Why buy a 6.5L?

[@Christopher-ot8bp]

I cannot believe that I never realized that you are the guy who owns IDI legends! I love your guys' merch!

[@JessePelkey1]

Yes Sir, my wife and I are the owners. And thank you!

[@sevensinsvelocityshop7563]

I’ve been playing with diesels for a very long time, both as a hobby and to put food on the table. Out of all of them the 6.2 and 6.5 are by far the simplest and most robust of them all. No they aren’t perfect none of them are. The 6.9’s have soft crankshafts, the 12V have the killer dowel pin, these have their quirks too but they make ok power, they are reliable, and they get pretty good fuel economy. Not everyone is a competitor in the Diesel Power Challenge like Mikey down the road thinks he’s is now that he has a programmer and an exhaust with a 30” tip

[@LoganC278]

What? My 30in tip increases my torque to 3000ft lbs you inconsiderate boomer

[@2brazy4ubitch]

So what you’re saying is if you got a 30 inch tip in your pants you don’t need a 30 inch tip on your truck

[@shawnramsey882]

If they're taken care of you can work them. They're cheaper to work on and sound great too!

[@JessePelkey1]

Completely agree!

[@kennybeans6115]

And don’t forget, they’re an OBS. The greatest body style and era ever made. When I get my two-door Yukon or Blazer with the 6.5L, imma be hurting some feelings. They don’t know what’s coming. LoL.

[@benjaminroland671]

It’s kinda funny to me that my dad has a 1997 Dodge 2500 12 valve Cummins and he loves it. But, he used to have a 1987 Chevy Blazer with the 6.2 diesel and every time we would get to talking trucks, he was always kicking himself in the rear for getting rid of that truck. He missed it so much that he is in the process of building a 1988 Blazer with the 6.2 right now.

[@Milkman3572000]

I have a 6.2 1984 Blazer. It is a fabulous driver.

[@question284]

my first diesel which i drive now is my beautiful 6.5 1996 K2500 extended cab long bed and i love it its cheap gets me everywhere and sounds and looks amazing people like you make me like it way more and ive only had it 7.5 days

[@JessePelkey1]

Im glad to hear that man, glat to hear about another healthy 6.5l still out running around and an owner that cares about it.

[@SWAMPCRACKER17]

I have a 98' Silverado 2500 4x4 with the 6.5 it's been a damn good truck for me so far. My grandfather gave it to me since he went and bought a newer truck. It's in great shape body and paint wise and he replaced mostly everything with engine and front end components. He was going to sell it for $8k but I got married and he figured he'd just give it to me as a wedding present lol

[@sampasch3381]

I just bought a 2wd 6.5 for 1200 for my first truck. I love it and its been easy to work on so far. Its the 93' so it has a db2 ip. I dont have a lot of money and this is a great way to go.

[@wr450sm5]

Hey man is your truck high mileage? About to buy one with 275k miles said its not smoking and starts right up. You think its alright? Been asking peoples opinion on this truck really want a 6.5 but not a lemon

[@austinwaelchli5946]

I’m gettin my first diesel monday, it’s a 95 single cab long bed Chevy with the 6.5 for 1000, I’m sellin another truck that I got to buy the diesel

[@JessePelkey1]

Very nice!

[@LaserChipp]

Picking up a 2wd one soon. Family member owns it so he’s giving it to me for 4k instead of 6k. All it needs is a paint job from sitting in the arizona sun. Great find for me, especially for being in michigan.

[@JessePelkey1]

Awesome deal man👍

[@detroitdiesel-vu3ig]

You've earned a subscriber. I first delved into diesels when I was less knowledgeable about them and bought a beat to shit 83' GMC K2500 6.2 diesel 4 speed with 201,000. Damn good truck. Then I bought an LB7(junk), 6.0( obvious, and a 24 valve and believe it or not, it was the biggest turd. Decided to go back to what I knew and found a mint 98' Chevrolet K3500 6.5 Detroit/ 4L80e with 113,000 miles in Kentucky. Been building it ever since with Fluidamper Harmonic balancer/ leroy diesel one-piece crankshaft pulley, wicked wheel II(on the GM-8), vacuum pump delete/ Mechanical waste gate set at 10psi, Airdog fuel preparator lift pump, 4'' exhaust with 2.5'' crossover and some other things I'm sure I'm forgetting. Great motors and I love talking to people about it. I have personally heard two local mechanic say it is a 5.7 olds gas block converted to diesel and how they're garbage. Sometimes, you just gotta correct people lol

[@JessePelkey1]

For real! Considering they are so so wrong 🤣 thank you for your interest in the channel man. I greatly appreciate it!

[@Slim_Slid]

The 4.3L V6's & 5.7L V8's from Oldsmobile were far worse than the 8.2L,6.2L,and 6.5L V8's from Detroit Diesel. There is alot of misconceptions about the engines which share no relation whatsoever. Alot of them had certain crankshaft problems which coincidentally was a problem on alot of F250's-F550's with the 6.9L & 7.3L IDI V8's. The 6.5L V8's as the 6500's became famous and heavily disdained for head gasket and crankshaft failures in the uparmored HMMWV's because AM General was trying to get too much out of these engines which are old and were never meant to handle extreme usage and stress.

