Get a Diesel or Rebuild my K2500??

[beags86]

Yeah, my DD has a Sweet running 454 or otherwise I would have done the swap already, but the old girl has been with me since she was 62,000 miles young. So I just can't bear to see a good fat block wasted. But my buddy at one time had a fully dressed low mile 8.1 with ECM and full wires for 800$. it varies with age, and miles but they can be cheap, he also has d-maxs and 6.0's for decent prices.
At one time they were liquidating 6.0s fully dressed for 300. I didn't jump on that deal because I didn't need one but I wish I would have snagged some to resell. Oh well.

 

[ktmoutfront]

Next time they are liquidating 6.0s for 300, I will take one. Maybe 2 if the next project is under way.

 

[76zimmer]

the 25-30% difference in fuel prices right now favors gas engines even if it does get worse mileage...I am going Cummins in my old CCdually for power, I dont' know how long it would take me now to recoup the costs' by only saving the use of fuel.
My 76 454 in complete stock form does a good job of towing my 10-11K #'s around my state, I get 5.5mpg towing @ 70, and I hope to double that with the tweaked 12v in it.
I know the mountains and elevation can be a killer to a gas powered truck.

 

[Smokinthehippies]

Next time they are liquidating 6.0s for 300, I will take one. Maybe 2 if the next project is under way.

Me three. I'd be in for a 8.1 as well.

 

[beags86]

Oh I am still waiting for them to start dumping the 8.1s....

 

[sreidmx]

Sheesh I can't believe no one has suggested you put a turbo on that engine? 6-10 lbs of boost with that bbc bone stock will make more than enough torque to pull whatever you want up any hill and you still retain nice drive ability a/c etc with a stock cam.. Might even improve your mileage some.
Flip your manifolds forward, do some research and fine two turbos or one that will be in the range you need for towing, make some flanges weld em up, find a fuel pump to support your needs, put a dmax intercooler on and all the little knick knacs and call her good., you.l spend less on that then a rebuild or a diesel truck and it will make you love the truck again.. You could also do a pro charger with an intercooler for similar results and easier packaging.,

 

[Smokinthehippies]

But that doesn't answer the fact that he already is planning on a rebuild to begin with???

So it'd be rebuild + boost

 

[imiceman44]

Don't upgrade it. I got 9.5mpg following you up the hills. And it was relaxing going that slow.

For an upgrade, go C-12.

[emoji16]
That's what I'm doing.
I just got one for my big rig and am rebuilding mine to put in a crew cab.
I even know a guy that would build me a harness to put it in any vehicle.