New to the 6.5

[David Indrigo]

Hello to everyone,
I am a new member of this site as of one minuet ago. This past Wednesday I purchase a 1997 chevy 6.5 turbo diesel extra cab 4x4 with 179,000 miles on it. I crashed my original truck on Monday and still need to haul weight. This truck seems to be in great mechanical condition. I'm no expert on the subject, but I have recently read about a thousand forum dicussion's regarding this particular engine and drive train. What i've gathered I'd that it's not a particularly favored set up and their are little modifications you can do to this engine. I don't want to drop a ton of money into this truck, but it's been a long time since I've had to buy a used vehicle. I've always been fortunate enough in business that I've been able to afford a new vehicle every three years or so. That said, is there anyone out there with any suggestions on what should be done to this engine besides the relocation of the pdm which has already been done. I don't haul anything heavier than 9000 lbs. I guess my question is. Will this truck pull it with no problem? The reason I ask is that along with my truck crash, my trailer followed and have not yet hauled with this truck. Any insight would be helpful. Thanks for reading.
D.I.

 

[ak diesel driver]

the 6.5 can haul 9k easily enough just don't expect it to do it without some upgrades most of which will be cooling. you will have to spend some dollars to get it reliable and improve performance.

 

[schiker]

What was your last truck? What do you expect? 9k day in day out or how often?

Do you do most of your own work on vehicles? Do you at least know more than basics and decently mechanically inclined?

First things to do and know.... Clean your radiator and stack thoroughly (take grill off and get between coolers, condenser etc really clean it with an AC coil cleaner, scrubbing bubbles, or other similar strong safe cleaner straighten any fins. Clean it really well. Do NOT run your engine above 220F on the coolant temperature.

 

[David Indrigo]

I am mechanically inclined. My last truck was a supercharged 5.7 2014 tundra. I will do these things you suggested. T runs very cool by itsef, unloaded. But uphill with trailet, it has moved over 220. That's my concern. I've eliminated exhaust already and gave everything a good cleaning and once over. Thank you for the response

 

[Twisted Steel Performance]

Welcome fellow southerner from the low country...

Just in case ya don't know, these are not like most any other diesel these days.. they are fuel mizers in near stock trim..

They were designed during the fuel crunch & 55mph age, mostly for fuel mileage ..

How fast are you attempting to tow... more than likely attempting 5th gear on highways??

With these the harder you push them the worse pulling & hotter they get.. in stock trim ...

That said, with some money spent in the right place & order the motor can perform better, but not close to newer diesels...

I'm in driving distance sort of if ya get stumped...

 

[David Indrigo]

Welcome fellow southerner from the low country...

Just in case ya don't know, these are not like most any other diesel these days.. they are fuel mizers in near stock trim..

They were designed during the fuel crunch & 55mph age, mostly for fuel mileage ..

How fast are you attempting to tow... more than likely attempting 5th gear on highways??

With these the harder you push them the worse pulling & hotter they get.. in stock trim ...

That said, with some money spent in the right place & order the motor can perform better, but not close to newer diesels...

I'm in driving distance sort of if ya get stumped...

Welcome fellow southerner from the low country...

Just in case ya don't know, these are not like most any other diesel these days.. they are fuel mizers in near stock trim..

They were designed during the fuel crunch & 55mph age, mostly for fuel mileage ..

How fast are you attempting to tow... more than likely attempting 5th gear on highways??

With these the harder you push them the worse pulling & hotter they get.. in stock trim ...

That said, with some money spent in the right place & order the motor can perform better, but not close to newer diesels...

I'm in driving distance sort of if ya get stumped...

 

[David Indrigo]

Welcome fellow southerner from the low country...

Just in case ya don't know, these are not like most any other diesel these days.. they are fuel mizers in near stock trim..

They were designed during the fuel crunch & 55mph age, mostly for fuel mileage ..

How fast are you attempting to tow... more than likely attempting 5th gear on highways??

With these the harder you push them the worse pulling & hotter they get.. in stock trim ...

That said, with some money spent in the right place & order the motor can perform better, but not close to newer diesels...

I'm in driving distance sort of if ya get stumped...

Welcome fellow southerner from the low country...

Just in case ya don't know, these are not like most any other diesel these days.. they are fuel mizers in near stock trim..

They were designed during the fuel crunch & 55mph age, mostly for fuel mileage ..

How fast are you attempting to tow... more than likely attempting 5th gear on highways??

With these the harder you push them the worse pulling & hotter they get.. in stock trim ...

That said, with some money spent in the right place & order the motor can perform better, but not close to newer diesels...

I'm in driving distance sort of if ya get stumped...

Thank you for the reply and input. I don't need to pull fast , but I pull every day. I will research all mods and mods and perform them. I love the truck. Mechanically the truck seems to be great. Pdm has been relocated etc etc. I've removed the exhaust and cut the pipe mid bed with a turn down. This has already improved pick up. I'll just take it easy while pulling and love it for what it is. It seems strong but coming from a supercharged tundra 5.7, it's hard to compare. I couldn't afford the tundra anymore anyway. I like the old school. Thanks again for all your help.

 

[aLpHaSuRf]

Welcome to the forums and your new 6.5 TD Chevy truck. I am not as experienced as other members on this site so I might not be able to help just yet but I love my 6.5 Suburban. I too just like you will be learning to work on mine. I too am also from SC maybe we can all meet up one day.