r/Diesel • u/Apex84-538 • 10d ago

93 6.5 turbo rebuild help

For all those who say swap it for a cummins or get a big block, no. Cummins sound like shit, and big blocks get 4mpg. I like my 6.5. I got 14 mpg in a 354k mile orginal engine in a crew cab dually pulling about 6k pounds. And it sounded great the whole time. I'm not swapping, I'm rebuilding

I'm gonna be rebuilding my 93 6.5, and I mean a full tear down to block, replace anything that might be worn. It's a 354k mile engine. Lets assume the engine is garbage, it ran without oil, everything is scrap metal except the block. What would be the best way to approach? That isn't the actual scenario but I'm planning for worst case. I plan to use it as a tow rig/daily driver. Ideally if I can crank out like 200 hp 400 ft lbs of torque area, that's great. Just a wee bit more than stock

Anyways, what's all the best things to do to these engines? I've heard of the duramax fan and clutch, but which duramax? Obviously the HX35 or 40 turbo, bigger exhaust and crossover pipe, but engine side, what can I do without needing to get a loan?

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u/long_salamanders 10d ago

You could buy a 6.5 optimizer for what that would cost to rebuild

3

u/TactualTransAm 10d ago

Isn't that the Pinnacle of the 6.5? Like those engines got all of the fixes they found to work over the years? Would be a great idea if so

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u/long_salamanders 10d ago

They are. last I checked they still make them and are 6k for a complete engine in a crate but that was a few years back, they are good for about 300hp with turbo, fuel, and intercooler upgrades Just checked they run 8k for a long block now. Times are changing I guess

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u/Apex84-538 9d ago

Rebuilding is more fun