Duramax Torque from a 6.5, Part 2 - 6.5 Diesel Power! - Squarebody Diesel, Part 2

Part Two - studs, heads, valvetrain, and getting it all stabbed back into the truck just in time for another adventure. We used the same HE351CW turbo that was on the truck before, a DB2833-6284 (GEP14098680) Stanadyne injection pump paired with Bosch's high flow "marine" injectors, and a load of Vibrant Performance fittings and braided lines to support all that new fuel delivery.
Don't miss part one where we balance and prep the GEP12562486 6.5L:
• Get Duramax Torque fro...
The whole Suburban Build Series:
• The 85 Diesel Suburban
00:00 Flexing with Jeep folk
00:10 Hey Y'all
00:53 Rerouted fuel lines, Frame Reinforcements, and a FASS Lift Pump
01:55 Head stud install on 6.5 Diesel
04:26 6.5 Diesel Cylinder head install
07:10 6.5 Diesel Valvetrain assembly and Harland Sharp 1.6:1 Rockers
09:53 Priming the oil pump on 6.5 Diesel
10:37 Rocker Covers, Marine Injectors, and Glow Plugs
12:20 Injector lines on 6.5 Diesel
13:19 6.5 Diesel install in squarebody suburban!
15:16 Priming fuel and oil systems
17:11 Firing a new 6.5 Diesel for the first time
19:21 Track down leaks and reassemble
21:08 Let's go for a drive
Now, is this 6.5 better than a Duramax? Maybe not on a pure torque numbers basis, but it fits easily into the engine cage on the suburban, and it got us back out on the trail in a very short period of time. Also, I reserve the right to swap in a Duramax, later.
We hope you enjoyed the engine build as much as we did doing the work.
David & Tom (my dad)
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This video is for entertainment purposes only. Willomet Motor & Fabrication, LLC makes no warranties as to the fitness for purpose or use of any of the tools and techniques depicted and assumes no liability or responsibility for property damage or bodily injury incurred from viewers attempting to use any information contained in this video. Use this information at your own risk.

[@sjokomelk]

Being the son of a Chevy guy, I can recognize the sound of a 6.2/6.5 anywhere long before I see the truck. Hearing it firing up for the first time gave me a grin bigger than the Cheshire Cat 😁

[@WillometMotorFab]

You captured my thoughts exactly. They have a distinct sound, and if you grew up around them, they’re hard to miss. Thanks very much for this comment. You hit the nail on the head.

[@karleastman5456]

I am surprised that there was no adjustment availability for those rockers.🤔

[@mikei8957]

I got a 6.5 in my humvee and it runs fine in the summer but winter time it hard to start without a block heater. Is that just how it is or is there something wrong with it ? Any info would be greatly appreciated…..

[@cesar235cs]

​@@mikei8957I installed longer time glow plugs and marine injectors and problem solved, haven't plug my truck for three winters in a row

[@mikei8957]

@@cesar235cs could you send me links to the parts your referring to.

[@robertwest3093]

"We know better than to rush a good machinist at their work" - Everyone should live by that quote. Even the best machinist, when rushed, can mess up.

[@dennisyoung4631]

Amen. “Hurry makes for worry…”

[@a70duster]

Yeah, but to align bore and hone a Mopar 383 in 10 months is ridicules!

[@korn111685]

I’m doubting it’ll hold a candle to a duramax but I love watching people spend good money on fun projects.

[@WillometMotorFab]

First, you found the right channel. Just watch me go. Second, you're absolutely right. The 6.5 is a blast, but not seriously competitive to even my LB7. Running empty, they're pretty interchangeable, but only one of them tows the other.

[@seancollins9745]

I am 100% certain with a bit of R&D it would easily match the duramax for power and performance. Also it will have a wider power band, as IDI engines have a much higher rpm cieling. The OM606 is a beast of a engine, precisely because it is IDI

[@05EVORS]

​@seancollins9745 I agree there are a few people out there like Heath diesel and there's a guy here on YT out of Colorado with a shop called 23diesel? running a big pump built by classic diesel design in seguin TX w water-air intercooler, governers deleted and ceramic inserts in the pump to run big fuel numbers like the 7.3 race pumps(spin opposite direction but essentially the same DB2) just nobody until now has gone crazy w a P400 or Optimizer/ forged crank to take the chance and run these things full tilt. Willomette has the setup just needs more pump and rpm. Love this detailed content/production the 6.2/6.5 world lacks....and most have given up on this underdog but a forged crank/fluidampner motor has got a ton of potential with a big CC pump w 5k rpm governer/big CC flowing + more boost.

[@GusCowMiller]

@@seancollins9745 Care to enlighten us on how IDI has a 'higher rpm ceiling'?

[@mrkimpham]

​@@WillometMotorFab about how much are you blowing on this? I have a van that I'm thinking of 4bt ing

[@BabyBlue.23]

This is one of the best build series I’ve ever seen with one of the most underrated diesel motors - 10/10 great job

[@WillometMotorFab]

Wow, thanks! Sure glad you enjoyed it, and thanks for being here.