[@richardm7274]

Thanks for the advice- I’m definitely going to get a k3500

[@souljah1100]

Just got a 2000 3500hd wrecker with 6.5 and I plan on swooping the wrecker tail for a regular dually bed and put bags under it!!! Great info! Subscribed 👍🏾

[@JessePelkey1]

Nice man! Congrats on the purchase, should be pretty sweet on air ride 👍 I appreciate the support of the channel man thank you

[@souljah1100]

@@JessePelkey1 single cab… 😏

[@JessePelkey1]

@@souljah1100 nothing wrong with that man, can't put as much stuff in the cab but single cab slammed dually trucks and thick and mean as hell hahaha

[@Jacob-zd4gj]

I have a 96 chevy four door dully with a 6.5 and I love it. Lots of upgrades. I also have a 95 3500 tow truck with all the upgrades. Love them. I have pulled 30k with it. Not fast but it did it safely. Love my truck. And comfortable.

[@Jacob-zd4gj]

If there was a way to out a picture up I would show you lol. It's also a push truck for the race track.

[@RemotePaws]

After searching for a diesel for a while, I think I'm setting my sights on a 6.5 after this vid. Thanks!

[@dozerfarms]

6.2 and 6.5 diesels are by far the best! I knew a 6.2 completely original that was daily driven since it left the dealership had over half a million on the odometer and other than replacing the injectors somewhere around like 400k never had any severe issues. They're great engines, they're simple, they're efficient, they sound great, and they're GM :)

[@kennybeans6115]

And don’t forget, the OBS isn’t the greatest body style ever for no reason. Just think, in ‘93 they were putting the 6.5L TD into the half-ton, two-door Blazers and Yukons right out the factory. GM wasn’t phuccin around back then. Just so damn cold. Salute to the old GM.

[@BarryRusie-q8r]

I'm a new owner of a 6.5 turbo diesel and so far I love it BTW u are right by the Reliable I drive it to work everyday never had a issue with it 💯

[@dieselfuel9794]

Hey Jesse pelkey I just subscribed to channel because your humble person and I’m not a 6.5 fan but i won’t dis them and I like seeing people build and it tell story’s about there vehicles I like it I think it’s awsome Keep up the good work man

[@JessePelkey1]

Thank you Dallas, understandable as far as not liking the 6.5, everyone has their own preferences which is respectable, not all things are for everyone. But what means the most is that even though you may not like them you respect others interest and that's awesome man. Thank you for the kind words and I'm glad I can create videos that are entertaining enough for you to subscribe 👍

[@seecampacp5107]

1995 Silverado 2500 6.5 turbo slow 🐌 and still working 724k later with 2 PMDs and 1 transmission. Love my old truck. 18 mpg avg

[@babyboychriz]

Love your truck brotha! I have a 6.5 1500 ext.cab with the long bed! I absolutely love it and only bought it for a $100 😈

[@JessePelkey1]

Thank you, $100 is a great deal anyway you look at it, running or needing work.👍

[@2eyedjack433]

My dad bought one 96 K3500 crew cab 4x4 and white like yours. My wife's older brother bout a 95 new and pulled a goose neck trailer loaded with 300 bales of 2 string hay. The whole time it was running. He was hard in it. Didn't do regular maintenance. But he always said its one of the better trucks he owned. Not fast but lots of torque.

[@codydoane5240]

Got a 98 k3500 330k miles and still running strong. Awsome truck great videos

[@JessePelkey1]

Thanks brother, I appreciate it 👍 330k boy that ol girl has seem some travel. Keep her rolling buddy

[@codydoane5240]

@@JessePelkey1 yes sir brand new from alaska down to Oklahoma pulling a big 6 horse with tack stall 5th wheel. Got her parked to do some upgrading. If you'd like I dont have Instagram to send pics any other way

[@JessePelkey1]

@@codydoane5240 the idi legends Facebook group is the best alternative 👍

[@dieselwrench3621]

I have both an 85 chevy 6.2 and an 86 ford with a 6.9. Hey you might get there first but you will get there! Love these old trucks. Great video 👍🇺🇸

[@JessePelkey1]

Thank you, love the old 6.2 and 6.9 as well 👍

[@iv-dtermination]

Subscribed, planning on getting a diesel, and on getting a 97 3500 Dually Diesel with a super lift, has 40" concrete truck tires, for $7k ❤... Glad to find a channel specifically focused on the same year and make 👍🏾💯

[@phillipdeaton4522]

Thanks for the info. I’ve currently got a 2014 Charger R/T that I absolutely love but I grew up in the country and still live in a area where dirt roads are very common 😂, so fixing to sell my charger to buy another truck or trade my charger for a clean truck and have really been leaning towards a 6.5L Detroit Diesel Chevy.

[@stevenbean9706]

finally got some time to put new injectors and return lines in and my old 6.5 fires right up just has no power and smokes a little whitish. Falls on its face when i put it in gear and give it throttle. Thank you for taking a little time out of your day to help out Jesse I really love the truck it just needs a little more help and im short on time.

[@Slim_Slid]

The 6500's in the HMMWV's/ECV's made 200 HP/390 TQ .The M1025's-M1097's had N/A 6.5L V8's despite being S Codes. The same engines were in the CUCV ll's. The M998's had the N/A 6.2L V8's as J Codes just like the CUCV's. The most common problems on both the 6.2L-6.5L V8's were mostly the fuel filters,injection pumps,and harmonic balancers. The 6500's/P400's in the uparmored Humvees ended up with broken head gaskets and crankshafts because these engines weren't meant for heavy duty stress or usage.

