engine options

[white90burb]

So now that im having a lot of issues with my tbi motor electrical wise im really determined to find a new route to go. ive narrowed it down to either 6.0 ls or a p400 6.5 diesel. I'm mainly interested in what you guys think will be easier/better to swap in the certain areas. Truck will be used for long distance travel both on road and long trails. Fuel economy is what is pushing me towards the diesel side. Also less electrical components. But when I do the swap I'm looking to add cruise control and ac along with a couple other modern amenities depending on which engine I choose. I know the 6.0 if I choose dbw will be fairly simply to add cruise control, but I'm not sure how the diesels work with that. Ac shouldn't be hard to figure out on either side.

Also which ever way I choose will be brand new. No used engines. That being said getting all the accessories will be a chore. How difficult will it be tracking down brackets for either engine? Keep in mind I will want serp belt set up for the 6.5 if I go that route.

Another thing drivability wise. I've never driven a 6.2/6.5 but I do have a 09 2500hd with a 6.0 that I drive every day for work. How do the 2 compare with rpm ranges and shifting and such. Keep in mind this will be backed by nv4500. I know the diesels have a lower red line but is normal driving much different between the 2? I know my 2500 is thirsty especially once I have all my tools and ladders on it. 10mpg Even when I had it empty and I did a little trail ride last weekend was around 8mpg over 150 or so miles. Are the diesels that much better like I've heard?

 

[76k5blazerr]

I think you would be much happier with the 6.0 ls, and there is no reason not to buy a used one with around 120k or less on it, hear it run before you buy it and you can usually pick them up for 1000 bucks with the harness and computer. Then you have all your accessories. I bought a 2006 chevy 3500 van, 120k miles for 600 bucks, drove it home and pulled the 6.0/4l80, then scrapped the van and got 100 bucks back. Deals like this are everywhere if you look hard enough and the LS is a fantastic engine and probably easier to swap in to your truck than any diesel.

 

[Bent77]

So now that im having a lot of issues with my tbi motor electrical wise im really determined to find a new route to go. ive narrowed it down to either 6.0 ls or a p400 6.5 diesel. I'm mainly interested in what you guys think will be easier/better to swap in the certain areas. Truck will be used for long distance travel both on road and long trails. Fuel economy is what is pushing me towards the diesel side. Also less electrical components. But when I do the swap I'm looking to add cruise control and ac along with a couple other modern amenities depending on which engine I choose. I know the 6.0 if I choose dbw will be fairly simply to add cruise control, but I'm not sure how the diesels work with that. Ac shouldn't be hard to figure out on either side.

Also which ever way I choose will be brand new. No used engines. That being said getting all the accessories will be a chore. How difficult will it be tracking down brackets for either engine? Keep in mind I will want serp belt set up for the 6.5 if I go that route.

Another thing drivability wise. I've never driven a 6.2/6.5 but I do have a 09 2500hd with a 6.0 that I drive every day for work. How do the 2 compare with rpm ranges and shifting and such. Keep in mind this will be backed by nv4500. I know the diesels have a lower red line but is normal driving much different between the 2? I know my 2500 is thirsty especially once I have all my tools and ladders on it. 10mpg Even when I had it empty and I did a little trail ride last weekend was around 8mpg over 150 or so miles. Are the diesels that much better like I've heard?

A Cummins, yes.

Otherwise go LS

 

[lt1fire]

money-wise its a no brainier... used 6.0's can be had for cheap.

I've never seen a used P400 for sale and new they are around 7200.

Both are good motors with pros and cons.

 

[rpcraft]

I think a cummins would be awesome, or a dmax, but there is probably going to be a fair amount of custom motor mounts just to start with. If you don't have that capability then the LS is a far better swap because there are already several providers for swap parts that are all pretty much bolt on. Depending on how deep your pockets are you can make it all bolt on in fact (wiring harness and fiddly bits).

 

[wetoolowdingbangow]

Cummins for the mileage and anti liberal smoke signals.

 

[Barrman]

The GMT 400 trucks had a non vacuum electronic cruise module. Most junk yards have them for around $30.00. Get the wiring harness and it is very much plug and play on the square body trucks.

Here is a link to an article about making a 6.5 run on a mechanical IP. Page 27 or so tells you exactly how to hook up the cruise. Same principle applies if you go gas engine.

http://www.kozykalpacas.com/DIESEL/DB2 Conv Guide.pdf

I am in the process of putting a GEP 6500 with a banks turbo in a 87 V2500 Suburban. I love diesel, but the cost are a lot higher than gas. Especially when you get into exhaust, fuel system, transmission, etc...