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6.5 and power.....

496 BB

496 BB

Gasoline Enthusiast
Messages
158
Reaction score
2
Location
Central Ohio
Ok so I might be in the market for another truck here soon and would like your advice on some myths I might have regarding this motor and setup.

I pull 16" enclosed trailer everyday for work. Weighs in around 7000# and tongue is pushing 1K#. I have only driven 2 of these and was not very impressed with either but one was ragged (maybe not even a turbo if they came like that) and the other was a stake bed dually with a trailer.

My questions are

1) Would this pull very well (like mine or even close) stock?

2) What can I do as far as mods w/o a shitload of money dropped into it?

3) How many miles before they tend to need alot of work?

Basically Im looking for a 95-98 Cummins, Powerstroke, or this. Just want most power out whatever I get and I know the 7.3 has it along with some minor upgrading on the Cummins. Im just kinda nieve to the 6.5 for some reason or another.

Thanks
 
I pull double what you pull with mine (horses), its all stock other then turbo master, and dose OK, struggles on the big grades but I cant complain for it being 14 years old.. You should have said something at the meet and great you could have took it around the block :thumbsup:
 
Yea I forgot. I just cant get over how much the Cummins and Powerstrokes are still getting for over 10 year old truck with all those miles.
 
Are there many 6.5's down your area?? I think 6.5s are the black sheep of the old diesel, you just have to get use to them and they will treat you right.. don't over heat them etc
 
Not many at all...just kinda hard seeing how its going to pull like what I got....Im spoiled with mine I guess.
 
I have a 95 Dually Crew cab 4x4 with the 6.5
It has the Heath chip set on KILL with a banks exhaust and a Turbo master
I pull a 4 place horse trailer with load that weighs in at around #8K
Truck is #7K with fuel and driver so #15K total.

The old 6.5 does just fine even on heavy grades.

Running light it will do 19 MPG too.

Hope this helps

best

MGW
 
What are we talking bout powerwise on these and how much. I want/need at a minimum 240+ HP and 400+ TQ.
 
Stock they are rated 190 HP and 385 tq. You could get up to the 240/400 you are looking for with a turbomaster, Heath towing re-flash, and open up the exhaust a bit.

It would pull the 7,000# just fine even if stock. I haven't driven a gas 8.1 so I can't compare, but unless you are racing off the line I don't think you'd be disappointed if you spend a few bucks on the 6.5 upgrades.

Just my take, I'm not someone who pulls heavy so others here will have more first hand input. Like Turbine Doc said, you'd likely save twice, first on buying the truck and second on repairing it when needed.
 
496 BB said:
What are we talking bout powerwise on these and how much. I want/need at a minimum 240+ HP and 400+ TQ.
Click to expand...

Stock "F" series is rated 195/430. A few mods and your up to where you want to be. Honestly, I have driven a 8.1 4x4 dually with a 6spd and it was a beast. The 6.5 will get better fuel economy unloaded or loaded.
 
dur0maxx said:
Stock "F" series is rated 195/430. A few mods and your up to where you want to be
Click to expand...
Those are flywheel rating, loose 50-60 Hp across driveline with auto trans, get them back to rear wheel with mods as stated earlier; 6.5s really have more in them than general public knows about, which is good for us diehard 6.5ers, makes used donor parts readily available and inexpensive
 
A good running 6.5 is definately a force to be dealt with.
A well set up 6.5 will make the Older Power strokes shake in their shoes.
I have owned both and love my 6.5's
Had 7 of them and currently have a 94 Burb and the 95 Dahooooley with 6.5 TD

best

MGW
 
I had a 7.3 Stroke. I was more powerful than my stock 6.5 in my 2000 but my Tahoe would dust it. Plus like was said...Cost$$
Powerstroke Injectors=4500$
6.5 Injectors=240$
My Tahoe is only a 1/2 ton but with mods it pulled a 6600lb camper with no power issues. They will run hot though towing. I never did lick that problem but feel an intercooler was the missing link.
I'm going to get scalded by my fellow 6.5ers but if i was going to tow everyday I'd go with the Cummins. The 6.5s run hot. My experience. I did all the tricks and still ran hot.
 
For every day towing usage, it's really hard to beat a cummins with a hand shaker. They are by far the most stoutly built motors of the three. I may have to do a body lift and slip one into my truck some day...:D That's the biggest issue, is the motor is great, the truck around them leaves a bit to be desired. For proof, go look at prices of similarly equipped 2500 rams with the gas motors. You can't hardly give them away. People see that cummins on the side and get all crazy. The 6.5 is definitely worth considering just because I think they are the best bargain right now and the trucks are rock solid.
 
To beat the heat is as simple as installing a Horton electromechanical fan clutch that turns the fan on at around 210 and off at 190.

The viscous fan clutches just dont hack it in the heat. The bimetal springs are calibrated too high to really be effective.

My dually would not engage the fan until 230F which is too high.

Kennedy diesel offers a HD unit that is programed for a slightly lower temp BUTTTT
The Horton clutch is controled off engine coolant temp and not air temp.

best

MGW
 
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