[@jhsevs]

As someone who grew up without a dad, your videos inspire me to become one like yours one day 🥺

[@WillometMotorFab]

Your aim is true. He’s tops with me.

[@JohnSmith-cr2jr]

me too brother, i have two sons now and i love being a dad

[@tompaul7317]

Anyone else. Feel like their watching the sandlot listening to his commentary. Great video content. It’s like I’m listening to grown up Scotty smalls building a 6.5. And it’s fantastic.

[@WillometMotorFab]

All right. That’s like the 8th time someone has made a sandlot reference. I’m going to rewatch.

[@ScottHBrown]

Super cool idi build! Glad to see someone build up a 6.5 rattler! It's unique and not a Cummins swap! Great job.

[@WillometMotorFab]

Thanks man. Cummins are great, but just don’t interest me.

[@tomjones7853]

5.9 is the best production diesel ever made. I havent touched it but to adjust valves and block the kdp. 268k and strong

[@Burnside1905]

​@@tomjones7853If only Cat made engines for pickups

[@joshjones3408]

That's probably the best advice your daddy gave you ... spending time with the family is where it's at most people don't look at it but a car or truck that's sat in the woods for 30 years I don't thank a few more days would be a big deal great video 👍👍👍👍

[@WillometMotorFab]

You’re right on man. Good advice, and I’ll take it.

[@Hircine101]

I've heard this echoed to me, many times before as well.

[@ihatejoze]

I’ve worked on so many of these in HMMWV’s it’s really cool to see the aftermarket options available for them

[@WillometMotorFab]

And you'd think it would be a dead platform, right? But, it's the M998s and M1114s that have kept it going! All this is built to keep up with the demands of those trucks.

[@Clean97gti]

@@WillometMotorFab There are thousands of 6.5's churning away on boats. That 6.2 and later 6.5 were never intended to be powerhouses compared to the direct injected competition like the 7.3 Powerstrokes, the ISB Cummins and 6B Isuzus built for commercial use. But they just sip fuel and put down reliable power without being a touchy engine. Not lots of it, but steady state oomph to get a big boat moving and keep it going all day long without drinking its weight in fuel.

[@shadowopsairman1583]

A DD 4 or 6 cylinder are used in K Loaders

[@RustyCedarCo]

Just some regular guys teaching us regular guys how to build EMP-proof rigs. It’s so hard to resist pulling the trigger on an Optimizer 6.5 build like this, but I’ve definitely picked up some tips for the mild refresh on my 6.5 coming up.

[@WillometMotorFab]

Buddy, you've got it going in the right direction. That 6.5 runs, and all you have to do is piece the truck together, and you'll get to do it all with your boys.

[@Wingnut353]

EMP proof? You mean like that V3500 with a 6v53 singin a sweet song in it? ;-) I wish achates power would get off their butts and release a 3+ liter opposed piston 2 stroke to the masses already wouldn't be EMP proof but it aught to best all the other engines on the market on everything else.

[@bcalc]

Great videos, thanks for making them. I have a 6.5 at the machine shop now getting some of the same love you put into yours!

[@Arexodius]

You should definitely consider getting UEM or DFC Diesel to hook you up with a set of Speed of Air pistons! If you haven't heard of SoA, you've missed something... It's basically the new revolution in combustion engines that's slowly coming! Takes time with things like this before it can become mainstream but... Just... go check those out! They don't yet have a stock for 6.5's. But I contacted DFC Diesel about it and Matt, the owner, said it could be done with a few months lead time. He said he was planning to put a set in his own 6.2 later this year.

[@SouperAsH]

There is something viscerally satisfying about the sound of the 6.5L at idle.

[@WillometMotorFab]

I think it’s the old school sound. You?

[@ne2i]

Me too. Miss that sound.

[@jank1215]

I build engines for a living and I’m just blown away that thing fired up without an intake! Had a 6.5 in a k1500 in high school. Watching this makes me wanna dig it outta the field it’s parked in and get it back running missing that ole 6.5 clack

[@WillometMotorFab]

It's super strange to see it running without an intake and to know that everything is okay. I'd bet that 6.5 would fire after you replaced some likely rotted fuel lines.

[@CK-mf6du]

Super clean build! Thanks for sharing that with us! I know the 6.2/6.5 isn't the greatest diesel out there, but it does peak my curiosity knowing Detroit designed them with forged cranks, and now you can get them.

[@WillometMotorFab]

Thanks! These latest engines are a real fulfillment of the platform’s promise.

[@gmlover82]

Absolutely love the sound of the 6.5!! Another awesome video.

[@WillometMotorFab]

Glad you enjoyed it. I sure did have a blast making it.

