Duramax for a 6.5 swap - will it work?

[mboyd6.5td]

Hey you guys, will a Duramax 6.6 out of a 2000 Chev. 2500HD Siverado with Allison and transfer case fit into my 94' K2500. What would keep it from not working?

Any help on this would be greatly appreciated.

I need a new engine or one that doesn't have 305K on it.

Thanks
MBoyd

[tanker]

Check out "More Powers" new power project truck. It is a real project that is still being configured. I would like to do the same with my suburban. Maybe by the time I'm ready $$, there will be wiring adaptions available. Putting 10 pounds in a 5 pound container, takes some skill. :D

[toyboxrv]

The Allison is taller and would require a body lift to accomodate it. Anything can be done, I just don't think it's worth the effort for expected life remaining in the rest of your truck, but I've been known to do things others told me wouldn't work.

[GARY PAGE]

I agree with you, somthimes it best to dance with one who brought you.

[mhagie]

mboyd,This is just an idea that you can either approve of or not,but since you have a 3/4 ton rig you already have a 4L480E, so why not just stick a d/max in front of it?
Your installation will get about 200% simpler, besides unless you are planning to really chip it way up in HP the 480 should hold up,there are a bunch of guys out there running the 300HP souped up 6.5's that just aren't having trouble w/the 480.
Besides the chipped boys are taking out the 4th gear clutches in the allison anyway.
By using the original tranny that will make your main issue the motor mounts and the wiring harness,More Power and his project truck can be of help in that area.
Which ever way you go I say good luck to you, it would make an awsome rig. :D

[whatnot]

I heard that they put 8.1's in the 2001 3500HD's (old body style cab and chassis). I would assume the 8.1 usually has the same motor mounts as a Duramax. Would the motor mounts from a 3500HD with an 8.1 fit and older pickup? :confused:

[jspringator]

mhagie makes a good point. In addition, if there is a way to tweak it up (the Duramax), there must be a way to tweak it down, the way Dodge had to do with its original Cummins to keep it from destroying the transmission. I would rather have a used Duramax than a $5,000 rebuild if there was a relible instalation kit. All I would be looking for is a LITTLE BIT more power than the 6.5; I wouldn't have to have ALL the power the Duramax could provide. I would be looking primarily at longevity and trouble free motoring.

[tanker]

Intercooling is another facet of this type swap. Not much room up front with A/C etc. An extended grill etc. may be the answer in this respect. The small after market inter cooler I now have under the front crossmember would not do much with the D-Max. ;)

[Marty Lau]

Maybe it's just me wanting to take the easy and less expensive way......but rather than go through all the headaches and cost of doing a Duramax swap why not just have a 6.5TD built up too your needs up to 300hp or less if needed. Tanker had the Diesel depot build him one with many good mods for aobut $4K. Tough Guys GMC 300HP Intercooled has gone 118,000 miles with out any problems so far. If you have lived with a 195HP for 300,000+ miles I would think an engine in the 250hp range would be a nice step up and not be too costly and too many headaches to put in the truck. You also have done the cooling up grades and FSD relocate. Just my take on it........

[Kidd]

Whatnot... from what I understand, the 8.1 is a bored out 7.4.. so the mounts etc. should be the same as for a 7.4. The GM dealer claims an 8.1 will drop right into the hole for a 7.4.

'course, you never know till you try it.

K.D. :cool:

[mboyd6.5td]

Sorry for taking so long to back to everybody. Great input from everybody. I'll probably just stick to what I've got. Sometimes the headaches are to much. I don't need anymore headaches.

Thanks you guys.

[grape]

so the 4l80 has the same pattern as the allison for the back of the block

[mhagie]

Chevrolet uses the same bolt pattern on their blocks from the 4.3 gasser to the monster 502 including the 6.2,6.5 and the 6.6 diesels, aint it cool. :D