Optimal year model Chevy diesel for swapping into my 71 Blazer?

[william_7900]

I'm considering swapping my 350 for a 6.5 diesel for my 71 Blazer but not sure what to look for.

Is there a optimal year model of the 6.5 (non computer controlled - I guess...) that i should look for?

I'm assuming the 6.5 would be better than the 6.2...

Thanks for the info.

William

 

[imiceman44]

I'm considering swapping my 350 for a 6.5 diesel for my 71 Blazer but not sure what to look for.

Is there a optimal year model of the 6.5 (non computer controlled - I guess...) that i should look for?

I'm assuming the 6.5 would be better than the 6.2...

Thanks for the info.

William

I believe the 93 was the best choice, newest engine without the electronics.

 

[kennyw]

I believe the 93 was the best choice, newest engine without the electronics.

'93 was the only year with both a turbo and non-electronic (mechanical) fuel injector pump. But you can easily build the same motor with parts from more than one year. There are better turbo's than the '93 offered, and the newer HMMV blocks have a better casting that took care of a bunch of stress crack prone areas.

 

[Wrench]

Yeah, if you're looking for a complete running engine with everything, then '93 is your best bet. If your building it, just get an injection pump from a '93. Factory turbo from a '98 or newer truck, turbo manifolds from any 3/4 or one ton, block either '93-'96 or '00 up

 

[william_7900]

'93 was the only year with both a turbo and non-electronic (mechanical) fuel injector pump. But you can easily build the same motor with parts from more than one year. There are better turbo's than the '93 offered, and the newer HMMV blocks have a better casting that took care of a bunch of stress crack prone areas.

Being a diesel rookie, i was hoping to buy a complete running vehicle, add new studs a girdle etc... and have the old vehicle to swap all the little things I'm sure I'll need. I'm very open to a list of what would be best combination of parts along with some thoughts on where the items could be procured.

Any help is very appreciated.

William

 

[william_7900]

Yeah, if you're looking for a complete running engine with everything, then '93 is your best bet. If your building it, just get an injection pump from a '93. Factory turbo from a '98 or newer truck, turbo manifolds from any 3/4 or one ton, block either '93-'96 or '00 up

I live in the Dallas area - does anyone know the best bone yard(s) to find these parts, or should I try to buy them new?

Are there salvage yards that are more prone to have these old chevy diesel parts?

William

 

[kennyw]

My experience with salvage yards has always been too much money for what your buying. Best bet would be to find a donor truck that has been rear-ended or rolled and has everything still together.

You could get a newer donor, then swap the IP for the '93 version to run it in an older truck. The '599 blocks are considered the best available.

 

[william_7900]

My experience with salvage yards has always been too much money for what your buying. Best bet would be to find a donor truck that has been rear-ended or rolled and has everything still together.

You could get a newer donor, then swap the IP for the '93 version to run it in an older truck. The '599 blocks are considered the best available.

What is a '599 block?

 

[kennyw]

Search this forum and you will find more info. It's part of the casting # of the newer HMMV motors.

 

[william_7900]

Search this forum and you will find more info. It's part of the casting # of the newer HMMV motors.

Thanks for the info...

I found a 6.2 out of a military cucv - 70K miles... for $600. Owner says everything is with it, harness etc...

It has been pulled out of the vehicle - owner says it runs good.

I guess if I want the turbo i should hold out for a 6.5 but wanted your opinions.

Is this something you all would go for or hold out?

William

 

[kennyw]

That motor is only worth about $350-400. A complete 6.5L with a turbo should run around $1K.

 

[william_7900]

That motor is only worth about $350-400. A complete 6.5L with a turbo should run around $1K.

Is there an optimal option for finding these parts (example '599 block)? Craig's list, bone yards, a rebuild shop?

I'm guessing there is no simple solution but wanted to ask in case there is. I hate discovering something the hard way only to find out later all I had to do was ask...

Thanks again for all the help.

William

 

[kennyw]

There is a member in Sacramento, CA with a 599 block who might be willing to part with it right now. PM imiceman44... the best way to find these things is from someone who doesn't know what they have. You always get a better deal that way. Junkyards usually know what they have, so a private party (craigslist or ebay usually) selling a 6.5L would be the best bet. Just ask them for the casting # and be willing to explain where to look. Don't tell them to look for 599 specifically because that may tip your hat if they decide to research it.

 

[imiceman44]

Is there an optimal option for finding these parts (example '599 block)? Craig's list, bone yards, a rebuild shop?

I'm guessing there is no simple solution but wanted to ask in case there is. I hate discovering something the hard way only to find out later all I had to do was ask...

Thanks again for all the help.

William

I have a 599 block that might be sold, still working on the deal.
I will let you know if the deal doesn't go through.

 

[william_7900]

I have a 599 block that might be sold, still working on the deal.
I will let you know if the deal doesn't go through.

Thanks for keeping me posted on this option.

William