So I've got a 95 6.5 (S vin) with 351,000km on it. and since I'm not buying a dodge any time soon with work being up in the air, I'm looking to take some cash and add some ***** to the chev.

I've got a budget of around 2 grand for parts. labour isn't an issue (small town and being a friend of a shop owner is a good thing).
New to this whole diesel thing. the only thing I've modified previous to this was adding an M4 to my Sv650. . .heh.
So, after a little research, I've got ideas but no real direction.
I've already budgeted for moving & replacing the FSC, and new injectors. that's just standard maintenance.
My truck is Bone stock. So I know that the airbox and the exhaust are two places I can really improve the flow of the truck. SSdiesel offers what looks like a good exhaust and CAI for alright pricing, I was thinking of starting there once I get the FSC/PMD moved and injectors in (am going with a #9 resistor as well, just to add).

after that though, I'm kinda lost. I don't know how much the extra airflow and fuel would add. I'm looking to end at around 300hp and 500 pound feet if possible. after that I'm worried about the rest of the driveline.

So whereabouts would I be with a 4" piped exhaust, a #9 and a CAI? I can't imagine it addin too much, but it's a start. SSdiesel offers a chip that they claim will do 80hp, but I call bullshit.

I've read lots on lowering compression thru a thicker headgasket and then running more boost. . .if I run a larger exhaust would the EGT be low enough for more boost pressure, or would lowering the compression be absolutely required? In some ways I don't want to lower the compression, living in an area of Canada where we see temps colder than -30 for a good section of the year. the last thing I need is starting issues due to compression.

 

get a hx35 or whc1 off a 2nd gen cummins. its a much better turbo than the factory 6.5L. you will run into fueling issues with that engine. they just cant supply much. dont go crazy on the boost yes because of the compression ratio and 2 because the head bolts cant hold it. if i recall correct 15lbs is about as high as you want to go an a factory top end. look into pump mods. i dont know if there is much/any out there but that could def boost your truck along with a different turbo.

 

the turbo from a cummins won't be too bad.
could i run 15psi without lowering compression? I've had mixed opinions on it. some say i can, some say i can't.

 

yes you can, wouldnt go any higher. i was told for a diesel, every pound of boost=10HP, so if you are going from 10psi to 15 your... in my little perfect world adding 50 ponies with the cummins turbo. you can pick a turbo up for prolly 2-$300 it is a MUCH better turbo.

 

i can probably get one for free, actually.
i may do the head bolts anyway, as a preventative measure. once I'm done it would be very advantageous for this truck to not blow up, so I'm trying to take every measure i can to ensure it won't.
i mean, a blown diff or tranny is one thing. those are R&R parts, although expensive ones.
blown heads are entirely another.

 

Any updates on the build?

 

for two grand you will have to pick and choose what kinda of power you wanna make or if you want more reliability because with the 2 gs you could just throw on all the best power adders and get that power for a while and hope your lucky, or you can do a bunch or reliability upgrades some resulting in more power. for around 2 grand i got a heath gl4 chip, turbo master, upgraded to a fluidampener got a lubrcation specialists oil cooler one kit, and a hd intake. i run 15 psi and it goes pretty good when you get into her. and there is more to be desired in terms of cooling. oh ya and a 4 inch straight pipe. but there are better options and so on. if your still planing on making power i can give you some ideas on how to and be reliable. one thing for sure is no ssdiesel supply and try walkingdesigns as i think they have a bit more to offer power wise then heath

 

oh? SSdieselsupply is a bad idea? i was lead to believe by the shops round town that they, and kennedydiesel were the guys to go to.

urban: work became very up in the air when it dropped to below -30 here. I was preparing for it and held off on buying anything.
which was a god idea, really. I also don't have access to the shop right now because the dude is swamped with work. No way am I getting in after hours when every tractor and grain truck is failing from the cold.

 

ya ssdiesel not good. kennedy has some good products. heath and walking j will get you more power. and s&b intake.

 

checked out heath.
holy **** they'd better be good for their prices. But, thus far in my life it's been well proven that usually you get what you pay for.
so I'll hold off until I can do it well with good parts. shouldn't be too long.