New to the site; seems to be very informative!
Anyways, I'm a complete newbie to diesels in general. I know nothing about them.
Here's a quick read on diesel/gassers I wrote for someone on the general differences:
http://www.thetruckstop.us/forum/sh...olled-in-6.5td&p=330437&viewfull=1#post330437
That should at least get you started on the basics....
I know the chevy's 88-98 pretty well, but just with the 5.7
You're half way home already then....
Not a lot of differences in the 6.5 GMT400's. A bit in the electronics areas, but not nearly as much diffrence as in the gasser from 88-98...
Sooo, looking into the bigger trucks, k3500's with reg cabs, and see a few with the 6.5td. Main reason for the switch to diesel would be MPG. That would actually be the only reason I would see reason to switch. I do light towing and also plow snow in the winter. It will not race or any of that stuff.
My first thought is why a 3500 then? Seems a 2500 would suit you uses just as well. Get the right 2500 and it will have all the goodies a 3500 has, just a bit less payload. The 3500 comes in a crew cab 4 door though, could be a plus depending on what you're after.
Questions:
How else is a diesel better besides torque and (possibly) MPG?
Better?
Torque and MPG, that's about it.
Well, just MPG if you're comparing it to the 454 in the 3500's.
Heavier running gear (full float rear axle, bigger front diff, 4L80E trans, etc) in the 2500/3500's is a plus, depending on how you use it. But you could get the same stuff in a 3500/2500 gasser too.
The 454 available in the 3500 is nice for towing heavy (higher tow rating than the diesel), but you do need fairly deep pockets to feed it.
The diesel trucks tend to have longer useful lifespans (assuming the 6.5 doesn't check out early) and they do retain a bit more resale than a gasser.
They can be a bear to start when cold if the glow plug system isn't up to snuff and/or it's not plugged in. Important to know if you plan to plow for money....
Oh, parts are cheap compared to newer diesels as well.
What MPG are you realistically seeing out of your stock 6.5td?
1998, K2500, 6.5 TD, 4l80e, 4:11 gears - 13-14 MPG. For the most part, it's stock but with over 410,000 kms on it. That's a year of fuel logging in combined driving, maybe a bit more bias towards city.
How have they changed through the years up until they switched to dmax's?
Not much. Mechanical injection pumps in the beginning, changed to electronic controls with OBDI, then OBDII latter on. Vin "F" (RPO code L65) and Vin "S" (L56) trucks have different HP and Troque ratings and emmisions controls. Other than that, they're all essentially the same for the TD's.
Is the turbo diesel better than the non-turbo? Which gets better MPG?
Well, better is a matter of opinion. TD's are better for power, not quite as good for MPG and vice versa for non TD's.
Final gearing plays a big part in the MPG equation.
But if you're thinking 3500, you're probably going to be around my 13-14 MPG figure as my K2500 is the "biggest" 2500 available (8600lb GVWR) and it has most of the running gear a 3500 will come with (in that year).
Just rememebr, the 6.5 is a "light duty" diesel. Use it as such and you'll be happy with it.
Hope that helps.