[@Arexodius]

This rebuild series has given me so much inspiration to do my own 6.5 build one day. I think I've re-watched this 3 times now and I just love it! What I'm thinking right now for my own hypothetical build is to use a stock engine and change out some key furnishings, like putting a Fluidampr on, but keep block parts stock. Except for one key component! You already put TotalSeal piston rings in your build. But I want to go a step further and put the Speed of Air pistons in, which use TotalSeal rings. That's the wet dream right now. Can't stop obsessing about the SoA pistons! If those guys play their cards right, their patents should become the next big revolution in combustion engines!

[@WillometMotorFab]

Sounds like you’ve got a slick build in mind!

[@Arexodius]

@@WillometMotorFab Thanks! I mean, I would love to do what you did, with the forged crank and balancing and all that, but it's a little out of my budget 😄 I know you're probably not itching to open up that 6.5 again anytime soon, but I sincerely hope you'll have a chance to try out SoA pistons in your build some day!

[@noobFab]

So cool to learn about a really cool duramax alternative. Would love to see a cost summary once you’re done in order to compare with the process of pulling a junkyard LBZ or similar.

[@hkg3a2]

I’ve never seen an LBZ at a junkyard here in Kalifornia. Or 12 valve Cummins…🙁

[@WillometMotorFab]

I'll do a cost breakdown - it's not pretty - in a future video. A duramax is likely a better value, unless you're a hardcore diesel nut.

[@jaredallen1149]

I am SO glad to hear that there is at least 1 other adult out there who doesn't need to fog humanity with ignorance and soot! Whenever I see a little boy (of any age) rolling coal for nothing but validation needed to fill a void left by disconnected fathers, all I see is a huge, nasty, black cloud of SHAME that really should have gotten through to more people by now. Thank you for adulting, and please keep these videos coming!

[@WillometMotorFab]

Wastefulness is never cool. 👍

[@justinregister795]

This a super cool build. I love it!

[@saltysteel3996]

I have a 1988 M998 with a non-turbo 6.5 in it. She runs great.

[@WillometMotorFab]

Love it!

[@acetools1]

Such a cool build to watch. Thanks for sharing.

[@WillometMotorFab]

Glad you enjoyed it, and thanks for being here.

[@JohnSmith-cr2jr]

great video

[@James_James01]

The sound of that first fire is music to my ears David😁, from one old diesel driving lad to another- well done, great work!👍

[@WillometMotorFab]

Thanks man. I remember that moment well, and the relief that came with it.

[@James_James01]

Looks and sounds great David, cant beat a rattly old diesel!

[@marcmo7138]

What a really clean build. Nice work.

[@WillometMotorFab]

Glad you think so. It's been a long term and fun project.

[@vesprod]

What a beautiful video! Thank you for making this! Very inspiring!

[@WillometMotorFab]

Sure glad you enjoyed it!

[@thomasharvanek2411]

Magnificent, thank you Ive had four 6.x and miss all of them, especially the sweet exhaust, best of them all

[@WillometMotorFab]

They do have a charm about them, don't they?

[@wadejensen3301]

Thanks mate, I really enjoyed that!

[@toyodajunkie]

The attention to detail was amazing! Really enjoy the videos.

[@WillometMotorFab]

Really glad you enjoyed them! They're a lot of work to make.

[@59MackB61]

Brought back a lot of good memories of my Father and I working on 6.2s. Very impressed on how clean you kept everything! We replaced a lot of timing chains for people, that gear drive is slick. The chains would get so worn that you could not turn the pump far enough to get timing. Only two things we did different and this is not a criticism of what you did. We had a setup to install injector lines on the pump before it went in the vehicle. The early starters would not take much abuse so we would pull glow plugs and roll the engine over to get oil and fuel bled. Very nice work and thank you for sharing!

[@WillometMotorFab]

Yeah, gears are the end game for sure. Good tips on the injector install. Smart move.

[@brunothehumble]

Pro tip for the 6.5. The fuel system will prime itself up wonderfully if you have a lift pump relay with a manual activation. You can run the lift pump and fill up the fuel bowl and then fill the injection pump up too. I’ve had my whole fuel system apart a few times and being able to run the lift pump manually has been a major help priming the pump and getting it ready to go. I’m in the middle of rebuilding my 6.5 right now. Waiting on parts and paying off cards so I can order more parts.

[@WillometMotorFab]

Great suggestions for when we make future tweaks. Thank you for taking the time to comment.

[@carsonbrown2791]

Yup, crack the water in fuel drain line and hot wire lift pump to prime pump. Then crack injector line at injector and crank. Should fire right up. Then tighten the injection line.

[@jonathancorbett5917]

Shouldn't a jumper across the relay box also work for on the trail priming ?

[@brunothehumble]

@@jonathancorbett5917 unfortunately GM had a real boneheaded moment with the 6.5. They ran the power for the fuel lift pump through the contacts for the oil pressure sensor so it shuts off the lift pump if you lose oil pressure to preserve the engine. The problem is there is no relay, it just tends to burn out the oil pressure sensor over time. Companies like Leroy diesel have made a harness that adds a relay to get the power off of the contacts and gives larger wires to deliver full power to the lift pump so it runs better and the better units also give a button to allow easy priming and an extra activation lead that gets connected to the glow plug relay to give a key on priming feature.

