I have recently bought a 92 3/4 ton with a 6.5TD. It has about 214,000. It runs rough but I believe it is the IP. I want to put this in my 87' pickup thats going to become a 3/4 ton also. Since I was going to be pulling the engine out I, want to reduce the compression to 18:1 and repace bearings. I have not seen anybody write in their post about the use of a girdle on the crank. I know that the 6.5 has had problems with broken cranks and webs when power levels are increased. Is the girdle worth the investment? I have heard that the IP is rough on the timing chain, and is it worth going to the solid gear type of timing set-up? I was checking the prices of remanufactured IP and noticed that the pumps that Heath Diesel has is about twice the price of a stock remanufactured. Does anyone know if it is worth the extra money for one from Heath. I have no prblem sending money on one as long as it better quality, worth it, and the wife doesn't find out.

The price of the pumps from Heath, are you lookin' at the DB2 (mechanical) or the DS4 electronic. You've got it made in the shade with the mechanical setup.

Are you using this for fun, or for towing? There are some other upgrades you may wish to consider in there too. Upgrading your cooling system to 97+ dual stat HO pump.

I wouldn't worry about block cracking on your year (pre '97) especially if your going to lower the compression haveing said that it is always a good idea to have the block magnafluxed while its torn it down. I totally agree with doing the cooling upgrade, but not for the obvious reasons.

I have the mechanical pump and I, also plan on installing the cooling system upgrade.

It has about 214,000. It runs rough but I believe it is the IP.

I was checking the prices of remanufactured IP and noticed that the pumps that Heath Diesel has is about twice the price of a stock remanufactured.
Rough idle is normally an injector problem, and if they're over 100k they're due.

If you don't want to shell out big bucks for an IP, the cheapest way to go is to have yours rebuild at Cost of Repair, and since your looking to make more power, just ask that they set fuel delivery 10% or so over spec.

Normal wear and tear on a DB2 usually isn't that bad, much cheaper to rebuild them before they fail, and if yours still runs good, its pretty much guaranteed to be considerably cheaper than exchange.

Only downside is you will probably have to be down for a couple days instead of one.

i don't think the 97 dual thermostat housing will work with a mechanical pump the accelerator cable bracket on the pump is in the way