Just bought a 96 6.5 truck to rebuild as running rear for my 69 Chev pickup. It's in rough shape, auto tranny stuck in second and was told that tranny was fine and selnoids were changed but problem is electrical. Also wanted to know if the 96 has electronic or mechanical injection. Not too familiar with the 6.5's and wanted to do a build up on the motor and tranny before the swap. Any ideas on a build up to bring to about 500 hp or what the issues may be?

 

Welcome to the world of diesel first that would be electronic injection on that year truck and to get that to 500 hp you would have to get a Duramax,Cummings or a Power Stroke the 6,5 is none of these,they are known however for decent power and excelent fuel milage when running properly my K2500 without a load gets about 22.9 mpg I got rid of a 1997 Z71that on a good day got 12 mpg without any load what so ever.

 

Really what's the weak link. Can't believe a 40 yr old cummins 4bt (not the 6bt) can be built to almost 600 hp, you would think 400-500 out of a V8 could be done, I have a buddy that rebiulds deisels, pumps etc and he never flinched when I mentioned it. What is practicle for this engine. 400 hp and 750 ft/lbs?