Diesel Bombers - New Guy from Kansas City

Hello!
After years of searching around the internet for diesel-related information I've finally decided to join Diesel Bombers :)

I own a 1986 K5 - CUCV, pretty much stock except for all the various bits that are missing and the addition of some wheels, tires, Eaton LSD, and a terrible white paint job. It even has the stock mufflers! I've converted it to 100% 12Volt, installed manual glow plug control, but have yet to install a radio. BOO! Currently my mileage is a less than stellar 16 mpg commuting back and forth to work, much of which is interstate at 60-70mph. I believe a switch to 4.11 gears and a 4L80 would be optimal; take off from a dead stop is dismal, but I'm happy with the ~2300 RPM at 70mph.

I also own a 1995 K2500 pickup, 6.5L w/NV4500, non-emissions controlled. Purchased it in 2008 with a BADLY running engine, limped it home and promptly purchased a used engine off of Craigslist. I was excited that the engine was a '97, as I heard they had oil cooled pistons. Perhaps I was wrong, the engine wasn't stock, or 1/2 Ton diesels didn't get that option. Anyway, 4 years later I have the 'new engine' torn down and a stack of goodies on the shelf to install: Fluidmaster, Phazer, Reese hitch, etc. The goal is to have the '97 GM-8 turbo rebuilt by the local turbo shop. Perhaps this fall I'll actually get around to rebuilding my engine :humm:

To pay the bills I work at a consulting firm, engineering things for food manufacturing facilities, like industrial ammonia refrigeration systems, boilers, and dust collection.

I hope I can contribute a little to this site as time goes on. Thanks for having me!