6.5 diesel swap in 71 blazer

[william_7900]

I've searched some but have not found much on swapping a 6.5 diesel into a 1st gen.

This seems like a pretty obvious choice for the following reasons:

1. Will easily fit/bolt up to most any GM tranny, motor mounts etc.
2. Doner vehicles are still pretty cheap and easy to find
3. Much better mpg and more low-end torque than a 350
4. These diesels can easily be upgraded with aftermarkets such as a lower-end griddle etc...
5. Naturally fuel injected so no issues with off-angle fuel bowl problems (not that this is a huge issue)
6. Seems to be a much better option than either stroking the 350 or shoe-horning in the 454 because of cost, cutting, gas mpg

The main negative I see is the extra 200 lbs the 6.5 weights over the 350.

Am I missing something?

Are there threads on this swap that I'm missing?

Thoughts?

Thanks for your thoughtful replies!

William

 

[DrkZide]

I've heard the best motor would be the 6.5TD out of a 93. I can't remember exactly why but I'm sure it had something to do with a mech. injector pump over the crappy electric one that came with those early model diesels. If you're thinking of going that route the "F" code VIN is the one you would want. It's most likely what I'll be using in my swap.

Have you thought about what you're going to do with brakes? Since they're vacuum operated you might need either a vacuum pump or convert to hydroboost (which is the way I'm going).

 

[mosesburb]

It is a great swap. My truck almost got one until I found the main web on my motor was cracked. Very easy to do comapred to any other brand diesel swap. The 6.5TD mentioned in the prior post will fit, but if the truck has factory a/c, the turbo will interfere with the evaporator case on the firewall. A 6.2 or non-turbo 6.5 will drop in, but there may be some oil pan to engine crossmember interference--there might not be though. A Banks turbo kit for an 82-91 GM truck will work on your application and be able to retain the factory a/c (if you even have it). You NEED hydroboost brakes. The vac pumps on the 6.2/6.5's are not large enough to supply a vacuum brake booster.

 

[Greg72]

The question in all seriousness is WHY?

For towing and/or MPG diesel is king.... No sensible person will disagree with that. Is that the intended usage for your Blazer? If not, what is the motivation? Certainly if it's just to be different then go for it and enjoy the build.... But as you already alluded to, a simple fuel injected gas motor is a really simple and effective way to go.

If you have a horsepower itch, then it will cost money to scratch it....so spend the money on whatcha like. I personally love the low thumpeta-thumpeta sound of a big block idling down the trail, so that's what I'm building for myself.

No matter what, be sure to start a build thread and take lots of "before" photos... Everyone forgets to do that, and by the time they start their build thread the truck is already in a million pieces!

 

[scotto0609]

This is funny,because I have been throwing this very idea around in my head. Early K5,6.2,5 speed and then try to make it "appear" like a factory 20 series. Maybe throw some late 70's early 80's touches. This appeals to me as a beach buggy because of the milage and kool factor! Alas I will never get to build it,unless lotto #'s come up!

 

[DrkZide]

A 6.2 or non-turbo 6.5 will drop in, but there may be some oil pan to engine crossmember interference--there might not be though.

The PO already had to cut into mine in order to fit the 350 he dropped in there. Do you think one of those aftermarket cradles would be stout enough to hold up a diesel motor?

The question in all seriousness is WHY?

Because aside from cold weather starting.....diesels are just better




Also don't forget other aspects of the truck as well, like the extra weight that's now going to be on your front suspension and the fact you'll need to make space for an extra battery. I'm personally going to go with three (maybe four) separated (2-1 or 2-2) deep cycle battery banks, but all you really need to get going is just that one extra battery to support the diesel starter.