[@kevinanderson4804]

After watching this it makes me want one but it’s an investment as in any truck but these sure are sharp

[@AaronBilger]

My dad used to have a 1994 f250 7.3 idi he had it for 8 years lots of memories in that truck. I bought a 1990 ford f350 dually 7.3 idi someone added a ATS turbo to it no rust and got it for $2500 runs good put some new parts on it now this summer I will put on a pair of Move bumpers. I always wanted a 7.3 idi for myself and i scored big time getting this one for the price that i did.

[@JessePelkey1]

Man that is bad ass, I love those 7.3 and 6.9 idi trucks. And thank you for your comment! Your the first one to mention the ford idi's in the comments 👍 I hope to buy one eventually and make videos on those as well for you guys.

[@JessePelkey1]

And where my wife and are the owners of idi legends we will eventually have one haha

[@devinhartwick4669]

Love your videos man, 24 and broke as well 😂 recently just picked up my dad's 92 5spd 6.5 that he bought brand new, it's not fast but it definitely makes me smile

[@JessePelkey1]

Thank you dude! I'm glad I can be of some entertainment, and the struggle is real! Hahaha that's awesome man! At least you know how your dad took care of it and he is able to tell you what all he has done to is. 92 was a good year for the block and a 5spd to boot she should last you quite awhile. Any big plans for the future with it? And sorry it took me so long to respond, was traveling all weekend from Tennessee to Maryland, finally back in TN though and had a chance to respond👍

[@KevinW411]

Open up air intake and she'll speed up. Intake manifold, cold air intake and diamond 4 inch turbo backed exhaust did the trick for me. Manuaul wastegate arm helps too... dump the vacuum pump. (Did it all myself and I'm not a mechanic).

[@ThatGuyJayDub]

I have a 94 sierra c3500 I plan on doing a solid axle swap and manual swap it do a 4 inch lift and a 10 lug conversion and maybe one day a denali interior swap

[@adambilyeu1038]

Love it man! I’ve got a 93 quad cab 4X4 dually manual trans. 4” diamond eye, cone filter intake. Upgraded lift pump. In line pre pump wix filter. Been good to me. Just got a wicked wheel to throw in it. Only 88k on the clock. I’m the second owner.

[@JessePelkey1]

Very nice! Super low miles, mine was actually a dually as well before I swapped it to single wheel.

[@jsfilms7876]

Thanks alot man, I'm getting one soon and wanted to no all the good and bads

[@JessePelkey1]

I have other videos like my bombproofing series you may be interested in. I go into much further detail on the goods and bads about the 6.5

[@phildoethedildoe]

Bro I traded a 1989 F250 4x4 5 speed utility truck for a 96 single cab full size bed dually 6.5L rwd truck and love the thing!! GMC 6.5L all the way! Their not beauty queens but they are solid and reliable and sturdy. Will pull some decent weight as well. I pull my 22 foot tandem axel trailer with a custom MUV on it and the 6.5L diesel is perfect and at 20-22 mpg?? Ya can’t go wrong !! Plus the sound of the banks sidewinder turbo on mine sounds heavenly especially when I down shift!!!

[@josephmeeker9334]

Im thinking about getting a truck just like yours for 3000 x about 70 miles from me I had him send me videos of it starting up and running and I liked what I seen he actually has a stack coming out the back

[@JessePelkey1]

Nice! My old 6.5 I had, had a stack and i loved the way it sounded but I'm really digging the way the axle dump sounds at the moment

[@donacianoguerrero3711]

I bough a 93 and don’t use to Much but l need to do a lot upgrade but l think is a good truck to put your money in to. I love the old stuff no tú much electronic to work on it. I love your videos keep doing it.

[@justinflorez]

My sister gave me her 98 suburban with a 6.5 diesel in it? She got it before she was deployed for the Air Force and never ever got around to fixing it.

[@JOSH-bx5wp]

Awesome Truck bro. Thanks for the video.

[@JessePelkey1]

I appreciate it thank you 👍

[@seove1]

I have 349k miles on mine. I enjoy driving it and like that it's easy to work on.

[@bobbyboucher5309]

I just built a 2000 ccswb with a 6" lift. Was 454 but I blew it up n was gonna stuff a dmax in but after a couple days decided to go with a 6.5 I had sitting in my shop with all the harnesses. Cost me 4 grand including the truck itself. Cheap af, and it's a nice truck. The dmax would've been at least ten grand to build IF it didn't need injectors or anything. Huge price difference to achieve the same thing so not a hard decision. People make fun all you want but I own and fix EVERYTHING drive.

[@JessePelkey1]

Definitely quite the price difference for sure man, not going to lie I am a Duramax fan but obviously 65's are my bread and butter. I absolutely love these things and it sucks that they are so frowned upon but it's guys like us that keep these old girls rolling 👍 best of luck to you on the swap Man

[@KevinW411]

I love mine! 98, K2500 6.5 Tons of mods and bullet proofed, but she's solid now. Great video buddy👊

[@JessePelkey1]

Thank you 👍 greatly appreciate it man!

