Hi guys, I own a super-clean condition 95 Tahoe. It's a really fun vehicle. Since it's only around 4500-5000 lbs, the 6.5TD really scoots this thing around (I even put a rear sway bar on this thing because it is so fun to drive).

Has anyone attempted to put a Duramax/Allison into an older 6.5TD-equipped vehicle? It would be fun to pull parts out of a wrecker and see how it all fits. I note that this has certainly been done with an older pickup, with impressive results! http://trucktrend.com/features/tech/163_0412_duramaxpart1/

Your comments and input would be very welcome!

Sincerely,

Rob :)

Hmmm, interesting concept, Rob. My last vehicle was a very nice 99 6.5TD Tahoe. There's been some pre2001 Suburban Dmax/Alli grafts. As I recall, it required a body lift to clear the Alli. Since the same genre Tahoes share the same front clips, I assume that would be necessary for the Tahoe, too.

I believe that a body lift is needed, judging from the dmax/allison sub conversions, but actually, my '95 already has a 3" lift, so perhaps it is destined for a dmax :).

Seriously, has anyone taken a look at a similar hybrid?

Sincerely,

Rob :)

They are now putting Dmaxes into vans using the 4L80. It would sure be alot easier if you could keep your current trans.

there is a guy in either Ohio or the midwest who did this and is in either 4 wheeler mag. article or Off road mag.

that would be bas a$$. i love the 2 door tahoes. i would love to have a 2 door tahoe duramax.

Although I can't say that I've tried it, and I've never owned the 2 door Tahoe, I'd say GO FOR IT!!! That would be sweet. I think there's just something cool about the Blaze...oops...2 door Tahoe's that isn't there with the 4 doors.

If you do it, I'd love to see it sometime. That would be cool.

Have a good one!!

This is the closest I've seen to this concept.

http://www.fourwheeler.com/featuredvehicles/129_0407_suburban/

It's a DMax stuffed into a 1/2 ton Sub. Looks pretty good. It would be an absolute scream to stuff one into a two-door Tahoe. Given that the two-door Tahoe is designed to handle the old 6.5TD with 400 ft-lbs of torque and 199 HP, a newer LB7 would be a considerable increase, but it would be no more of an issue than the previous link showing an '89 1/2 ton pickup turned into a hotrod. Hmmm. Perhaps when I need to stuff a new engine in, I can do it. Or, if I can get a really good deal on a salvage DMax drivetrain...

Sincerely,

Rob :)

Hear is a link to an 87 fullsize I put a duramax in. No finished pics yet but if it fits in this truck I don't see where you would have much trouble. http://www.albumtown.com/showalbum.php?uuid=25724&aid=35629&page=5

I would be hesitant to try this. It could be a costly venture, and end up
another money pit. They run a different rear axel/differential with the D/A.
And that heavy duty rear axel/differential did not stand up well when they
first came out with them.
Nearly the whole suspension would have to be updated, more heavy duty.
More Torque to the rear wheels. Wonder how the bearings in the whole
drive train would stand up. We know your gonna be punching it to make
it jump and pound the competition. You are not putting this one together
to simply drive it around.
Almost every part of your truck, would require modification. The new D/A"s will have additional space between the engine and the hood, for better air flow, to help keep them cool. Your considering putting a bigger
engine into a smaller area. You'll need a larger radiator, and will probably
end up cutting the tranny tunnel and modifying the hump to make the
tranny fit. It sounds like an awful lot of work, and a big expense. And
then would you ever be able to sell it some time down the road, with the
modification's you want to make. Will the State allow you to register it,
or reregister it when your done? It would not be as big a problem as
going from a gas engine to a diesel.
Doing the lift, doing the modifications, changing the suspension, changes
your center of gravity, making it more likely to tip over. YOur insurance
company find's out, they could cancel your coverage. And if you have
an accident, and the adjuster finds the modifications, he would recommend
the insurance company, "Who He Works For", to not pay for the damage,
injuries, etc. You do what you feel you have to do, but in my opinion
it would be a mistake.
As an example, Minnesota has a maximum bumper height of 25 inches.
If you modify it above that height, you could be a target of every cop
around, who needs a ticket to keep the supervisor off his/her butt.
Good luck.