo wastegate.

A mechanical unit such as the Turbo master would be my choice.
Its simple, either it works or it don't.
I good power chip in the ecm that will let the DS4 pump fuel all the way to the stops is mandatory.

Some cooling mods such as the Kennedy fan clutch is good. If your truck is before the dual stat crossover then that is a good idea too.
The radiator is plenty to cool the little oil rat.

MY 95 DaHooooley 3500 4x4 has these mods and will haul some serious GRASS.
Im sure there are others that will beat it but it is no slouch.
I can smoke the duals off the light on dry pavement any time I want.
The 0-60 times are very respectable too with low 9's a reality.
Now to be absolutely sure we would have to run the sucker through the traps but with hand held units the numbers look good.

I can literally scare the hell out of the late 90's Strokes.

The Dmax is a different breed of creature and you can certainly gain some ground with the performance mods but dont expect to compete with that kind of Horse pressure.

When I get some kid with a new truck (Ford Or GM) that wants to play games I will powerbrake and roll the duallies over a little to smoke things up and then grin and ask if he is sure he wants to do this. :eek:

Then I hope and pray that I have bluffed him into leaving me alone and then motor on down the trail. :D

The 6.5 F can run very resepctable but dont expect top fuel :rolleyes:

I have owned many 6.5's and the 95 DaHooooley is the strongest running truck of that type that I have ever owned or driven.

It feels like a strong 454 under the hood and other than the little ratttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttle from up front sounds throaty like one too.

Be sure if you decide to improve your rig to install a set of gauges (Boost pyro)

Best plan is to do the exhaust then gauges then add a power chip (BIG ONE) and the air filter system.
Mine has the Banks Stinger system with the improved air scoop in the fender.

The DS4 ip is your bottleneck as it will only allow 91 mm of fuel tops.

A water alky system can help a little but I think that if you get this far you will be happy enough. (I WAS)
Now dont push the boost beyond about 12 PSI unless you install a charge air cooler


I took my DaHooooley over to a friends that has a 97 stroke that runs pretty good. I can get him off the line easily and all the way up to a reasonable top end.
I will not take these things above about 70 out on the road.
I dont need the grief of getting caught racing.

Years ago it was no biggy but anymore its serious business.

The short story is that your little 6.5 oily rat can stand a lot taller than it does stock.

Good luck and have fun. keep us posted.

Robyn

[97-6.5TD-F]

Wow, thanks for the info!

I already have a k&n with a ram air style airbox drawing air from a hood scoop, strait through 3 inch pipe but only a stock crossover, dsg gears and phazer, F computer with no maf and the intake plenum dremeled out. I had a boost fooler on there but it was borrowed from my uncle and had to give it back :(.

So basically if I want to get some more juice my best bet is to do the computer? Which ones would you guys recommend?

[AndyL]

The DS4 ip is your bottleneck as it will only allow 91 mm of fuel tops.

Robyn

I believe 81mm is correct for the DS4.

[Robyn]

Bill Heath told me that the DS4 will deliver 91mm at full tilt with the right programing.

If this is in error I would like to know it. Anyone with good sound info on this please jump in and add any and all info that you know to be accurate.

Robyn.

[Shikaroka]

Are there any 6.5s out there running Propane?
I have a propane fumigation kit that I have been thinking of putting on the burb. I'd be happy with 10-20 more horsepower, but really happy with 5 more mpg.
Do you think propane in a small ratio could accomplish that safely?

[ogrice]

I run propane. But in smaller quantities. You can go as much as 4-5:1 parts diesel to propane under full boost, full load. That kind of stuff is for dyno runs and tractor pulls, not for street use. The highest ratio i've ever ran was 9:1 parts diesel to propane on the street. at that ratio, you should see around 7-10% increase in power and economy(no real way to measure, just a seat of the pants feeling)
For real gains you have to start of on a good platform and go from there. I've been told by friends that my engine runs more like a 454 big block than a diesel.

Speed is a question of money. So how fast do you want to go.?