Just wondering how difficult it would be to swap a 350 out for a 6.5 diesel in a 1997 chevy silverado k2500. I love diesels and tow with my truck. What would the power difference be and what power upgrades are made for that motor? Also, where could i get one of those motors and what should be looked at in it for problems?

Lots of work man. Don't bother IMO.

Just go and buy a diesel......

By the way, WELCOME!!!!

You can find a wealth of info in the stickys on the 6.5 section.

A lot of guys say "too much work - just buy a truck with a diesel already". I disagree. Older diesel trucks are comparatively scarce compared to gassers. Finding one in good overall condition is even more rare. If you have a nice truck already, then you have already won half (or more) of the battle. If you have a basket case, then it is probably not worthwhile to swap. If your existing gas motor is relatively low mileage (under 100k, say), then it may not be economically worthwhile. If you need to replace teh motor anyway, then it can be more easily justified.

As far as the actual swap, it isn't difficult. The 6.2/6.5 will physically bolt up to any tranny you have, and the motor mounts are the same as the small block and big block Chevy's. Just make sure you have the correct flywheel/flexplate for the tranny you plan to use. Any automatic will need a recalibrated governor. 700's will also need the TCC lockup switch and TV cable mount on the IP. 400's will need the vacuum controller on the IP to run the vacuum modulator on the tranny. MAnual tranny's are a piece of cake. The diesel doesn't generate the high volume vacuum needed to run your vacuum power brake booster, so a hydroboost will be needed. You can use your existing gas tank, but a fuel return line will be needed. Make sure to completely drain all gas from the tank. You will also need a fuel filter suitable for diesel. The Racor units are better than the OEM ones GM used, IMO. Unless you really like wiring an electronics, stick to a 93 and earlier 6.5 or 6.2 with the mechanical IP. All you need is a single wire for the IP and another if you choose to use an electric fuel pump. IF you use the stock glow plug controller then it will need a wire as well. Ther really isn't much to it.

There are a few other odds and ends, but they are trivial. Overall it isn't much harder than swapping from a small block to a big block. I'm doing just such a swap on my 91 Blazer. The 350 in it has 200k and has some issues, so it is easily justified for me. Whether it is for you depends on your situation.

The truck has 111k on it now, i bought it with 104 last august, i do A LOT of driving with it as i use it for work. I'm thinking it may be wise to just leave it alone and save for a 06 or 07 classic w/ d-max as i'm just realizing that finding a good donor truck is going to be difficult.

Dieseldad97....NICE TRUCK and thanks for the welcome!!

The truck has 111k on it now, i bought it with 104 last august, i do A LOT of driving with it as i use it for work. I'm thinking it may be wise to just leave it alone and save for a 06 or 07 classic w/ d-max as i'm just realizing that finding a good donor truck is going to be difficult.

Dieseldad97....NICE TRUCK and thanks for the welcome!!

Thanks for the compliment. I love my truck.
Where is a pic of your ride?

I put a pic of the truck up in my garage......will have better ones soon.

You might want to look at this article. It won't tell you everything but, it's interesting none the less.

find a site called dieselpowermag.com then tag the below onto the end of their main site to find the article

tech/general/0703dp_gm_diesel_engine_swap/

You might want to look at this article. It won't tell you everything but, it's interesting none the less.

find a site called dieselpowermag.com then tag the below onto the end of their main site to find the article

tech/general/0703dp_gm_diesel_engine_swap/
Thanks for that link, i love that magazine! Definitely a good read there in that article :)