[@THEFERMANATOR]

​@@brunothehumbleonly obd1's powered the lift pump via the ops. All 6.5l trucks have a fuel pump relay, starting with obd2 they added a trigger wire from the PCM to trigger the fuel pump relay when it was running. And GM gave you an EASY way to run the lift pump by itself to prime the fuel system, put the vehicle in gear, and turn the key to start. This will trigger the fuel pump relay to power the lift pump, but because it's in gear it will not turn over, and thus primes the fuel system. It's listed in the diesel supplement manual for priming the fuel system.

[@truckie117]

Love my 99 6.5 Suburban

[@unclecowboy2003]

What an excellent build top to bottom and the payoff to go to Moab for the break in that’s living congratulations

[@WillometMotorFab]

Thanks man! It’s a once in a lifetime kind of thing - build and engine with your dad; immediately take it wheeling. I’m glad that’s how it came together.

[@Fj-fe6co]

I need that in my fj40... Nice job

[@jgil64]

I was going to sell my 95 dually since the motor had blown up. After watching this, i have to find a way to tell my fiance that i have another project to work on. Maybe i just stay quiet and do it. Forgiveness is easier than permission.

[@ronbonick4265]

Excellent Job

[@WillometMotorFab]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@thatsmylawn9782]

Would love to see move info on the turbo/exhaust setup as well as more sound clips! As well as maybe a dyno run. Keep up the great work!

[@WillometMotorFab]

I'll definitely dig into that on a future episode!

[@jessehines444]

Im liking these videos. I enjoy your video and presentation style. Good work!

[@WillometMotorFab]

Awesome! Thank you! Sure glad all of this resonates with you.

[@destroyer6867]

Outstanding work on that engine and happy Father's Day!

[@WillometMotorFab]

Thanks man. Glad you enjoyed it, and Happy Fathers Day to you.

[@MattChase907]

boy what a treat! great video! didn't find myself skipping any of it!

[@WillometMotorFab]

Glad you enjoyed it! Thanks for being here.

[@marksrepairj623]

Fantastic video really enjoyed this motor being built

[@WillometMotorFab]

Thank you very much!

[@danielphillips1094]

Cool content man, been following on IG a while. Nice to see you and your old man working together.

[@WillometMotorFab]

It's always a good time. I'm glad you found channel, and appreciate you being here, too.

[@WingspeedGarage]

Awesome build! As soon as my 6.2 gives up I’m going the same route as you

[@WillometMotorFab]

You can do it! Keep the 6.2 going with a fluidampr, and pick your shot on the 6.5. 👍

[@misterhipster9509]

Pressure tank method works well for pre-oil, learned that working on real (Cat) diesels. I do like 6.2s, have a few of my own, one 85 K-10 w/ a Banks kit, sourced years ago. 80 C-10 w/a 5.7 fake diesel, both run real well. Others in process.

[@WillometMotorFab]

That’s a unique collection

[@misterhipster9509]

Pre oil as shown doesn't oil lifter galleys/pushrods/rocker shafts. I too have Banks 6.2 and a few 5.7 Olds and Caddy collector status examples. Big 10-4 on the pressure lube. Build a few 3208Ts for Wanderlodge applications.

[@zf9903]

LOVE this series. I’ve been convinced to have my eventual 6.2 “forever engine” balanced, as you did, and will 100% refer here when putting all the pieces back together. From a young diesel enthusiast, thank you!

[@WillometMotorFab]

So glad this was useful to you. Build on. 👍

[@toddstarke7337]

Found this video a few months ago and keep coming back to it. Best of the best as far as tech vids for the 6.5l with fantastic cinematography to boot! I’ve got a ‘95 GMC K2500 Suburban with the 6.5 which is running well after a few gremlins were chased out. Doing a total front end rebuild now and will be doing my own disassembly/balance/reassemble odyssey this winter while it’s off the road and referring back to this for best practices. Thanks for the tremendous work on these vids!

[@WillometMotorFab]

Hey, thanks for that feedback, and I’m sure glad you’re here. I’ll get more 6.5 stuff going once the Charger is farther along. I’ve got some goals there.

[@MrR0sch]

This is golden content 👍

[@WillometMotorFab]

Glad you dig it man. Thanks for being here.

[@smarternu]

Wow, big fan of those engines. Best build I have ever seen.

[@WillometMotorFab]

Wow, thanks! I'm hooked on them, too.

[@ThePr8head]

That engine sounds BADASS!!!!!

[@WillometMotorFab]

My favorite bag of hammers

[@independentcontractor1633]

Luvin the build Dave. Love these engines too with zero to minimal electronics. No better sound than a 6.2 or 6.5. Thank you!

[@WillometMotorFab]

Couldn't agree more. It's nice that this just needs 12 volts to the injection pump to run. Simple, and easy to make work.