[@ФермеризВашингтона]

Prices are going up for everything the trucks are specially

[@JessePelkey1]

Agreed

[@jimmywright5054]

loved your video. and your truck. good job

[@JessePelkey1]

Thank you Jimmy, I appreciate you taking the time to watch the videos and the support. If you like my truck I'll be posting a new video soon about my very first build you may be interested in.

[@syzygysyzygy8332]

Just checked Autozone crate engine $1600 (after core exchange,). WOW I know Autozone doesn't have the reputation as custom shops but I've paid more for 4 cylinder engines.

[@sargentslaughter3509]

I had a 92 Gmc 1 ton and a 94 Gmc 3/4 , they were decent trucks, although the 94 had issues but I had it for 4 years I still wish I had it

[@JessePelkey1]

That's awesome man, I can only imagine what problems you were having out of the 94.

[@joecause6417]

My name is joe I have a 6.5 1998 crew cab 3500 hd dually 8 ft z71 couple things can’t find where Z 71 goes on a dually truck has every skid plate it’s treated me OK been through 3 to 4 injection pumps just over a year in can’t afford brand new keep one in the toolbox at all times I try to use Stanadyne fuel lubricator but she don’t get it much I do a lot of miles and tow really heavy weight and everything else to lol parts are more definitely finally got it to run right she does really good that’s why I keep her around I was battling bad overheating problems got the turbo working correctly dropped temperatures so far

[@scarsprospecting]

I love these trucks too ! And you kicked my ass already ! I did a head swap on mine and the stud does not fit after putting the head on . Passenger side .

[@davidmantz7865]

I have a 94 6.5 been redoing. totally rust free truck. Been a damn great truck.

[@JessePelkey1]

That's awesome! Good to see others keeping these babies rolling 👊

[@davidmantz7865]

Where are u located. Im in illinois.

[@JessePelkey1]

Not super far, east Tennessee

[@taylorh3930]

There was a 00 6.5 crew cab short box yes a rare crew cab short box dually in Alberta for sale a year ago for $6000. Was already sold when I inquired dam.

[@JessePelkey1]

That's good, agreed the price for these trucks is growing and 6 is a great price for a good shape one. I personally just dont agree with someone putting a 10k price tag on one when they could buy multiple of them for a lesser price haha. All about getting the best bang for your buck. Ccsb dually trucks are bad ass and not common at all but super cool. 6k is what I sold my old black 6.5l for when I left my birth state and it had a bunch of mods. Thanks for the comment man, like conversations with viewers

[@taylorh3930]

@@JessePelkey1 Yu bet I want to either buy a 6.5 diesel or do a 6.5 swap on my truck as I'm in the middle of restoring the body. If I can find a 97-98 Z71 6.5 with a trashed body if buy it and swap it over to my truck. If you like these body styles I have some videos and some new ones coming up on my 98 Z71 and a bit on how too doo autobody. I got a couple videos of me do new full complete bedsides.

[@JessePelkey1]

That would be sweet! I've seen your bed video so far and I gotta watch the rest, informative for sure, keep up the awesome work dude! Hopefully your able to pick up either an engine or a good parts truck with frame and engine all in tact!

[@777Slots]

I picked one up in Sylvan Lake Ab for Cheap , I’m Loving It ! #777Slots 🇨🇦🇨🇦🇨🇦

[@ClayHollidayz88]

I bought my first diesel yesterday a 97 gmc 1500 extended cab 6.5 I love it! I have to get the main seal fixed, but it only has 188k on it and it looks like it drove off the lot yesterday

[@JessePelkey1]

That's awesome man, congratulations on the purchase 👍

[@ClayHollidayz88]

@@JessePelkey1 I appreciate it! I will definitely be in touch for advice

[@JessePelkey1]

@@ClayHollidayz88 feel free to reach out anytime man 👍

[@rocnnrollbus]

A while back I scored a 1999 K3500 crew cab 4×4 dually for a thousand bucks cuz the guy didn't know how to work on it; for a grand it's worth a try! She's still sitting in my driveway...just need some time to work on it. Folks ask me about that truck all the time.

[@JessePelkey1]

Even for a grand though you cant go wrong! Hell of a deal man, hopefully your able to get it going, but even if the motor was shot you could still part it out and make money

[@sagetyler9652]

I bought my 1997 gmc suburban 6.5L cuz of u Detroit I’ve always liked diesel everyone I know has dissed on my truck but I like mine more then I liked my Cummins 12v

[@JessePelkey1]

That's awesome man, haters are gonna hate, they are great trucks, just not for everyone 👍

[@dp.oennismaurer205]

My last job before retiring was with a maintenance co. that did all types of work from grass cutting to building maintenance. The owner had a military Chevy4×4 w/the 6.2 and a newer crew cab w/ the 6.5 T . Both were in the shop w/ injection pump problems, more than on the road. To me they did not have enough power.

[@jasoncarpp7742]

I grew up being told that these GM diesels and turbo diesel engines were crap, not worth the money spent on buying. I'm not an expert on engines and how they work, but I disagree with that notion. If cared for and carefully maintained, it'll last you indefinitely. That doesn't mean you'd want to *"baby"* it, but with careful use and maintenance, you can tow a 5th wheeler behind it without worrying about destroying it.

