bowtiebutler956 166 #1 Posted June 20, 2014 I know its been awhile since I've posted, but I've been busy with my latest project. I've been looking for a work truck to replace my work van. Nothing fancy, just a nice big truck that I can mount my air compressor, generator, and other tools in. I found a 1993 Chevrolet K2500 4WD, 6.5 Turbo Diesel, with the engine taken apart. It has a decent interior, and the body is fair. It will make a perfect work truck. One that I can do whatever with, and not have to worry about scratches, and other things happening to it. I've given the engine a going thru. Replaced the piston rings, bearings, gaskets, new injector, and a few other things. The engine is about finished, and of course I had to paint it up pretty! If there is any part of your vehicle that you want to look good, its the engine, Right? Here are a few pics. Thanks Matt 3 nigel, ranger and Ian reacted to this Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
meadowfield 1,900 #2 Posted June 20, 2014 awesome, a V8 diesel, we can only dream of engines in small trucks that big over here 1 bowtiebutler956 reacted to this Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Ian 2,417 #3 Posted June 20, 2014 I wondered why you been a bit quiet of late Matt, I can see where all your times gone Your trucks going to be a very handy bit of kit once you have finished it. 1 bowtiebutler956 reacted to this Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
bowtiebutler956 166 #4 Posted June 21, 2014 awesome, a V8 diesel, we can only dream of engines in small trucks that big over here It should run well. Its factory rated at 200 horsepower, but I've already turned up the fuel on the injection pump, as well as making an adjustable boost controller for the turbo, and I'm planning on running about 15-18 psi, as opposed to the factor 8-10 psi. I wondered why you been a bit quiet of late Matt, I can see where all your times gone Your trucks going to be a very handy bit of kit once you have finished it. You know how it is Ian. I just got sucked into my project. It should be a very handy truck when done. Its still going to be awhile as I, and my family are leaving the country for 10 days on Monday. We're going to Nicaragua, so my truck will have to wait a little longer. Got a few more pieces back on the engine today. Here are a couple pics. Thanks 1 nigel reacted to this Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
bowtiebutler956 166 #5 Posted July 9, 2014 It Lives! The engine runs great. The truck still needs work, but its nice to be able to finially move it around under its own power. I decided to check posi traction in the rearend, and as you can see in the last pic, it works just fine. Here is a video. 1 Ian reacted to this Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Ian 2,417 #6 Posted July 9, 2014 Good work Matt, the engine sounds great Yes, I'd say the posi is working 1 bowtiebutler956 reacted to this Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Stormin 4,458 #7 Posted July 9, 2014 Would mind one of those mesel'. 1 bowtiebutler956 reacted to this Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
pmackellow 2,738 #8 Posted July 9, 2014 Nice !! 1 bowtiebutler956 reacted to this Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
meadowfield 1,900 #9 Posted July 9, 2014 awesome work! 1 bowtiebutler956 reacted to this Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Stormin 4,458 #10 Posted July 9, 2014 Just had a thought. Imagine trying to park that in a parking bay over here. 1 bowtiebutler956 reacted to this Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
bowtiebutler956 166 #11 Posted July 10, 2014 Thanks Ian. I tried the posi a few more time today, just to make sure! Good work Matt, the engine sounds great Yes, I'd say the posi is working Would mind one of those mesel'. The older ones like this aren't that expensive, but getting it to your side of the pond is a whole other story. Nice !! Thank you Sir. awesome work! Thanks, its been a fun project. Just had a thought. Imagine trying to park that in a parking bay over here. Small parking spots are off limits for this truck! It takes a city block just to turn around. Hope to have more videos up soon. Thanks Matt Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
bowtiebutler956 166 #12 Posted November 29, 2014 I know its been awhile, but I thought I'd give an update on my work truck / toy. I never intended to go down the path that I have with this truck, but you guys know how it is. In the search for more power, its been upgraded to a much larger Holset HX35/40 hybrid turbo pushing between 19-25 psi of boost, depending where I have the wastegate set. I've installed a 31"x12"x3" air to air intercooler, as well as a 4" exhaust system I built myself. This big truck will do a 0-60 mph, or roughly 0-100 kph in under 10 seconds which is pretty good for a truck this heavy. Its also done a great job pulling some very heavy trailers. I haven't been doing much with my Garden tractors lately, as all my extra money has gone into my truck. Next on my list is a high output injection pump, and high pop injectors. Maybe then I'll be done? Matt 1 Ian reacted to this Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Stormin 4,458 #13 Posted November 29, 2014 1 bowtiebutler956 reacted to this Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Ian 2,417 #14 Posted November 29, 2014 As Mark said somewhere above.. We can only dream of a turbo diesel V8 over here.. The big question Matt is.... When are we going to see a burn-out video? 1 bowtiebutler956 reacted to this Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
slf-uk 914 #15 Posted November 29, 2014 Very nice 1 bowtiebutler956 reacted to this Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
C-101plowerpower 548 #16 Posted November 29, 2014 high output injection pump and high pop injectors? are you planning on rolling coal everytime you tap the throttle? Koen Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
bowtiebutler956 166 #17 Posted November 30, 2014 Thanks for the thumbs up. high output injection pump and high pop injectors? are you planning on rolling coal everytime you tap the throttle? Koen Not every time, just most of the time! Very nice Thank you sir. As Mark said somewhere above.. We can only dream of a turbo diesel V8 over here.. The big question Matt is.... When are we going to see a burn-out video? I'll have to get on that Ian, as it certainly isn't hard to do, and alot of fun too. Matt Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
bowtiebutler956 166 #18 Posted February 1, 2015 Hello again all. Well, I'd done a fair amount more work on the truck, including a custom built high output injection pump, and a set of high pop injectors. These old 6.5's were never as powerful as some of the other diesels we have here in our small trucks like the Duramax, Cummins, Powerstroke, but this 6.5 of mine would certainly surprise some of the newer diesels. The difference in power from when it was still stock, till now was amazing. All was going great, until I blew a head gasket, while pushing 30 psi of boost. Upon tearing it down, I found both my heads were cracked. Anyway, I've now ordered a stronger set of heads for it, as well as a set of ARP head studs to replace the OE bolts, and a better set of head gaskets. Should have it back up, and running soon, and I won't be running my boost quite that high anymore. I installed a 3" front. and 2" rear lift kit on it as well. I already had the money save for my new bigger tires, and wheels, but I'm afraid that will have to wait now, as I've already used the money on new heads. I'm also posting a couple videos below. The first video is how it runs currently with the bigger turbo, custom injection pump, etc... The next one is a video of when it was stock. In the first video, the temporary pause at 30 mph, was just the truck waiting to catch up with the tires. Matt Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