[@David-yy7lb]

But not the hp and tq of a duramax

[@05EVORS]

​@@David-yy7lbdmax was 300/520 when the 6.5T was replaced this thing is there or pretty darn close.

[@WillometMotorFab]

@@05EVORS Spot on. That's the game I'm playing.

[@TheLonelyCowboy1958]

That build is magnificent. If i could, me and my buddy would drop a 6.5 in his 62 chev, but, we're thinkin of more the two stroke detroit approach. Great build, i watched part one and learned a ton, and this second part was no disappointment either.

[@WillometMotorFab]

Outstanding! So glad you enjoyed them both.

[@burespeter1]

Outstanding. I myself put GM 6.2 in my small 19 f. (youtube video). My 96 suburban GM 6.5 turbo with 5 speed transmission with Gear Vendor behind it. I completely understand you excitement. Have nice ride. 6.5 rocks! I love your video and your relationship with you dad. Family matters.

[@robertwest3093]

Thank you for explaining all the parts and their installation. You're the first I've seen explain head stud installation "lightly bottom out then back off 1/4-1/2 turn" and "pushrod has one hardened end, and it's copper color and goes to the rocker arm side". I'm subscribed!

[@WillometMotorFab]

Welcome, and I’m glad you’re here.

[@keithhill9138]

Excellent, Excellent, descriptive video. I think there is not anybody out there that dotted the EYES & crossed the TEES than you two did!!! Look forward to seeing more of your videos.

[@WillometMotorFab]

Thanks! So glad you enjoyed it!

[@markusp1012]

As a young father I've been fully invested since the last video I'm currently redoing all the old lines,nuts and bolts of the frame I hope to build an engine like this with my boys and my fathers guidance

[@WillometMotorFab]

Happy belated Father’s Day. Time spent shoulder to shoulder building or adventuring has been oh so valuable to us.

[@npsit1]

Nice to see you giving some good life to the underappreciated 6.5.

[@WillometMotorFab]

Exactly how we feel - underappreciated. 👍

[@cotynietling2567]

Engine is beautiful and cleanest running 6.5 i ever heard

[@WillometMotorFab]

Thanks man!

[@AutoEdits]

You had me at "Smurf blue" 💙

[@WillometMotorFab]

It’s a technical term.

[@gregcrabb3497]

I had an 86 with the 6.2L man I miss that sound!

[@pattayperformance]

As a fellow long time 6.5 owner…this series is hard to watch. I’m on the fence of building or 12V swap. The only thing that anchors me down on the 6.5 is the sound. IMO it really sounds like a diesel. Cummins and newer trucks even up to semi’s just sound to quiet. 6.5 sounds like a loaded tool box being pushed down the stairs with the drawers opening and closing with tools going all over place. Love Leroy! He set up and built my air dog system. Hope the gators work well for you as they are new to the community!

[@WillometMotorFab]

The 6.5 does have that sound. I guess it depends on your goals for the truck. What do you want to do?

[@pattayperformance]

@@WillometMotorFab Really want reliability and of course a little more pow pow. I have a 96 and want to step away from ECU controlled IP and cracked heads no matter what you do with out serious mods. I’ve done almost everything to bullet proof it with the exception of valve cover plates and head studs.

[@henryostman1199]

Awesome ! I’d love that engine in a defender 110. Your video production quality, background musical choice and story telling quality make these videos the best ! Thanks so much !

[@WillometMotorFab]

Thank you very much! This would be so cool in a big Landy like that.

[@Benjampul]

I have this Engine in my 110 defender

[@Benjampul]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/jZTRc4WGhKZnfJofeature=shared

[@braydenreinhard829]

A really fun build video of a diesel suburban i love to work on cars and trucks a motors and love to build stuff with motors and I love to watch build videos like this

[@WillometMotorFab]

Very glad you enjoyed it. If you've subscribed, welcome to the channel.

[@milesj6064]

I love what you did with this engine. I used to own a 6.5 in a 1/2 ton 4WD, I loved that truck, it was just the damn PMD that failed a couple times that always made me question taking it on a road trip. A couple of the upgrades you did to your engine, I had thought about doing to mine, but I ended up selling it as things in life changed. Glad to hear your engine and Suburban are doing well. It is too bad you didn't mention what you did for a turbo and boost settings to give you the Duramax torque you talk about.

[@WillometMotorFab]

Stick around man! We’ll talk more about the good stuff! I’ve collected lots of questions that need to be answered.

[@chrishansen7004]

Super interesting to see someone build a 6.5, every diesel is better when it has more power! And that’s such a smart move getting those rockers they make can make 20hp easy on a NA ls so I imagine it must really help on a boosted motor

[@WillometMotorFab]

You're so right. The rockers make a big difference as the turbo comes on.

[@apaulothegreat1581]

My second comment. You and your father. That's what makes america great. Love your brother. I'm a retired trucker I miss going to Idaho from Texas. America the Beautiful. God Bless America. Many blessings to you and yours. Medicine man signing off. 10-4👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍

[@WillometMotorFab]

I’m glad you’re here. 👍

[@dano4572]

GREAT VIDEO!!