[@JessePelkey1]

Glad to hear you didn't let the negative comments deter you. Like you said, if cared for and with regular maintenance they will do the job well 👍

[@jasoncarpp7742]

@@JessePelkey1 I regret that I've never owned or driven a GM produced Diesel powered vehicle. I would jump at the chance if the opportunity presented itself, possibly meeting someone who owns one. I would prefer these old-school IDI Diesel engines over the Duramax Common Rail Direct Injection Diesel engines.

[@CueTheFun]

awesome stuff man. subscribed!

[@JessePelkey1]

Thank you

[@motorcyclestripperscustoms4326]

I LOVE my Truck...6.5 all the way...not a "drag truck" but like you have all said, easy to work on, sounds awesome, just enough "clatter" and a wicked whistle when straight piped! I'll post pics on your "insta"...keep up the good work buddy, you ROCK!

[@JessePelkey1]

Thank man! I appreciate it, definitely more to come. Keep that baby running man, these trucks gotta stay rolling👍

[@DG509MOMO]

Yeah, the sound of a 6.5 Detroit is the sound of my childhood.

[@audechilderes9402]

Lol thats how I feel about my camry solara 5spd v6 supercharged 😉 But my dad just picked up a 93 6.5 it's for work its got a dump oem bed tho not a box. And I own a beautiful purple 93 5.7 tbi single cab step side 😘 rebuilt 350 added vortec heads not sure if it helped 🤔 but she's a beauty 💜 paint is peeling tho 🤣🤣. Nice video you seem like a humble youngster ive subscribed. Much blessings 🙏

[@7wjm98]

i’ve had a 93 7.3idi for the past 4 years and just yesterday got 96 6.5 to go along with it

[@JessePelkey1]

Bad ass man, love them old 7.3idi's

[@northerncountryrailroad8939]

Love all gm 6.2s and 6.5s. Want to get my boy one for his first truck. Would like to go with a 2500 or 3500 mechanical . Heard lots of issues with computerized 6.5s. Love the sound!!!

[@JessePelkey1]

That would be pretty cool, that I'm sure would make for some awesome memories. Of course with the introduction of more electronics there are going to be a bit more issues but definitely all fixable. I dont blame you one bit for wanting to keep it simple and reliable👍 I truly hope your able to find one for son.

[@northerncountryrailroad8939]

Thank you for the kind words I will definitely let you know and pick your brain once we have found one. Which years do you suggest for a 6.5?ive been wanting one for over 25 years. I have had a duramax and currently have a 6.0 Ford and love it but I have always wanted a 6.5 and my friends think I’m crazy lol

[@JessePelkey1]

In all honesty they are all pretty decent across the board. For mechanical injection pump trucks I'd say alot of people look for the 1993 model year, for a few different reasons but in all honesty you cant go wrong with any of the mechanical pump trucks.

[@rangerdoc1029]

I'm comfortable working on my 6.5s. They get great MPG. My powerstroke is a nightmare to work on.

[@JessePelkey1]

I hear yah man, 6.5l are very basic and very easy to maintain

[@XeL_666]

Earned my sub man. Looking to trade my quad for a 1500 with a 6.5 swap and a rough country 6" lift and 33's. Guy says it dont run possibly due to injection pump. Hoping i can line up a trailer and get it. Completely new to diesels.

[@JessePelkey1]

I appreciate it man, and thank you. Best of luck on the trade, and no worries man. They are a fairly simple engine, definitely do a pre-purchase inspection and make sure it's what your wanting. 👍

[@patrickconrad396]

Can't thank you enough man. I bought mine with 141k miles for a grand because the guy never figured out the pmd issue. I can resell it if I wanted to and get my money back no problem now that it's running correctly. But I want to really get it running like a champ

[@ApolloTheDerg]

People that hate in these have ego issues, who cares if you have a faster 201x $30k+ truck that’s faster, these old Detroit’s are cool, a lot more rare as well. These old girls don’t need emissions and you can work on them yourself, they do what you need them to, and they are fun as a project. I drive a slow 7tree OBS, it’s not fast or a power house, and I didn’t buy it to be either, it’s a moving nostalgia box with turbo sound and clatter, I love it.

[@nicholasjansen5601]

Not really a GM guy but I actually prefer the 6.5 to the Duramax. At least for reliability. I like underdog engines. That’s why I have a 6.0. 6.5 and 6.0 don’t deserve anywhere near the amount of hate they get. Both can be fantastic engines if maintained.

[@JessePelkey1]

I think all engines have their ups and down, all trucks have a place and it's a matter of personal preference. 6.0 does get alot of shit but in my experience was a better motor than the 6.4. Rooting for the underdog has always been a thing I have done, hence why my wife and i started idi legends. These motors deserve more credit than anyone gave them. 6.2idi 6.5idi 6.9idi 7.3idi and 5.7idi diesels

[@nicholasjansen5601]

@@JessePelkey1 Absolutely. I’ve been around 6.4’s and trust me they are far worse than the 6.0. And the thing about a 6.4 is there are no more good cores. My brother-in-law flips repos, mostly 6.4’s. He just had a truck with a bad crank, he got a used engine to put in it, started it up, and that one already has a piston knocking. The thing I do like better about idi’s is fuel economy. I get 13-14, maybe 14-15 if I’m lucky in my 6.0. And it’s a 2wd.

