6.5, 6.6, or turbo 4.8

[Speedyd]

So a guy i know has a 83 k10 regular cab long box, from the factory it came with a 6.2 diesel. The truck now has a 4.8 with a turbo on it, but the turbo setup is not very good. Long story there at least 3 cases of beer needed for that one. He wants a diesel basck in it. He really wants an optimizer or p400 but the 400 is more than he can spend. But he also wants around 400rwhp which isn't something a 6.5 can handle. So that brings us to the 6.6 duramax do y'all think that headache of getting it in and strengthening the frame is worth it, or redo the 4.8 and run with it? Also what would be realistic hp and torque for a built 6.5 that will last?

 

[Will L.]

If he cant afford a p400, he cant afford to build a normal 6.5 to that power level.
He also couldn’t afford a dmax unless he finds a junkyard truck deal.

The truck frame IF in good condition will handle stock dmax as long as not L5P.

Turbo4.8?

 

[Speedyd]

That's what i figured on the 6.5. I've found a few lb7 around here for about 5 to 7k on the cheap side. A guy he knows allows wanted to do an ls swap in a square body. It was supposed to be a 5.3 with turbo the 5.3 was junk so it became a 4.8 with a turbo again long story there.

 

[btfarm]

I'd suggest a 6.0 LS gasser with 4L80 out of the bone yard.

 

[Speedyd]

If it stays a gasser it will stay the 4.8 tell that blows up. Just the tune in it will have to get fixed and the homemade turbo exhaust manifold will get replaced with a better set.

 

[THEFERMANATOR]

MANY MANY people have pushed stock 4.8's to some pretty insane power numbers. Stock early rods(pressed pins, 99-03/04) are said to be good for low 600's, later rods(floating pins) are said to be good to over 800hp if you keep the timing sane. There's no way I would go diesel today unless I was dead set on it to be different, or needed it to tow. Not when you can pick up lq4's for under a grand, and build 600hp on a budget.

 

[Duvall]

Here is a older Hot Rod article.

Very good read with a twist at the end.

Stock GM LS Engine - Big Bang Theory - Hot Rod Magazine

Stock GM LS Engine - Take the Stock GM LS Engine. We are trying to learn everything about it's limits and we will tell you the results. - Hot Rod Magazine

www.hotrod.com