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6.5 TD or 350 TBI?

DavidB

DavidB

1/2 ton status
Joined
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Location
El Centro, CA
Rig is to be a leaf sprung, older (budget) version of willyswanter's. 39" Michelin XLs, maybe dualed out back. I'm liking the 6.5 TD except it costs twice as much as the 350.

Thoughts?
 
I say 350 TBI, cheaper, lighter. diesels are cool for the torque etc. but thay are more expensive and more complicated, and weight I think double of a 350? correct me if im wrong!
 
mrhoes said:
I say 350 TBI, cheaper, lighter. diesels are cool for the torque etc. but thay are more expensive and more complicated, and weight I think double of a 350? correct me if im wrong!
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Weight is about like a BBC...not double. Turbo = more complicated. Diesels run in water better. But there's not much water here...
 
K10A'sBROinSLO said:
Weight is about like a BBC...not double. Turbo = more complicated. Diesels run in water better. But there's not much water here...
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Turbo's are not complex for the diesels- the only complexity is air/fuel management- on which there isnt any for diesels (of this generation).

Diesels will run at any angle. TBI is pretty resiliant, but still isnt as good as a TPI or diesel.

Diesel also has virtually no electronics to short out. (of this generation)

The diesel motor is also more fuel efficient. More torque at lower rpm's (though not as signifcant when compared to other diesel motors, which are really low).
 
Heck, I'll pick a 6.2L NA over a 350 TBI any day. :p:

I wouldn't be happy with a 6.5TD unless I ditched the electronic pump.

I may do a 7.3L PSD if my current 6.2L plan falls short power-wise. :D
 
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Pookster said:
Turbo's are not complex for the diesels- the only complexity is air/fuel management- on which there isnt any for diesels (of this generation).

Diesels will run at any angle. TBI is pretty resiliant, but still isnt as good as a TPI or diesel.

Diesel also has virtually no electronics to short out. (of this generation)

The diesel motor is also more fuel efficient. More torque at lower rpm's (though not as signifcant when compared to other diesel motors, which are really low).
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Only the early year 6.5 werent electricaly complicated...maybe 2 yrs...

I would stake a 6.5 over a 350
 
sandawgk5 said:
If I was building a rig I would take a diesel over a gas anyday specially if it is gonna weigh as much as that thing is:D .

Ira
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You calling my truck fat?! :p:

I think the 6.5 is out of a '93 C30. Good year?

The only downsides I see to the diesel are initial cost and the "what if the injection pump poops?" Then again, TBI can't be fixed on the side of the trail with bubble gum a leatherman and paperclips like a carb either.
 
If you think you may regret the 6.5 at any point, then you need to get it. You will kick yourself for "settling" for the 350. If you like the 350 then go with it. I went to go build my engine and I was planning on a stock TBI 350, but I went to a full roller vortec 383 and I will be much happier with it. (when its running) If it were me, Id go 6.5TD because its just bada$$
 
im kind of in a similar debate. ive got a 350tbi with 125k miles on it and it seems to be alright, but the mpg sucks. i was lookin at 350 crate motors and someone who knows a good bit bout cars said that if i had a 350mpi, i could prolly get 15-16mpg with my current setup, which would be sweet. but then theres the diesel, which im sure wouldnt struggle at all to get those same mpgs. im just torn. i thought i was 100% sure bout a diesel swap, but if theres a way i can get a 350hp 350mpi to get 15-16mpg, i want that!
 
K10A'sBROinSLO said:
You calling my truck fat?! :p:

I think the 6.5 is out of a '93 C30. Good year?

The only downsides I see to the diesel are initial cost and the "what if the injection pump poops?" Then again, TBI can't be fixed on the side of the trail with bubble gum a leatherman and paperclips like a carb either.
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Nope not fat just big boned:D.

And 93 is a perfect year as it was still mechanically injected. 1994 was the first year of the electronic injectors and pumps:D. Snap that thing up yo!!!!!!!!:D

Ira
 
sandawgk5 said:
Nope not fat just big boned:D.

And 93 is a perfect year as it was still mechanically injected. 1994 was the first year of the electronic injectors and pumps:D. Snap that thing up yo!!!!!!!!:D

Ira
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BUY MY '73 :deal: :D http://coloradok5.com/forums/showthread.php?t=175466

Yah, I guess it will be big boned...1 ton frame, crewcab. But if it works out right it will have a pretty light drivetrain except for the 6.5. Home to get a 4L80 to go with it and a late model NP241 to go with the F*RD 60 I *hope* to get from little brother when he goes 'mog. No bed, minimal interior, minimal cage.
 
I've fighting the same dillemma right now too, lol

Wether to go 350, or go 6.2...

I've got good arguments for both sides, and lots of time to work on it...
 
I would go TBI over a 6.5/6.2 diesel any day. TBI can be easily built to get 16-18 highway. I get 18 on the highway no problem with my 350 TBI. usually average 15 city highway. I dont see a small block diesel has a whole lot over a SBC. I know a few guys that have older GM diesels they dont get any better fuel milage than me. And have way more engine problems than I do. personally I see. absoulty no advantage to going to an old diesel engine that technology. has left way behind.The days of cheap diesel fuel are long gone. Why spend a bunch of time and money swapping to an engine that maby will get you a few more MPG but fuel costs .50 more a gal:dunno:
But to each their own... Some folks like stinky ol smokey rattlers. I like gassers.
 
SierraClassic said:
I've fighting the same dillemma right now too, lol... Wether to go 350, or go 6.2... I've got good arguments for both sides, and lots of time to work on it...
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I'll make up your mind for you... 6.2L :D

I got rid of my 350 TBI shortly after I picked up 6.2L Burb DD. Negligible power difference (seat-of-pants-wise) on 6500+lb vehicles. Just better economy, cheaper fuel, (10¢/L cheaper here), and less frustrating to work on IMO.
 
I would go 6.5 turbo a guy in town here has a blazer with one and 40" tires with 4.56 gears he gets 22 mpg on the highway at 75 mph. He has tweaked the motor. Mabey its his gay half ton axles that help but I doubt it. From what I remember the 6.5 is not heavy at all being very comparable if not just a bit lighter than a BBC. That and the prospect of being able to run a desiel on vegetable oil and the like would be very appealing to me
 
Thunder said:
I would go TBI over a 6.5/6.2 diesel any day. TBI can be easily built to get 16-18 highway. I get 18 on the highway no problem with my 350 TBI. usually average 15 city highway. I dont see a small block diesel has a whole lot over a SBC. I know a few guys that have older GM diesels they dont get any better fuel milage than me. And have way more engine problems than I do. personally I see. absoulty no advantage to going to an old diesel engine that technology. has left way behind.The days of cheap diesel fuel are long gone. Why spend a bunch of time and money swapping to an engine that maby will get you a few more MPG but fuel costs .50 more a gal:dunno:
But to each their own... Some folks like stinky ol smokey rattlers. I like gassers.
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6.5 tech isn't too old or too new. TBI is pretty old :D

Diesel is considerably cheaper than gas here...for now...

But may I still go gas.

If it was 6.2 or 350 I'd prolly go 350, but the 6.5 makes more power.

OOOORRRR, I have a 500 Caddy laying around....
 
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