I am a diesel newbie. I have been looking at 94-96 trucks with the 6.5L TD. Do these motors respond as well to mods as the newer GM diesels. What about the PCM, can they be tweaked substantially. Any problems you can think of with this motor? I am not looking to make 1000 ft lbs just have a quick truck that I can tow my race car with. Any help you could give me would be appreciated.

Josh

 

6.5TD's don't respond nowhere near as good from a programmer as the newer Diesel's do. Even modded 6.5's can barely hang with stock Duramax's. But they are pretty reliable and get good fuel mileage.

 

they have alot of pcm problums ive heard i think they sound pretty good but have no go

 

They aren't to bad, but not real easy power makers. Maybe a used Dmax or 99 up powerstroke would mod much easier.

 

Wouldn't do it guy! These motors had sum serious problems with them. First, the injector pump is a piece of junk they have been known to chew themselves up. Second, they are pretty expensive to replace and its something you just can't do in your backyard. Third, they aren't intercooled so they are turds(don't jump out into traffic with one). Get ya a used duramaxx or sumthing

 

I had a 96 with 6.5 and it was in the shop more than 15 times with injector pump problems. Mostly overheating of the pump and/or controller issues if I remember correctly. I gave it back to the dealer and swore I would never buy another diesel. However with the newer design I am seriously thinking of buying a Duramax.
I know a couple of friends that have the 6.5 and they still seem to be running good. Good meaning reliable and decent mileage. Not a ton of power though.

 

If you want great power from the 6.5L with relyibility go to Peninsular diesel or www.thedieselpage.com the newer 2001 and up Optimizer 6.5s that go in the hummers are also good and very improved from top to bottom like new crank better heads and so on. A small start to a better 6.5 is to get rid of the falty computer injection system and instal the old 6.2l style mechanical injection system and improve the cooling system like a bigger watter pump and bigger raideator.

 

I would steer clear of these earlier Diesels. If you need an older diesel truck get a Cummins, its just too bad they come wrapped in a turd called Dodge.

 

I've heard alot of "no, these trucks can't put down that much more power" - but anyone tried? What mods have dyno-proven results?

 

Best first mods would be air intake, turbo back exhaust, and EGT and boost gauges. Then I would do 97' up water pump and thermostat upgrades, an intercooler, then more fuel/boost for the power. Keeping things cool is the key on the 6.5L. Mine tried to run hot in stock form. They can make power levels near a stock LB7 duramax with the right mods, but usually need lower compression pistons to do it reliably.