[@theman.6396]

I'm considering giving in and buying one. I need a diesel truck and have about a 10k budget. Only thing I can find around here are these in decent shape.

[@JessePelkey1]

Great budget to start with brother, hope your able to find a good one 👍

[@joshuadavidson7527]

I have a 6.5 optimizer fitted to my 2005 gu Nissan patrol manual here in Australia. I have put a larger capacity db2 pump and a gtx 3584 turbo on it, goes great and sounds amazing also get some funny looks, lol.

[@JessePelkey1]

I can only imagine the looks you get with that beast! That's cool as hell man👍

[@dante04srt]

Looks like the Knoxville Center Mall area. Ive got a 1998 K3500 CCLB dually that I Cummins swapped a couple months back. Im out in Maryville.

[@JessePelkey1]

Very nice! Yes it is the east town mall, I live very close to there and it is a fairly convenient place to make videos with little interruption 👍

[@davidgilbert6924]

good enough for me too i love em i can fix them and parts wont break the bank great truck after you upgrade and fix GM's screw ups i have a 92 and a 98 extended cab 2500 and just found me a 94 3500 4door cheap people think the motor was bad since it lost oil pressure and spit the oil out the bottom but little do they know the stock oil cooler hoses broke i checked it out and motor is still ok so they must of shut it down soon enough so their lost my gain put new stainless hoses on filled up with oil and away we go another survivor they do and pull anything my buddy's new ones do they just get there a little faster than i do but my stuff is paid for no 1000$ month payments for me and yes 20 mile per galon all day long i can keep up most of the time after all the upgrades bun no cant make no 500 hp but im not racing them their just work horses

[@JessePelkey1]

Bad ass man, sounds like your building a solid collection👍 completely agree with ya

[@davidharrell8890]

They have a sound of their own & are easier & cheaper to work on than today’s crap!

[@Idaho278]

Mine’s a ‘95, single cab, longbox, 6.5l, 4x4. Have honestly hated my 6.5 - but I don’t have the heart to swap it for a 5.7. Damn thing has some kind of major issue at least once every two weeks, I’m at 250k miles and have replaced or rebuilt almost every component and accessory in/on/of the powertrain. Love that goddamn pickup though, wouldn’t ever consider selling or trading it. Might buy another with the 5.7 though, I’m tired turning wrenches alongside the highway every time I want to drive my OBS.

[@waaa141995]

Got my burb 6.5 with a 50,000mile rebuild. For only 3500$ with 4wd

[@taylorh3930]

I don't know I just got my 96 6.5 turbo diesel running after 2years of sitting got it running and I was actually surprised how much low end this thing has. I feel like it's got some good power it'll have alot more when I get that heath 100 HP tune and custom 5" straight pipe exhaust 😁

[@BuildSomethingAuto]

"They're cheap, and they get good mileage" exactly 😅. Perfect when you just need a cheap diesel truck. Paying cash for one of these is way better than taking a loan on a more desirable engine.

[@amariodom4858]

im 23 soon gonna pick one up for myself but im going for the 454 3500 gotta have myself a dually

[@stevenpotter4450]

I have a 95 6.5TD and a 05 Cummins. I use the 6.5 for my business and it's just goes and goes with 275000 miles.

[@JessePelkey1]

Very nice, the 24 valve is a good motor as well. Thank you for subscribing man, I appreciate it alot. 6.5l is a good and I'm just trying to show people that they are reliable and hopefully educate see what the potential of these engines are. What kinda business you got man?

[@stevenpotter4450]

@@JessePelkey1 I own a AC company in South TX. I was thinking of rebuilding the 6.5 cause I know shes tired. I just found your channel and alot of great information.

[@JessePelkey1]

Thank you, I'm glad I can be of help👍

[@barryosbourne2581]

Why buy a 6.5.... they are battle tested and the military has been running that engine for almost 30 years. Its not a powerhouse but its a workhorse. Try to find a good 6.5 truck for sale. The 6.5 lives! Clasic! 6.5 is boss, its very utilitarian...I got a 6.5 and been driving it for 10 years

[@JessePelkey1]

That's it man! I couldn't agree with you more 👍

[@detroitdiesel-vu3ig]

I often hear people down talking 6.5s in the military but I'll say we beat the hell out of them, last time out in the field, it was cold as shit so we left the poor things running all night for heat

[@wadofbat]

Thinkin about buying a 6.5, it has the electronic system instead of the mechanical, but all the relocating and bulletproofing is already done. Truck only has 114k and was a commuter (welding truck).

[@JessePelkey1]

That's awesome man, they really aren't bad truck, even the ds4 (electrical) injection pump truck. That is pretty much all I have owned and it's worth it to carry around a couple spare PMD's but honestly they are decent work horses. Of course they aren't power houses by any means but they do work well.

[@wadofbat]

@@JessePelkey1 glad to hear, truck has only 114k miles and I hope to look at it this weekend

[@JessePelkey1]

@wadofbat4999 best of luck man 👍

[@wadofbat]

@@JessePelkey1 would you recommend this over a 7.4 (454)?

[@JessePelkey1]

@wadofbat4999 personally yes. Both make about the same power in stock form, both have a decent aftermarket for parts and forums to help mod and diagnose problems, 6.5l gets better fuel milage and I have an overwhelming sentimental attachment to them. I think they both sound great, you can never go wrong with the gmt400 platform, for me personally I just like the diesel more.

