97 Chevy C1500 4.3 gasser to 6.5 Turbo Diesel

[97chev1500]

I have a 1997 C1500 with the 4.3 gasser and 5 speed tranny.I am wanting to swap out the 4.3 and put in a 6.5 Turbo Diesel in its place, along with an NV4500 tranny.I have got a GM 14 bolt semi float rear end with 3.73 gears that I will be putting under the rear in place off the week 10 bolt.

What all do I need to know about doing the swap?What is the best way to go when doing this swap...Electronic IP or Manual IP?I am not expecting it to be able to perform like a Duramax but what kind of performance mods would you suggest?The truck will mostly be used as a daily driver and the most I will ever pull is my 18ft trailer and Mud Truck which weighs about 8,000lbs.

Or would I be farther ahead to do a 12Valve Cummins swap?





Duke

 

[NVW]

Go with mech. IP, manual tranny and an open exhaust with a mandrel bent crossover. If money allows an A Team Turbo is money well spent for pulling and mpg gains.

Leo

 

[buddy]

Do you already have your engine?

A lot of people like the 6.2/6.5 hybrids from diesel depot. They offer a lot of engine treatments too.

An A Team Turbo is both better and more economical than a new GMX turbo, but a holset turbo will also do good with a little more customization.

Mechanical IP would be preferred if you can get all the parts.

Youre probably going to need a suspension upgrade for the added weight of the 6.5 and is the cooling system the same?

 

[97chev1500]

Do you already have your engine?

A lot of people like the 6.2/6.5 hybrids from diesel depot. They offer a lot of engine treatments too.

An A Team Turbo is both better and more economical than a new GMX turbo, but a holset turbo will also do good with a little more customization.

Mechanical IP would be preferred if you can get all the parts.

Youre probably going to need a suspension upgrade for the added weight of the 6.5 and is the cooling system the same?

No I dont have the engine yet.I was wanting to get some info on what would be the best way to go before I start getting everything.I will be upgrading the cooling system with the diesel radiator.As far as the suspension I will be upgrading the front coil springs with new one from LMC Truck for the 6.5 and I am going to build up the rear spring packs and install an Air Bag system to level everything out.

 

[mitchedo]

You can get a P400 engine for about the same cost as a new Goodwrench or most of the good-quality rebuilts. You will need to fab up an oil pan.

The P400 has forged crank and a real main girdle made of cast iron, not add-on angle iron imitations.

Peninsular Diesel sells 'em; I'm not sure who else.

 

[Matt Bachand]

I would think your gonna want a donor truck to get all the miscealaneous parts. Start shopping for a donor.