[@WillometMotorFab]

Thanks!!

[@jeffhoskins977]

I had a fully with a chip and bulky dog propane! Ran extremely well with lots more power than stock

[@glennglover4479]

Great build. Always liked them flat nose trucks where awesome.

[@WillometMotorFab]

Thanks 👍

[@mrmotofy]

So does BP, Amoco and Chevron haha

[@nonsequitur807]

So happy you stuck with the 6.2 instead of the boring but awsome 5.9

[@ronfrance4041]

Really liking this channel and build. Just discovered it from the build. I’ve got a ‘99 c3500HD 5 speed 6.5 diesel with the Monroe 4x4 conversion Dana 70 front. Absolutely love the truck. I get 16 mpg out of it around town weighing 9k empty. Best thing I ever did to that engine was install some Bosch duraterm glow plugs. Starts no problem at -10f without being plugged in.

[@WillometMotorFab]

I put Bosch plugs in this engine, too. Glad you found the channel, and welcome.

[@jameslatham2655]

What some "YoYo's" might prefer...... Ha! Now that's funny. Best terminology I've ever heard used for the boys of smoke. 👍🏼

[@WillometMotorFab]

It’s as polite as I can be for behavior that grinds my gears. This is a family channel, after all.

[@Tuchodi8004]

Nice video. I drive a smashed up old 1985 c10 6.2 suburban that I love. I apprenticed at a gm dealership in 1990 and I’ve done many 6.2/6.5 pumps etc and even some 5.7’s. Lol

[@WillometMotorFab]

Hard to beat and good old square. Thanks for being here. 👍

[@jerrygroen8163]

It's a good idea to cover the intake in case something falls down the intake and ruin an engine as soon as you crank it.

[@WillometMotorFab]

You’re absolutely right. I had the intake ports covered with tape, as the intake was still loose.

[@mr.electronx9036]

Amazing sound...

[@WillometMotorFab]

Nothing quite like it. 👍

[@bradh7472]

I'm new here and its funny to see your dad dressed like he is ready to go to town. LOL

[@WillometMotorFab]

Glad you’re here. It’s the boots, isn’t it? He oils them down regularly.

[@bradh7472]

@@WillometMotorFab I was thinking the nice dress shirt. LOL Greatness. Class

[@rickeydriskill1096]

Nice build. One nice thing with the 6.5. You have plenty of meat between the cylinders.

[@WillometMotorFab]

Great point!

[@waynepickhardt4975]

I had a 6.2 with a Banks turbo in my 86 CUCV and it would outrun my 6.5 all day.

[@prontoinc5830]

Beautiful. 6 bolt heads. Gear drive camshaft. The architecture of a good diesel engine. OMG, and it's a V8! This might be worth considering as one of the favorite options out there.

[@WillometMotorFab]

It's a good one!

[@danielg1642]

Not gonna lie. This is so FN COOL.

[@WillometMotorFab]

Because who doesn't love old school diesel clatter?

[@hkg3a2]

I’ve been going back and forth between 6.5/4L80, and Cummins/Allison for my ‘83 K20 6.2 Burb for longer than I want to admit. Time to pull the trigger on one of them is long overdue. Your video’s always bring me back to 6.5.

[@WillometMotorFab]

That's a tough choice, and I'm confident you'll make the right call for your use.

[@justins.2415]

I like Cummins 6l90 as long as your not cranking the torque up to much

[@bumoffhtestreet]

Go with the cummins. Be warned its a tight fit so you may have to modify the firewall. This 6.5 is a cool build, but realistically this is pushing the envelope of its design and it has little aftermarket potential. The cummins will run circles around it and last 500k miles.

[@TheMrDarius]

You mentioned how you designed the shock towers and all that saying you never have a problem with installing and removing. That to me means you took your time double checked your work which imho makes you a great engineer.

[@WillometMotorFab]

Thanks man. I’m just over here trying to do my best work. This time, it came out pretty all right.

[@tylerbarrett6652]

Enjoyed this 2 part series... I had a 1980 Chevy Suburban I affectionately called Sir Bubba... lol. In 2007 I traded it for a Ford Excursion.... one of my worst mistakes. Nice to see you keep your Suburban on the road. Anyway... a comment on teflon tape... as you said you used it on the injector pump inlet fitting or whatever. Teflon tape is generally not fuel friendly... better to use a thread sealant that is fuel friendly such as the pipe dope used in natural gas and propane applications. Just putting it out there to try to be helpful. Thanks for sharing this with us.

[@WillometMotorFab]

Thanks very much for the note on Teflon. Usually, I can smell those fuel leaks before they make a spot on the concrete. If so, I know what to go back with. 👍

[@johnjon6349]

I’m corralled into owning my old G3 diesel van because of space constraints I can’t upgrade to an express van but I’ve got a late 2000 6.5 turbo from a school bus…. A complete motor with all the accessories and I’ve got a break into it soon. There’s hardly any miles on this motor, but I’m gonna tear it apart obviously anyway. I can’t wait for the adventure. It’s been in storage for years now and I looked it up and it’s the last casting GM did I believe.

