I'm getting ready to put a 6.5 into a truck that currently has a 350 gasser, and I have two questions I need figured out before I begin:


1) Can I use the flywheel from the 350 with the 6.5? The truck has a 4 speed manual trans that I want to keep, while the 6.5 engine is coming from a suburban with an auto trans, so I don't think I can use its flywheel.


2) Related to the first question, is the 6.5 an internally or externally balanced engine.


Thanks in advance

You'll need the flywheel, clutch and pressure plate - crank hub bolt pattern and diameter, overall size and balance differences.


Get the later setup, which is not dual-mass - that was an attempt to further dampen harmonic distortions and shock loads to the crank.


You'll also need the Bendix Hydro-boost brake setup - Diesels have no manifold vacuum to work from.


Get the rubber-isolated engine supports - they are different compound than gasoline engine, heavy duty for Diesel.


Exhaust system is totally different - get that for temporary hook-up while you decide on upgrades. Diesel Sub and truck versions should be simiar back to soot trap and muffler.


Drain and dry the fuel tank(s), replace the combo pump\sender unit(s) with the Diesel version(s) - sender is identical so gage will be correct.


Pull the fuel supply and return lines and brackets off the Sub, as they will have the fittings for the in-line electric Lift Pump - the frame is pre-drilled for the Diesel system, so it is bolt-in.


You'll need the engine oil cooler and trans fluid cooler with lines for each.


Get the big Diesel radiator - you'll need it.


Get the throttle cable, cruise cable, etc.


Get the engine and cab harnesses - you'll need Glow Plug, Water in Fuel, Fuel Solenoid, Housing Pressure Cold Advance hook-up.


Harness installation is identical, just different circuits and supply points.


Get the Diesel instrument cluster for Tachometer, Oil Pressure Gage is higher pressure, Water in Fuel display, Wait to Start (gow plug) display, and Diesel Fuel Only marking. Temperature may show lower Red warning level.


Some of the above is considering your truck and the donor are similar years, but should give you some points for checking.

here's a good question. if you run a 6.5 with a vac pump could you use that for the vac supply to the brake booster? my friend has a powerstroke that has a vac pump that looks almost identical to ours that runs nothing but his brake booster. and thats a 3/4 ton '96 4x4.

A lot of gassers came with hydroboosters too. (at least the newer ones, 96+)

what years are your project and donor vehicles? with without turbo?

Thanks for the info so far. The truck is 1975, but nearly everything on it is newer than that. The body is mid 80s. The interior is late 80s. The donor vehicle is a 1984 Suburban that was converted to diesel in 1997 with a 6.5 crate engine. I think that the 6.5 is one of those drop-in replacements for the old 6.2. It doesn't appear to have any electronic controls.


It sounds like gmctd addressed my questions, but I'm not sure exactly. Again, can I use the flywheel off the 350 or do I have to get a different one? And if I can use the flywheel off the 350, will I have to balance it for the 6.5 engine, or is the 6.5 internally balanced?


I apologize gmctd if you basically answered these questions with your response. I'm afraid you'll have to be more explicit, as I am a pretty inexperienced mechanic and this is new territory for me.


Thanks again for the help

Oh and I forgot. The 6.5 does not have a turbo.


Thanks

If it is that old, I think you can get by with just draining the tank and using all the fuel lines since they didn't have any pump or filter before the engine. The diesel should have a fuel pump on the engine in about the same place.

The 6.5 flywheel and clutch is specific - cannot use a gasoline V8 'wheel.

the 6.5 does have a turbo, most of the 6.2s dont though