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Thank you guys very much! This is all great food for thought and for reference. The truck I mentioned got away- never heard from the seller and the listing dropped a couple days later. Always annoying when that happens. I hope to be back with a better update another day soon.

My account still works! A hello from several years ago (and shout-out to Leroy in particular!). The rig in my signature you might remember was bartered for some major perimeter fence work at my property back in 2017, after not using the rig much or being able to justify it versus an offer I...

That makes sense but seems counter to any typical break-in advice! Is my situation different because of the gapless rings? After 1k mi. since the rebuild now, it's safe to floor it for this purpose? Double-check the dollar figures posted above if you're not sure! ;) On the cam bearings- just...

WarWagon- good question! I probably should have expounded on that equally. It runs great, cranks right up when it isn't cold out. Notably stronger and a touch louder than stock, and feels a bit beefier. I haven't 'gunned it' to see if I can feel a lot more power yet as I'm still breaking it in...

Wow, short Edit threshold! Here's the old brute as he stands this past weekend.

I wasn't aware of the piston coating either- will probably not try and 'turn up the pump' and extract more power out of it. Objective from the start is more durability vs power, though it feels notably stronger than the old motor.

I'll edit the photos tonight if they're not showing up here...

I just completed the Optimizer 6500 Navistar rebuild process from a military take-out. I loved the idea of the P400 but once I realized lightly-used Optimizers were within much greater reach financially - initially - I went that route. Six months later from that decision, let's cut to the chase...

Good observation, FellowTraveler. As one who has just completed the Optimizer 6500 Navistar rebuild process from a military take-out (thread coming shortly- I'm back), I'm probably uniquely qualified to put in my two cents on this. I loved the idea of the P400 but once I realized lightly-used...

Great tips- thanks, all. I'll plan to dump the initial dino fill after an hour or so and keep running it while the rings are seated. Was unaware of this being part of the break-in period, and having the oil analysis is not a bad idea. It'd be nice to have a contact at AMG who can vouch on the...

Should I still dump it after the first ~50 miles? Or just run it for 250-1000 mi right off the bat? Cost of oil is not a big deal to me for something like this. I may just start running Rotella right off the bat. The shop said they were getting started on it first thing yesterday morning...

Motor is out of the machine shop as of Monday and back at the diesel shop, who is still running behind... I'm calling every few days for an update but it's just been "trying to get this other truck together first then yours is next". The swap was supposed to start happening today, but I'll call...

Thanks yes, cam bearings are being replaced by the same shop doing this initial work along with the gapless rings. I'm unfamiliar with the pin bushings. The added cost to do the rods and bearings was another few hundred bucks.

They're now saying it needs new rods and main bearings after they found some grime in there. Taking care of that as further prevention and peace of mind... What else is there that I'm not touching at this point? I guess the pistons, which are OK. Basically a full rebuild, though both shops say...

Just survived an Optimizer 6500 rebuild and transplant... see thread for details. Phew.

No guarantees on that either but thanks! Also thanks to Leroy for the advice on the phone today to both me and the shop putting in the cam bearings and gapless rings- it starts tomorrow. Total ETA in 2 weeks? Weekend after next? We'll see.

The truck is finally in one of the shop bays and the parts collection looks good, but they can't do the cam bearings. There is a machine shop nearby with 6.5 experience who also "builds some of the best race cars around here" who is going to look at it tomorrow for an estimate before they get...

I'll ask, but no guarantees. I've gotten a few photos from them before while trying to figure out where the precups were, and the owner I'm in touch with also has an iPhone, so we'll see.

Further progress... batteries replaced, but the truck wouldn't start. Hrmmm. Didn't like that little surprise, no engine turnover or anything. Sounded like a bad starter perhaps, but nonetheless, no time to tinker still. I've got projects around the ranch I really need this thing available for...

Balance of Leroy's parts received, and I just got word today that my precups have been machined and should be in the mail tomorrow... there is light at the end of the tunnel! Things are about to start picking up... in another week. Due to my work schedule, shop hours, logistics, and other...