[@caseyflint6815]

Thanks for sharing your awesome build! Very nice quality build and video. I’ve been driving and wrenching on 6.2L and 6.5L diesels since 1995. I love these old rigs. My current ride is a 1995 Chevy Tahoe 2 Door with the factory 6.5L. Has 396K on the odometer. I was hoping to reach 400K before any major work, but she blew a head gasket about 2 years ago. I now have about 17K miles on a 506 block I rebuilt and dropped in. Mostly stock but I did upgrade to an HX35 turbo. Another first start tip: remove all the glow plugs and then spin the engine over until fuel mist starts coming out the holes. This is so much easier on the starter and makes sure the engine is well lubed before there’s any real pressure on the components. That’s what I did here: bled the system by cranking the engine over without glow plugs. As you can see, she fired right up. kzbin.info/www/bejne/o4GwfqeDdt6Eo9E Keep up the great work!

[@WillometMotorFab]

Great idea on pulling the glow plugs for priming! That 2 door Tahoe is a rare find!

[@davecamilleri9411]

Great write up that brings back fond memories. I bought my first 6.2 powered truck in 1984, it was a 1983 GMC 3/4 ton that I just sold a year ago after my dad passed away because he bought it from me when I was strapped for cash years ago. My first 6.2 swap was into my 1970 Chevy Blazer that I ran the Rubicon trail with back in 1985. Around 1990 I started turbo charging 6.2's and later started swapping 6.5's in place of the 6.2s. Somewhere around 1999 I bought a half ton Suburban like yours that was originally 6.2 powered and went to work building my ultimate off road suburban. I bought a set of Penninsular marine pistons for an 18:1 compression ratio and a 4911 injection pump that was set WIDE OPEN, I was running a Rajay turbocharger and a 4 inch exhaust, Dana 60 front with detroit locker, gm 14 bolt rear with detroit locker, 20k Braden pto winch, NVG 4500 5 speed and NP205 transfer case. I ran a 6" lift with 35x12.5 tires, it was fun. I later got the cummins bug and pulled my 6.5 and swapped in a 24v cummins and while the cummins was tuned and making big power, it really didn't do anything a lot better than the 6.5 because if I worked it hard it would overheat. The cummins also kept stripping the 32 spline output shaft on my NVG4500 and I had to upgrade to a 23 spline output from a Dodge. I lost count of how many 6.2 powered vehicles that I have owned, but I was loyal to them as long as they didn't have EGR. I almost swapped a 6.5 TD into my 97 Jeep TJ, but ultimately decided on a Cummins R2.8 to keep the weight down.

[@WillometMotorFab]

Man you've had all the compression ignition goodness in your fleet! That's a helluva roster.

[@davecamilleri9411]

@@WillometMotorFab I have become kind of fond of the Duramax though. I had a 2002 that I drove to 270k that was dynoed at 550 rwhp, and then a 17 3500 SRW L5P for 91k and now a brand new 23 GMC dually L5p with Banks Deringer, but I still miss all of the 6.2/6.5's that I worked on.

[@davecamilleri9411]

I just watched the new episode of Dirt Lifestyle and thoroughly enjoyed seeing you wheel your 6.5 powered suburban. Sucks on the tranny issue though.

[@WillometMotorFab]

@@davecamilleri9411 It's fixable, and I'm just glad it didn't interfere with the trip.

[@TacticalTirpitzle]

I love the 6.5 so much, im seriously considering pulling one out of my GMC C3500HD and into my 2010 F-250

[@WillometMotorFab]

You'd be among the few to do that one, but I endorse. Guaranteed to get attention.

[@mrmotofy]

What a downgrade

[@stefanmilazzo3093]

Love the build! I’m building that same engine setup here soon, roller rockers and all. Only difference is I have a turbo kit from banks that I’ll be running on my blazer. Good to see others still giving 6.5s the love they need! Look forward to seeing power numbers if you ever dyno

[@WillometMotorFab]

You're going to have a great time with that build. I'll have to setup some dyno time.

[@paveltolz6601]

Nice that you give Leroy and Quadstar due credit. Harland Sharp Rockers should spur Star Trek tech of transparent Aluminum but, then the oil splash is going to mess up the view. Got the Fass/Air Dog DF-165 on a side deal. Had an issue and Air Dog still honored the warranty even though I was second owner. Good company to work with. My motor originally had the Cloyes (sp) timing gears but, that and other things are history in a long sad story nobody here wants to read. I'd be interested in your results of porting the heads. The upper and lower intakes, heads and exhaust manifolds on mine were extruded before...part of that story. Definitely making your shop a must visit next time in TX.

[@WillometMotorFab]

Those are good outfits serving the 6.5 world well.

