Chevy 6.5 swap
May 17th, 2018, 9:41 PM
#1
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Chevy 6.5 swap
Hey
I’ve got a 78 1/2 t Sierra grande with a dead 350 in it so I got to thinking why not put a 6.5 turbo diesel in it instead of another 350? Now as far as I know the 92 and 93 years had a mechanical fuel pump and minimal electronics to deal with if I go this route. Any advice would be appreciated! Was also planning on a 5 spd manual out of same truck as well as transfer case. As far as I know the front axle on the square body drops on the passenger side and the 90s era drops on the driver side. Any advice on a axle to use?
thanks
richard
I’ve got a 78 1/2 t Sierra grande with a dead 350 in it so I got to thinking why not put a 6.5 turbo diesel in it instead of another 350? Now as far as I know the 92 and 93 years had a mechanical fuel pump and minimal electronics to deal with if I go this route. Any advice would be appreciated! Was also planning on a 5 spd manual out of same truck as well as transfer case. As far as I know the front axle on the square body drops on the passenger side and the 90s era drops on the driver side. Any advice on a axle to use?
thanks
richard
May 19th, 2018, 10:13 AM
#2
As the owner of a 92 6.5/nv4500 I can tell you that your not really gaining anything over a mildly built 350. Fuel mileage is good but diesel is more expensive than gas in my area anyway.
The swap for a mechanical 6.5 would be simple enough to do though.
I think I'd go with a nv4500 to np205 adapter rather than changing the front end.
The swap for a mechanical 6.5 would be simple enough to do though.
I think I'd go with a nv4500 to np205 adapter rather than changing the front end.
May 19th, 2018, 9:00 PM
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Yes that’s what’s in it right now is a np205. The stock 350 in it was only around 165 hp. Where I live gas and diesel are the same price. I am wondering if my transmission would be a good match for the Diesel engine. It’s the 4 spd sm465. Nice tranny but super low geared
May 20th, 2018, 8:45 AM
#5
Yes mine has a turbo.
A sm465 is bulletproof. I have some early 70's farm trucks that still have the originals and they've never been touched.
The nv4500 is really nice for highway driving through. Smoother shifting and overdrive. It will be a costly upgrade though.
A sm465 is bulletproof. I have some early 70's farm trucks that still have the originals and they've never been touched.
The nv4500 is really nice for highway driving through. Smoother shifting and overdrive. It will be a costly upgrade though.
May 20th, 2018, 5:06 PM
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Yeah it is a nice tranny . My 94 6.5 had the nv4500 and it was a really nice shifter and nice over drive gear that’s for sure. The 6.2 had the sm465 behind it I think so being they are virtually identical blocks , the 6.5 should bolt up to the sm465 right?...hopefully?