I'm looking for another diesel truck and I have a few questions about the 6.5. First of all, are they dependable? How many miles can you get out of one? Is getting decent performance out of them possible? I'm thinking 300-400 hp range?

 

quoted from wiki....

This engine was never meant to be a power and torque competitor with Ford/International and Dodge/Cummins, but rather a simply designed workhorse engine that made credible power, achieved decent fuel economy and met emissions standards in half-ton trucks.

Detroit Diesel V8 engine - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

 

your lucky to get 250HP and thats with ALOT of modifications and a strong motor.

 

Reliability in a 6.5 is possible with a few modifications. 300-400 horse is another story..

 

Might as well fork out the extra cash for the dmax then.

 

The Dmax's have a lot more power, can get more with tunes, but it all comes at a cost. Upkeep on those engines is a little more costly than a 6.5L; just some of the pros and cons.

I havent dynoed my truck yet but im going to guess im about 250 horse. Going to be installing a cummins intercooler and HX-35 charger this summer, should bring the numbers up a tad.

 

Well i'm still a few months away from buying, but i'm down to the 24v cummins or duramax now.

 

Had a friend with a 98' 24v cummins. Upgraded the fuel system, put a 5 stage tuner in it and man did it rip!! I could hold with him up to stage 3 in my 6.5L; after that he would eat me alive.