Project 67 GMC custom 6.5 turbo diesel

[6772owner]

Ok thanks, I appreciate all the information, this looks like a very interesting set-up to me. My 67' K10 could use a swap in the future and I would like to go diesel without having to give up both arms and a leg. Sounds like the 6.5 could be a viable option.... Awesome job and I will be watching this one.

[mal68ibu]

Since my last post I found out that my injection pump took a dump on me while it was hanging out on the shelf not doing anything. I have the wiring all hooked up, engine turns over great but no juice. I bought a remanufactured unite from Badger Diesel with a military grade hydraulic head. In hunting around for a new pump I found out that the older style head unit I had has historic hot start issues. The military units do not. So I got my new pump and put all the crap back on the motor and it fired right up once we bled all the lines out. I just forgot to line up my marks on the pump and the timing is off a little. Next step is to put an oil pressure gauge on it and make sure I have good pressure and adjust the pump. Assuming that is all good. I need to make up a manual waste gate, do the brakes, and finish off the veggie oil fuel system, rut it a little longer and make sure I don't have any leaks anywhere. Then put the sheetmetal back on it. Sounds simple enough. Oh ya somewhere in there I need exhaust.

[djw32]

Very cool! How many gallons will that ss tank hold?

David

[Lippyp]

I'm assuming these big US diesel engines must be torque monsters as they don't seem to put out a lot of HP for the size. My wifes daily driver Nissan X-Trail 4x4 has 173 horses from a 2.0L four pot oil burner and it goes like stink (six speed manual box helps)

[dieselarmy13]

Originally Posted by Lippyp

I'm assuming these big US diesel engines must be torque monsters as they don't seem to put out a lot of HP for the size. My wifes daily driver Nissan X-Trail 4x4 has 173 horses from a 2.0L four pot oil burner and it goes like stink (six speed manual box helps)

These old engines are a tad bit different than what you are used to driving. They do have a good amount of torque, but speed demons they are not. What they are though is a good, dependable, fuel efficient, readily available alternative to a gas burner.

I've driven diesel X-trails, as well as many other euro market diesels when I lived in Germany, (my favorite being the Benz C220) and they are a whole different story. It's a shame that the US is finally, albeit slowly, letting these superb TDI's gain acceptance over here.

I am in no way putting this engine down, as I work on them almost everyday, and have found a soft spot for them, and for that reason have been following this build from almost day one.

[Sinister]

Cool build. Subscribed.

[mal68ibu]

Ran more wires today. Checked some stuff off my list. Got the timing a little closer.......not perfect............but closer. And found that I have a nasty oil leak. Had a beer and went home for the night. Tomorrow is another day.

[dieselarmy13]

Originally Posted by mal68ibu

Ran more wires today. Checked some stuff off my list. Got the timing a little closer.......not perfect............but closer. And found that I have a nasty oil leak. Had a beer and went home for the night. Tomorrow is another day.

That sucks. Where's it leaking from?

[mal68ibu]

Oil leak is fixed. I'm almost too embarrassed to admit that I never installed the rear main when I was reassembling the motor. Time consuming but easy fix, as it was still in the gasket set box. While the truck was on the lift I bolted all the accessories down added a new belt, and ran my new break lines. I'll have a pic of my handywork on that one. Also cleaned up some of my frame clearances and welded a chip into the frame where I had to cut alot of metal out of it. Alt. is hoodked up and charges the batteries. I haven't posted too many new pics as not much has changed. Next I have to modify the break pedal, bleed the breaks, secure some hoses and wiring, and run some wiring into the cab. Suck, Suck and more Suck!!

[ERASER5]

No more four eyes! Are you going to use the holes for air intake?

[mal68ibu]

AS a matter of fact the pass side hole will be the air intake. The drivers side will just have a screen in it to match its mate. I'm planning on have a "ram air" set up for the air intake, similar to 66-68 vintage GM muscle cars. That inboard headlight was in the way anyways.

[djw32]

Originally Posted by mal68ibu

Oil leak is fixed. While the truck was on the lift I bolted all the accessories down added a new belt, and ran my new break lines.

What year truck did you pull the accessories from? If you have a pic, please post it.

[mal68ibu]

djw32,
All the accessories are on the motor in one of the last pics I posted. They are the stock items that came on the motor (93 3500HD pick up). I had just lost some of the bolts so I didn't have the fan and belt on the engine yet.
ADam

[70rs/ss]

This 6.5 swap is looking more like what I need to do to my sub, as a Cummins swap is going to be hard and $$$. Besides I want MPG more than hp, but tq is always a good thing!! This post has me thinking I can do a 6.5 and have all I want and do it reasonable! More picts!!

[67cheby]

hey not meaning to change the subject but is the vw for sale

[mal68ibu]

Originally Posted by 67cheby

hey not meaning to change the subject but is the vw for sale

You mean that stinky POS that used to be parked next to my jewel? Its gone. I think the owner sold it. Not my taste so I didn't blink twice at it.

[mal68ibu]

Spent the day tweakin the injection pump and applying sheet metal. Even took a video of it running and reving. Otherwise I spent most of my time drinking beers. Heres some pics. #$^&#$^&#$% my computer tonight. Pics later

[FRENCHBLUE72]

Cant wait to see the pics of this bad beast up and running..

[mal68ibu]

Alright so here are the pics I could not get loaded up last night. The front clip is going back together fairly easily. I had to clearance the hood release handle, and I'm not sure that will will as it is. I also had to clearance the lower part that bolts to the bottom of the grill to go around the intercooler lower mounts that are welded to the core. The intercooler fits just about perfectly behind the grill. I have to rotate the clamps for the pipes as they rest right on the grill. That duramax fan pulls a crazy amount of air at idle, and it sounds good. The last pic is of the switches to swap from diesel to veggie oil, and my glow plug switch. Those still need to be rewired. The brakes are all plumbed. I have a bracket to hold the residual pressure valves and one to hold the adjustable prop valve for the rear brakes.

[mal68ibu]

I had one last pic. I also have a video but cannot figure out how to post it here. I've posted it on youtube and here is a link.

67 diesel gmc

[6772owner]

Looks like it is coming along well, keep it up, want to see the finished product soon. Sounds good!

[Spray-Bomb]

SWEET !!!!

I can wait to see more

[FRENCHBLUE72]

Very cool she sounds great..

[mal68ibu]

Cleaned up under hood wiring, finished bolting and ligning up the front clip (less hood and inner fenders), and wired up the dash switches to control the glow plugs and fuel system. I only need to wire up the two fuel level sending units and the electrical will be done. They will be run off the same switch that controls the fuel pumps. When the veggie pump is on it will read that side of the tank, and when the diesel pump is on it will read that side of the tank. The switch for the glow plugs is a one way non locking switch so as soon as I take my finger off of it, it shuts the glow plugs off.

[mal68ibu]

MAIDEN VOYAGE WAS TODAY. It drove pretty well but I need to mess with the vacuum to the th400 as it just shifts to final drive really quick. I shifted it manually and it HAULS THE MAIL!! Its got a slightly rough spot so the timing is not spot on. I also have to fix a power steering leak now. All my wiring works properly and the stock fuel gauge works with the switch and sending units. The rings seated a little better today so there is a lot less smoke. IT SOUNDS SICK when you get into it. I can't wait to get all the **** out of the bed so I can really drive it. I will say that the hydro boost feels strange and so far the throttle response feels odd to me, but this is my first diesel and first truck with hydro boost. I'll probably have a vid of it driving next week.