Can i upgrade my 93?

[stact_ts]

I have a 93 GMC Sierra 3500 reg cab 2WD with 117,000 km. I know a guy with a 98 Chevy cheyenne 3500 crew cab 4x4 that just blew up his 6.5. I was thinking about trying to put my 6.5 into this truck. I'm new to this and am just wondering if there are any major issues in trying this?

[6.5 Detroit Diesel]

is your 93 a diesel that you want to put into the 98? Or vice versa?

[JohnC]

You can do it. The oil cooler lines won't fit and the timing cover has to be swapped along with the reluctor wheel and dampener. A few sensors are in different places, like the oil pressure switch, but, no big deal... Keep the late water pump and thermostat plumbing.

[stact_ts]

I want to put my 93 diesel into the 98. I work with in a shop with 10 mechanics or so i'm just worried about the electronics.

[stact_ts]

Thanks JohnC

[stact_ts]

Is there anything else i should be keeping with the 93 or taking from the 98.

[DmaxMaverick]

You'll essentially only replace the long block. There are some minor differences between the 93 and 98 blocks, but nothing major. As John said, all the electronic accommodations will need to remain with the 98 chassis. It would be a good time to stuff a girdle in the bottom end, too. While the engine is out, take advantage of the accessibility, and also replace the injectors, glow plugs, rear main seal (the front should be replaced with the cover swap), timing set, and perhaps clean/paint it. All these things will be coming due, considering the mileage on the 93 engine, and you'll be in there, anyway. Not a bad job, as everything will bolt into place. I also suggest now is the time to relocate the PMD (Pump Mounted Driver, little black box on the side of the injection pump). They are a real PITA once on the engine.

Since you are replacing all the MFI parts with EFI parts, you will be able to sell the MFI parts, and likely recover much of your swap costs. The 4911 injection pumps (and associated parts) are much sought after. Your 93 chassis would be a great donor truck for someone planning an EFI to MFI swap. Play it right, and you may even break even, or possibly come out a little ahead. Depends on how much you get tied up in the 98.

[JohnC]

Is there anything else i should be keeping with the 93 or taking from the 98.

Well, you might want to consider retaining the mechanical fuel injection from the '93, but then it becomes a real project rather than just a parts swap...

[stact_ts]

I've been reading some threads here and the MFI seems to be way more reliable then the EFI. I was hoping to keep it. I can get lots of help from mechanics so how bad is "a real project"?

[JohnC]

I can't answer that. Much has been said about changing an ODB 1 ('94-'95) truck to MFI, but I don't kno how much has been said about ODB II. The problem is the transmission control and engine control are tightly integrated with everything else. (If your truck is a manual, things might be easier.)

Do you have "pass key"?

[stact_ts]

I do have a 5 speed manual but the 98 is an auto. What is "pass key"?

[DaveBr]

If you go ahead with the swap use the turbo from the 98 if it's still good. The GM-8 is better than the GM-3 on your 93. If you decide to go EFI I would be interested in your DB2 pump. PM me and let me know.

Dave

[6.5 Detroit Diesel]

If you have the 5 speed backing the 6.5 already, I would take it with. The NV4500/6.5MFI combo is something that a lot of guys like. Also, that tranny has a bull lo gear of 6.34:1. For pulling and such, it is very useful. Of course, there will have to be a few more things to swap onto the 98, but if the donor truck has all the parts, it should be not much more than bolting up linkage, pedals, and reservoirs. If you are mechanically inclined, and don't mind spending a little extra time, go with swapping the truck to MFI with the five speed.

[stact_ts]

Ya i've been reading some threads on converting late 90's auto 4x4's and it doesn't sound easy. Will i need extra parts for hooking up the 4x4 if i use my 5 Speed.

[stact_ts]

DaveBr,

I'll keep you in mind but if i do go with the EFI i think i'll on to the db2 for a little while. (just in case).

[6.5 Detroit Diesel]

are both trucks 4X4?

[stact_ts]

No my truck (93) is 2wd.

[6.5 Detroit Diesel]

you would need a different tail piece and different drive shafts. beyond that, it should be good

[stact_ts]

Well i'm going to give this a try! I'm going to keep the EFI since there is alot more work (and $) involved with the MFI conversion. The guy says $3000 for his truck, too much in my opinion but he is throwing in a set of HO injectors that he had half installed on his motor. I'm planning on doing the maintenance that someone recommended (thx) so i'd be buying injectors anyway. I'm curious what these are worth i could only find one place online for about $800. probably offer $2200