6.5 turbo diesel into a 72 C20
 

Hi All

I'm in the planning stages on putting a 6.5 Turbo diesel into a 1972 GMC C20. I don't have either truck here but I'm looking for some advice. I have been reading mostly this forum, and I think I'm overloaded with info.

This isn't going to be a project truck right now so I chose the 6.5 to go in asap on a budget with minimal mods. I like the option to put it back to the 350/350 for resale as the 6.5's don't seem to be attractive for buyers.

If I had the time and money, i'd love a duramax, but that will have to wait.

In the meantime, I'm looking at a 96 reg cab long box RWD for the for the engine and tranny.

I'll need to take the parts off the 96 before the 72 gets here and I was just trying to determine what parts I should pull off the 96 before send it to the scrap yard?

The second question I have is do I need to convert to a mechanical injection pump?

I'm sure i'l have more questions, but I may need to reply on the forum to even figure out what they are.


Thanks,

Chris

Re: 6.5 turbo diesel into a 72 C20
 

96 is obd2 a lot of hassle to swap and as far as tuning limited. If you go mechanical you cant use the trans because it is a 4l80e and it is computer controlled. I would just use the motor and change it to a mechanical pump as you are just looking for a easy swap. The 6.5 will bolt to any sbc trans be sure to use a 6.5 flex plate or flywheel. The same engine mounts for a sbc fit the 6.5.

Re: 6.5 turbo diesel into a 72 C20
 

o'blazer - Thanks for the chat, I may be able to pull this off afterall.

marvgarr68 - Thanks for the info, from the looks of my search results, the cost to make the 4l80e standalone is more than it worth.

Now I just need to come up with a plan. But first I need to pick up the trucks.

Chris

Re: 6.5 turbo diesel into a 72 C20
 

You might be able to make the money back for the controller by selling off parts from the 96.

Re: 6.5 turbo diesel into a 72 C20
 

Good point but if I cut a deal with Tyler I won't feel bad about bugging him with stupid questions.

Re: 6.5 turbo diesel into a 72 C20
 

After reading the threads on 6.2 swaps it looks like I need SBC motor mounts and BBC towers/frame mounts. Of course there are 3 kinds, 67 to 71, 72, and 73 to 80something. Of course I have a 72 and they seem to be sought after. My question is what's the difference as a few posters have said either the 67 to 71 or the square body towers could be used with minor modifications.

Chris

Re: 6.5 turbo diesel into a 72 C20
 

Have you read my build? I thought I covered that in it with pictures I will have to go through it and make sure.

Re: 6.5 turbo diesel into a 72 C20
 

I just noticed my build is missing from my sig. I will get that fixed.






I just got it fixed

Re: 6.5 turbo diesel into a 72 C20
 

That's a great build thread. When I first read it, I think I was just getting too much information and did not understand the modifications to the sbc stand. How's it holding up with time? I can understand why you wanted the engine lower with the sbc stands, but why didn't you want it moved forward? I would have thought that would help with clearance issues with the downpipe, and help to reduce heat transfer through the firewall?

Re: 6.5 turbo diesel into a 72 C20
 

I needed clearance between fan and radiator. In my build you can see the fan spacer which is less then 3/4" in length. The reason I had to run a spacer is so fan blades would clear the accessories. These motors are a little long. I have plenty of room behind engine and firewall. Down pipe is also fine even with a filter behind it. I have not got it on the road yet. I have only just started it for the first time a couple days ago. I can tell you it is very solid.