Hello,

My name is jake the guys call me Norton(last name). Anyways i have been on plenty of these sites for other vehicles i have owned and i know the common rule of read before asking, yet i can't i dont have the ability to use the internet enough to read before asking.

With that said. I have a few questions about the 6.5. I am getting different ideas and views on what should be done to get the mot reliable power and fuel efficiency from my engine.
1. Boost- on a stock motor if upgrades have been done how much boost can you run with. ive been told 12-18psi (chip, injectors, heath or ssd wastegate controller, duel thermsat and 130pgh pump, full 4 inch)
2. Which boost controller should be used: heath diesels because u choose your boost and it stays there. or SSdiesel so instead of 5-8 psi its 12-15psi
3.Turbo- is the hx-35 with the time how much might that cost?
4. intercooler- heath says that this motor doesnt like that type of cooling. i forgot the exact detail of why. Is it worth useing one. or would water mist be better.

Right now I have to make a few choices quick, my valve covers are drippin a quart every 2 weeks. water pump is leaking slightly. So if i pull everything off i need to know what to buy to prepare the engine for the chip and everything else. i was told head studs and a 40 dollars head gasket set from the parts store will do just fine even at 15 psi just make sure you got a pyro(rarely towing anything). If anyone has a best suggested parts list i would be very thankful. I just need what i should do with the heads off to get it ready for power.


Thanks again,

Norton

 

if i were in your situation this is what i would do, with information i have gathered reading around and having a six five with a few mods myself. starting from your water pump issue. i would upgrade to the heath cooling upgrade with the 130gpm pump. apparently the single stat cools best if you have that or would like to change to that. next would be a fluidamper to replace harmonic balancer and new crank pulley, both have common failure and should be replaced. then for the head id go cometic head gaskets and arp studs. cometic makes a kit and this would probably be one of the best investments. while the heads are off a good polish job would be nice if you have the means, also harland sharp makes roller rockers for 6.5's and would probably offer some interesting gains in mpg and hp. if its a 1500 you could upgrade to a f style 2500-3500 intake. as for turbo, i would go with the a team turbo from walking j designs and his kojo tune which is made custom to your needs. then 3 in down pipe 4 in back and the larger cross over some exhaust companies offer. and an s and b cold air intake which is the only true cold air available. the a team is un waste gated so no need to spend the money on a controller. runs about 12 psi but much more efficient i have heard people say they got 18 out of it but thats probably dependant on the tune. oh and bosch ho injectors. thats pretty much the goodie list. the a team and kojo together with the heat blanket and intake tube as about 1300 bucks. if you have the means these would be some of the best upgrades you can make for power and mileage without any internal work.

hopefully this answers your questions. i may have missed some stuff.