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Gettin' the mods in 'er done!

BigArt

In for the long haul
Messages
204
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0
Location
Winnipeg, MB, Canada
Ordered from Heath a 3 gauge pillar, boost gauge, turbo master, vac pump delete belt, HD cooling system upgrade kit. Maxi-tork GLE prom. complete 4" exhaust, crossover, and pyrometer. High cap trans pan and trans temp guage. Bill Heath recommended the GLE prom as all I want to do is be able to tow my trailer with no worries, and get some economy.

Gauge pod and gauges are installed. Turbomaster is installed. 4" super flow exhaust, and crossover are installed. Prom is installed.

I can't believe the difference in the way the truck runs. Now it goes and sounds like it can and should :smile5:.

Next to install the trans pan and hook up the gauge (it's already wired and ready). I will probably tackle that tomorrow. It's pouring rain here today and not so good for driveway mechanics.

Then when I get a few consecutive days off, I'll tackle the cooling mod. Including the removal of the vac pump. That will be a moderately big job, as I intend remove the radiator and clean it and the other coolers as well.

Also on the list are the high idle mod and the torque converter lock-up mod. I may try one of those on this rainy day.

And I should be good to tow my 30' Dutchmen trailer anywhere I want! And at some point in the not too distant future, we want to upgrade to fifth wheel toy hauler.

I was going to take some pics, but how many pics of that stuff can you see.... Lots out there already. If anyone wants to see something, let me know. You can check my album(s) for pics of the truck.

Art
 
I think you should make a video, say, something like...maybe pulling 100 grain loads over the north hump:thumbsup:
 
Congradulations Art, you spent some serious cash on this project, and the best part is you're not disappointed! GLE or GL4 are in near future for me too, but I need to get pyro setup done first. Wouldn't mind doing a test drive with you sometime to see the difference. Who know's maybe I will look you up when I come to the Peg for business. Take care.

Mike
 
Don't need to wait for vacuum pump delete job either, not a big deal, pull uppershroud, and fan, a few bolts and done... Get rid of that turbo muffler tube if you still have it, you can really see your engine. (cut the tip off and leave the large bolt bracket facing downward to prevent it from sucking in accedently, and a hose clamp.
 
Well, got my transmission pan done. Turned out to be a much bigger job than anticipated. It turned out that fluid was getting past the seals from the transmission into the rear transaxle (is that what you call it?). Had to pull the transaxle and reseal it between.

Also found a bad U joint and replaced that. Lots of fun :eek:

Also had to "modify" the shifter linkage bracket as it would not fit properly with the new pan. Got the temp sender installed and now all my gauges are in working order.

The cooling upgrade will have to wait until around the first of next month when I have some time off. I will probably do the vac pump delete before that to get a new belt on 'er, as present belt doesn't look so good.

Mike: email me if you want to see the truck next time in the 'peg. We'll see if we can set something up.

Louis: When you mean a timing set, do you mean gears? The present chain set up is only a year or so old, and I have heard/read mixed things about timing gears.

Matt: I'm not sure what you mean about the "turbo muffler tube".

Regards,
Art
 
You're doing nice, thorough work, Art... 'way to go. Great modeling for the rest of us... sometimes it seems easier and faster to band-aid things, but you're never really happy with that approach (nor trust it).

It would be great if you could take some pictures of the cooling upgrade, so we could assemble a DIY thread for the reference shelf... we'll make you a star!
 
You're doing nice, thorough work, Art... 'way to go. Great modeling for the rest of us... sometimes it seems easier and faster to band-aid things, but you're never really happy with that approach (nor trust it).

It would be great if you could take some pictures of the cooling upgrade, so we could assemble a DIY thread for the reference shelf... we'll make you a star!

Easier and faster, perhaps, cheaper for sure. Spend it when ya have it, or you'll be over 3 years deep in the 6.5 with stocker exhaust still like me!!!

Way to go bud, i'm jealous.
 
The chain works well , there is a performance bump though with the gears I don't recall how much, not huge, based on recommendations of other 6.5ers running them GMCTD for one, that like them, I built a engine that will be geard vs. chain, have to find break in schedule to get it installed by end of summer is the timeline. Some discussion this article from online version of Diesel Power Magazine http://www.dieselpowermag.com/tech/chevy/0554dp_62l_buildup/index1.html
 
Ordered from Heath a 3 gauge pillar, boost gauge, turbo master, vac pump delete belt, HD cooling system upgrade kit. Maxi-tork GLE prom. complete 4" exhaust, crossover, and pyrometer. High cap trans pan and trans temp guage. Bill Heath recommended the GLE prom as all I want to do is be able to tow my trailer with no worries, and get some economy.

Gauge pod and gauges are installed. Turbomaster is installed. 4" super flow exhaust, and crossover are installed. Prom is installed.

I can't believe the difference in the way the truck runs. Now it goes and sounds like it can and should :smile5:.

Next to install the trans pan and hook up the gauge (it's already wired and ready). I will probably tackle that tomorrow. It's pouring rain here today and not so good for driveway mechanics.

Then when I get a few consecutive days off, I'll tackle the cooling mod. Including the removal of the vac pump. That will be a moderately big job, as I intend remove the radiator and clean it and the other coolers as well.

Also on the list are the high idle mod and the torque converter lock-up mod. I may try one of those on this rainy day.

And I should be good to tow my 30' Dutchmen trailer anywhere I want! And at some point in the not too distant future, we want to upgrade to fifth wheel toy hauler.

I was going to take some pics, but how many pics of that stuff can you see.... Lots out there already. If anyone wants to see something, let me know. You can check my album(s) for pics of the truck.

Art
did you win the lottery or something?
 
No lottery, but...

LOL :biggrin5: No didn't win the lottery, but did get a decent tax refund. The whole bill came to about $2600.00 USD. Plus some shipping, sales tax, and a little customs (which wasn't bad at all). So, all in all, not really as much as you might expect. The better half wasn't particularly happy about it, but as I'm retiring later this year I'm trying to convince her that it needs doing NOW! :rolleyes5:

Art
 
Compared to a new truck, even a new/used truck thats peanuts. You sound like this truck is a keeper for you. You've worked all your life and deserve it. Hat's off again, and enjoy.
 
Compared to a new truck, even a new/used truck thats peanuts. You sound like this truck is a keeper for you. You've worked all your life and deserve it. Hat's off again, and enjoy.

Your exactly right Matt. Seems like alot of $$ to put into an old truck...but a couple grand Art spent won't even pay the tax on a new one. To some it may seem like a waste of money, but it does make sense if the truck is a keeper.
 
A properly set up 6.5 is a beautiful thing, satisfaction that you built it, and breathed new life into it is job satisfaction well done, they aren't sports cars but have a sport cars spirit once you get them set up.

Good job Art
 
Its nice that even though they are old that the Government keeps using them that keeps supply of parts flowing, new engines being made and even improvements.

And the public losing all respect for them makes them cheap to purchase.
 
Congrats Art on a job well done. It's a night and day difference between stock and modded. You'll never regret it.

Leo
 
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