[@chasauto2932]

My 6.5 truck is pretty good I tow 13k with it regularly not the fastest thing in the world but will get the job done

[@JessePelkey1]

Maybe not the fastest, but they sure sound and look good doing hard honest work

[@chasauto2932]

@@JessePelkey1 yes sir they do just got done putting a new turbo and 4 inch diamond eye exhaust on mine today

[@JessePelkey1]

Awesome, very nice upgrades!

[@hummervs3278]

Hey, nice truck! I don’t do IG, but there is a ton of us on thetruckstop.us that are big fans of the 6.2/6.5 John of Quadstar is a forum vendor there along with a few other good vendors. I’m sure some of the folks there do IG though- I’m just an ol grey hair. Haha Tons to learn there everything from best mpg to reliability focused and some high power builds. One of the guys did a huge build thread where he shows everything exactly how he did it and dyno 602 whp and 350 whp. With intent others could copy how he did it. He wasn’t getting all fuel yet and hadn’t even installed wmi yet. Enjoy your trucks!

[@TheRevanchist]

I just traded two motorcycles for an 87 C20 with a 6.2 and a 94 K2500 with a 6.5 😁

[@kaydcas1330]

Thank you, you were helpful

[@JessePelkey1]

I appreciate it man 👍

[@Disfigur3dx]

1997 k2500 6.5 🤪 redoing the entire front end fuel tank Yee yee 🤘🏼🇺🇸

[@jtklawncareandsnowremoval8256]

I'm looking to sell my gas 1500 and get try find clean dump found couple 6.5s I'm looking at do lot deisel work on Detroits in boats so like idea of 6.5 in dump truck

[@jacklowe3788]

In my rural area of Va. I'm looking at 1990 GMC 3500 6.2L Single cab 12'x7' flat bed no dump- 189,000 miles Very Good condition recently painted - Truck looks good runs & drives good asking $4900.00 Vs. 1996 3500 6.5 129,000 miles- This truck I'd say Very Good definitely some wear but looks solid w/ good interior has 11' dump bed Very Good tires asking $6000.00- I've owned couple ford 7.3 & one 6.9 but have no experience w/ GM just have heard many horror stories but believe lot of these to be people not knowing what they talk about- The older truck above w/6.2 actually looks better guess because freshened up new paint but both look solid- My question is which is most durable w/ Reliable? Plus older truck owner said he come down some on price- We're all old guys here in our 60's So don't think any hot rodding abuse - Any advice on which way to go appreciated- Thanks, jack

[@JessePelkey1]

Both good options but as far as reliability, the bd2 all mechanical injection pump that is in the 1990 is more reliable and easier to diagnose if anything were ever to go wrong than the ds4 injection pumps found in the 1996 trucks. Being all mechanical not a lot of variables to go wrong and when something does break it's pretty easy to diagnose. Six flags are very easy to deal with and a lot of the horror stories like you said do come from people who either don't know what they are doing or they just give up on the platform entirely. Absolutely love the 73 and 69 IDI trucks much like the 6.5 and the 6.2 they are just Old reliable diesel engines that have been forgot about, glad they're more people out there that are looking to keep these old girls going 👍

[@seove1]

Great vid.

[@JessePelkey1]

I appreciate it man thank you. Not my best video but I dont think I did too bad 👍

[@seove1]

@@JessePelkey1 it was good. I listened to it as I was walking to the store and rewinded when I missed a part.

[@bhdrywall3297]

Good job

[@brookewoody8620]

Hi nice truck is that a dually axel on the back very cool 4 door non dually with the single wheel 3000 what a bargain they are the best IV had mine 10 years still drive it

[@JessePelkey1]

That's awesome man! And yes, when I bought it, it was a dually and i put the singles on keeping the axle.

[@frankleonard6570]

i have a 95 c1500 with the non turbo 6.5 2wd i love it. 28mph all day great truck got 400 000miles and runs flawless gmt400 is a great truck gas or diesel. but the 88-95 is better than the 96-98 hands down. i will buy another 6.5 or a 6.2 i like them detroit! 👌

[@ChevyManZ]

I love these trucks just can't find any in my area. I've wanted one for Bout 5 years. You have my dream truck bro. Very nice 👌

[@JessePelkey1]

Thanks man, I appreciate it, I hope you are able to find one. Idk if I'd ever sell this one. I sold my first one and it took awhile to find this one.👍

[@grindersandgears3445]

And that's why an actual nice, clean, relatively low mileage one can go for $10k, gotta disagree with him on prices. I wouldn't say most of them are worth that, average condition drivers trucks $4-6k imo. $2-4k for a clapped out barely/semi-drivable one. For 6.5 turbos anyways. 6.2 N/A's are definitely worth less. And lastly Suburbans are worth more as well due to rarity, and also likely the fact that much to my dismay us peasants can't buy Suburbans with a dirtymax, even though they build them for uncle Sam.