[@sjokomelk]

My father built a similar 6.5 turbo for our 1984 C-30 big dually crew cab for pulling our race trailer. But with 18:1 Peninsular marine racing pistons, running about 20 psi boost, and a tuned Stanadyne DB2 pump and matched injectors.

[@WillometMotorFab]

That's really cool. I've always wanted to build an 18:1 engine, but never had the right application. Is that truck still around and working?

[@sjokomelk]

@@WillometMotorFab The truck got scrapped, but the long block of the 6.5 got reused in our the replacement truck - a 1994 big dually crew cab. But then running with a DS4 electronic fuel pump with the 4L80E transmission and electronic wastegate control. Would be more hassle to try to convert everything to mechanical operation. And the DS4 is supposed to have slightly higher fuel output than the DB2. The truck ran great for years, and the engine certainly could handle more diesel than the pump could deliver, since we could never get it to roll coal. It was estimated to produce about 320hp and 600-650 lbs.ft. Unfortunately my father passed away in 2017, so I sold the truck to one of his friends. And it is still running with the same setup as a daily driver today.

[@TheDagnab]

vary nice, video, and build finish of engine

[@WillometMotorFab]

Thank you very much!

[@JREACHER1954]

I thoroughly enjoyed y'alls attention to detail on assembly. I bought my 6.5 new in 94. First and only diesel I have ever owned. The only drawback, if it really is one, was the introduction of the electronically controlled injection pump. Easily hardened with a relocated pump mounted driver. Having made most of the external upgrades that help with reliability, I will never part with it. Again, great job!

[@WillometMotorFab]

Thanks man. Yeah, the DS4 pumps had some details to get worked out before they could be considered reliable. It's really unfortunate GM didn't spend more time testing that whole setup before rolling it out into production.

[@benschlack5814]

She's looking FRESH!!

[@WillometMotorFab]

🙌🙌🙌

[@petergonzales8017]

Love these videos! Your commentary reminds me of the sandlot movie. hahaha great job

[@WillometMotorFab]

At the urging of someone else that commented, I rewatched some of that movie. There....is a similarity.

[@WrenchHead]

Approx 330K on my '93 6.5 TD, K2500. Love it.

[@WillometMotorFab]

Outstanding! The last of the mechanicals!

[@user-lt9sn2kc3d]

I found to help cooling I run a water pump with large diameter thread for a durmax hub and fan, I rarely see my temp hit past 75 degrees next to never hits 100 also run the double thermostat.

[@kingturd35]

Should open all 8 injector lines to bleed then close once they become wet. Really saves on cranking time. Just can’t be lazy

[@WillometMotorFab]

I eventually cracked them all. Usually I can get it done with two.

[@landygrundy]

Just found this channel, love it! Great video series in general, but I can't be the first to notice you sound execatly like David Mickey Evans (The Sandlot narrator) lol, which makes these 10x better.

[@WillometMotorFab]

Glad you’re here man, and yeah, I’ve heard a few of those sandlot narrator comparisons. I even watched that movie again to hear for myself.

[@havingfun8192]

Not sure how I found you but I’m glad I did. This build is badass you guys deserve way more subs, I’ll give ya 1.

[@WillometMotorFab]

Hey, glad you're here, and thank you!

[@RacinNdrummin]

I've enjoyed watching the 6.5 build and the attention to detail is second to none... I'm glad this thing has held up. A few things to note, just for viewers sake. First, copper coat is not meant for composite head gaskets, only steel shim type, composite units have their own "stick" and copper coat is just a lubricant on top, if you haven't had a gasket failure yet, excellent. Second, filling the IP from the top won't prime it, these pumps are inlet metered, so everything comes in from the cone regardless, it's not like a VE where the case pressure fills the plunger assembly. Third, the pumps are all calibrated at 1700psi, and the further north you get pop pressure wise, the more volume you lose, including cranking volume. Higher pop pressure definitely cleans these IDI's up, but overall power suffers past 2200psi, as that is when the additional power of higher pop is countered by the loss in volume... As is the potential for hot start issues... It's a balance. All that aside, looks like a super clean setup, I dig the build, and hope it lasts a long time.

[@WillometMotorFab]

Thank you for watching, and appreciate your comment.

[@qslider303]

How is it, all you cool guys know each other?!?!🤔😎 Nate, Ian, You, and a SUPER nice build!! Thanks for the video series on the 6.5!!!!😁😁👍Your Channel is Awesome!!

[@WillometMotorFab]

Trail to SEMA 2018…bunch of folks drive across the west to the show. Good times, and stay connected.

[@jeffpistritto9524]

My dad had a 87 3500 dually with a 6.2 humvee motor in it . He also had a banks turbo kit . Poor truck couldn’t pull a greasy string out of a pigs ass . Your setup looks awesome! Much more capable

[@WillometMotorFab]

I’ll have to remember that greasy string quip. That’s a first for me!

[@420architecMindNDesign]

That thing sounds great

[@WillometMotorFab]

It's a charming old diesel sound, right?