Possibly swap a 6.5 in my 89 with th400?

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Johnny89345

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Like the title says my 89 k3500 has a 6.2 diesel and a th400 operated off of a vacuum pump and vrv valve. What if i swapped a 2002 6.5 diesel and left the ip electronic. How would the vrv operate? is that even feasible? I just cant get this 6.5 idea out of my head and the only other trans i really want to put the effort into swapping is an nv4500 which is dependent on the deal i come across!
 
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454cid

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Like the title says my 89 k3500 has a 6.2 diesel and a th400 operated off of a vacuum pump and vrv valve. What if i swapped a 2002 6.5 diesel and left the ip electronic. How would the vrv operate? is that even feasible? I just cant get this 6.5 idea out of my head and the only other trans i really want to put the effort into swapping is an nv4500 which is dependent on the deal i come across!

Where are you getting a 2002 6.5L diesel? Did vans still use them, or are you talking about a Military take-out?
 

jdla140

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You'd need to fab something up to operate the VRV. Just take the turbo/manifold off the 6.5 and put it on your 6.2, it'll be much more reliable than a 97+ 6.5.
 

454cid

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You'd need to fab something up to operate the VRV. Just take the turbo/manifold off the 6.5 and put it on your 6.2, it'll be much more reliable than a 97+ 6.5.

I thought the later castings were supposed to be better, or is that not till you get to the AM General stuff after GM was done with it?
 

jdla140

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I thought the later castings were supposed to be better, or is that not till you get to the AM General stuff after GM was done with it?

a 2000 block will be "better" than a early 506 block with large outer main bolts, but not as good as a 660, or 599 6.2l. Even heath diesel's land speed truck used a 6.2 block
 

Sparkysikes

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I did the military 6.5 and put my turbo stuff on it. And the best trans for the 6.5/6.2 is the 4l80e. The gear ratios match the motor much better. Lower rpm shifting and still move faster. That's why I swapped my nv4500 for a 4L80E Great move albeit lost 1 mpg
 
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