[@JessePelkey1]

@@grindersandgears3445 I completely agree with your statement man. Rarity does play a factor for sure, condition as well, milage absolutely. 10k I can definitely see, but like you said it's not very common you come across one that is worth the 10k, which is (more or less why I made the statement I did.) And recently prices have definitely gone up on these trucks over the past 5 years or so for some reason. I just cant stand to see people on fb market place selling a bone stock, leaking, barely drivable 6.5l that they want 7k for. That's the part I find a smidge ridiculous. Thank you for the comment man, seriously I do agree with it and appreciate you responding 👍

[@thejues3919]

Subscribed to see any “mods “ or fixes , been fixing my 99 cclb dually , need to pull engine to do rear main seal , and a bunch of other stuff , love to see how things go from here

[@JessePelkey1]

Thank you for subscribing and there plenty in store for the future. I dont know if you looked at any of my other videos but I do have a few about mods I have done and upgrades that I will be doing. Rear main seal is always fun, what other issues are you having? Again I greatly appreciate the support and I hope my videos help in anyway possible. If you'd ever like me to make a video on something specific just let me know 👍

[@grindersandgears3445]

May have already done it by now, but you can pull the trans to get at the rear main, imo the easier way. I did mine when I had to replace the blown trans I bought the truck with, PO ran it dry with a nasty leak.

[@ross_demon1315]

Well I own 5 6.5l trucks but 4 of them are dullys and one of then just blew the rear end but I don't blame the truck it's old shits gonna happen. Auto correct is killing me lol

[@PAUL_K]

Detroit 6.5 turbo is packing more tourqe than stock gen 6 454

[@baileyplays7862]

getting one this weekend

[@steffenelbers]

Where can i buy these nice mirrors and the wide fender flares?? i dont find anything nice in Germany for my K2500

[@MrWilliewonka69]

Love my 95 z71 with a 6.5td love the looks i get from the cummins/duramax/powerstoker guys when i park the old girl at the diesel pump and they get mad till i start her up

[@JessePelkey1]

Always messing with those who have no clue hahaha

[@BOVAction]

Where'd you get that wiper cowl man? Sweet rig!

[@chriswatkins6222]

I’m actually quite excited to get my own truck body wise it hasn’t taken care of but that’s something I don’t really care for as long as the Frame is good and somewhat good engine wise I don’t really care how good everything else is long as you know my foot isn’t going through the floor board lmao that I’m fine with it cuz I know I can fix it up if needed and I can always add stuff to the engine lol but like you said they’re not power wagons which I dont mind cuz I honestly just like the sound of diesels rumbling and just working on em cuz I have a lil background on Diesels a bit I got my truck for $500 cuz the fuel pump went out and the engine does need a few things but that’s why I got a daily so o can work on the truck and drive my car around lol

[@JessePelkey1]

As long as the foundation is intact anything is fixable, completely agree. Glad you were able to find a killer deal on yours, $500 is a good buy all day long no matter what it looks like. May not be a power house but it honestly gets the job done. Plenty of aftermarket coming out for these motors though 👍

[@ethankirby5814]

I got a 98 6.5. I bought it from a guy who said motor was rebuilt and work done to it but I can't tell if there is work done. How could I tell if there is work done or not

[@58gmc100]

Would you share with this how you're getting the 20 miles per gallon highway? Please tell us your mods that are improving fuel economy, and tell us you're traveling speed to achieve that mileage. I'm a huge 6.5 fan myself, but my crew cab is getting about 14 highway right now. What is your axle ratios?

[@JessePelkey1]

Absolutely, I'll make the video tomorrow after work and it will be up tomorrow night👍 4:10 gears is what I have

[@58gmc100]

@@JessePelkey1 awesome video sir. I have 3 of these trucks. The first one. Is A 1995 k3500 crew cab long bed Silverado that I built out of 4 different trucks. Its a loong story so heres a condensed version. The only things I didn't touch on that one literally is the front axle, and the internals of the motor. It has a 1999 4L80E and 4:10 gears. I acquired another 93 Chevy 6.5 TD dually with the 4L80 and 4:10's. Looking forward to the mechanical injection pump. Gotta work on that one to get it going. I also have a 95 k2500 Chevy that is the 6 lug version. It's a short bed extended cab with the 6.5 TD, and the 4L80E, but with 3:73 gears. It's waiting for a new injection pump. I'm excited to see what kind of mpg along with top end cruising speed I can get with this one. I'm a 6.5 guy because of fuel economy, low cost of parts, and their durability. I don't care about leaving a trail of black smoke and a massive amount of horsepower. I'm like you, I love the 95 to 2000 square bodys, they are the best riding, most comfortable interiors, and arguably overall the best built bodys that gm ever made in trucks. I also have a line on a 1982 C-10 Silverado long bed with the original red block 6.2 diesel. These were advertised to get 30 mpg highway.

[@JessePelkey1]

That's awesome man, glad to talk to another enthusiasts if you have an instagram, I'd say you could send them over to get them featured. Lot of good people over there. Gotta keep these ol girls on the road.

[@58gmc100]

@@JessePelkey1 I have a few complex issues going on with my 95 k3500 crew cab. Too much to text back and forth. If your up for a phone conversation, holler at me at 2108850563 anytime!

[@JessePelkey1]

Sure thing, give me just a sec and I'll give ya a call

[@mikelknight799]

I question the accuracy of fuel efficiency. Likely it's not that high due to inaccuracy of odometer from over sized tires.

[@JessePelkey1]

Used GPS, did not base readings of odometer due to it being off from the oversized tires.