Interesting. I have a 1993 gmc 3500 dually with the 6.5 turbo. It has its quirks. Mainly that it doesn’t like to start when it’s hot because the fuel vaporizes in the lines going from the fuel filter to the fuel pump. I have the nv4500, which, apparently, was built with synchros made of butter. Oh, and the starter bolts are dogs hit, so I replaced them with some decent ones and now it starts before the motor turns all the way over. With all of that said, the thing is bulletproof. It has the mechanical fuel pump (after 1994, they went computerized), which is nice cuz I understand it and can rebuild it relatively easily. Sure it’s gutless, and it takes 20 seconds to get to sixty. But it runs cool and gets 25 mpg on the freeway and 22 mpg on streets. It runs cool, ac blows colder than is comfortable, and if I need more power, I just turn a couple screws and it’s there (mechanical fuel pump and mechanical waste gate). Upgrades I did when I got the truck is a fluid damper hydraulic damper, some decent shocks, new starter with arp bolts, idler and pitman arms, and Michelins. She’s a sweet smelly oily old breezy but she’s mine and I can work on her without a computer.
Yea, wait till he has to put injectors, flywheels, etc . Etc. the ford will cost way more in the long run, and I got news for him the split ford front end goes through tires and ball joints as well !!
I have a 93 K3500 6.5 NV4500- love the truck. I have other 6.5s- but i like the mechanical injection available only in the ‘93 year. The 6.5s are cheap to run and fix. I have had 6.0 and 7.3 PS, like them but more $$ to keep running. I don’t tow a lot so don’t need the extra power.
I’ve owned more chevs than fords , they all have issues I was working in the far north in British Columbia , close to the Yukon . Winter time , minus fifty . 1990 , the crew all had diesel Fords , brand new . Plugged in they would barely start , plugged in . My old 76 Chevy sat for a week , my boss told me start that truck or you’ll be stuck here . I told him it’ll start no problem , so I went over opened the door reached in never touched the gas , not plugged in , as soon as I cranked her, boom she fired up Next year when I went back up north , the whole crew had new chevs .
I think they are both great trucks. The gm needs a couple of things like relocating the pmd. Put some slightly bigger injectors and it makes it a completely different truck with power closer to the powerstroke. The 12v is my favorite. Traded my last one at 560k and still ran amazing
We have had all the ford motors. My favorite is the 6.0. Some people dog it, well most, but it's a fantastic motor once you understand it and fix the quirks. It's smooth with the bombproof automation transmission, plus it is the best sounding diesel ever made. My list of other ford motors from best to worst is 6.7, 7.3, 460, 6.4. You did good with that truck.
Rear diff- Ford 10.25" Chevy 10.5" Front diff- Ford 9.0" Chevy 9.25 He mentioned the Chevy having a 8.25" front diff but those only came on the K1500s and light duty 6 lug K2500s.
The ford front end is what's called the twin- traction beam suspension. Basically the 4x4 version of the twin i beam. IIRC, the twin i beam and traction beam were discontinued in the 1/2 ton F series after '96, but still have them in the f250
7.3 idi turbo. Simple, reliable, buildable, and last forever. Mine has 410,000 miles on it and the engine has never been touched. The body is rotting off of it, but it still starts...every time. Powerstroke 7.3's are great, but need more monitoring.
I own a 2002 f350 with a 7.3. It has 430,000 miles on it. Pull a 31 ft camper trailer and a firewood trailer. Runs great. The old 96 really benefits from a tow/haul tune. Not a big increase in power but really wakes it up. Buy a quality glow plug relay for a spare in case it goes open circuit. Won't start cold without it. Also a spare cam sensor
Great breakdown and for those two particular trucks I totally agree! As I've said before, where I live, rust is almost non existent. Still tons of second gen Cummins trucks and quite a few first gens aswell. Even so, there's a handful of Cummins swapped f-2 and 350's around, now that's a heck of a truck!
Good comparison. Agree nothing beats a Chevy ride and comfort. I drive a 1999 dodge dually 2 wd, auto (bd) dodge one died15 years ago. Banks 4 inch exhaust and towing power chip. Never driven in the winter and pulls trailers and daily driver all summer. Little rough when empty.
Ive driven and worked F350 crew powerstrokes for 25yrs. My first was a 95 7.3L that i had i bought in 02 and had for 5yrs. 2nd was an 02 7.3L i bought in 04 with 80k mi. It finally has given up with 300k mi last winter so i just got a 16 6.7L to replace it. When im loaded with logs and or equipment im pushing 30k lbs. They get the job done.
Good morning from Cape Cod 🐟 work for an overhead door company that bought me a new 89 f-450 super duty with a 7.3 dually cab and chassis. Built my own custom flatbed with racks over the cab. Double stacked side boxes and the welder generator and a full-size set of torches. All the overhead door repair components and tools, there happened to be 5,000-lb over the rear axel. Being a service truck it was constantly in motion for half a million miles, never a problem other than fuel economy, which was nonexistent. With that said it was a great truck but I'm still a Chevy guy 😂👍✌️🇺🇲
Great video! I've owned several IFS GM trucks over the years. One '95 454 with an 8' plow that I sold to my grandfather and he still has it with 230k on it and the original ball joints and tie rods. Another '96 6.5 with a 9' plow and sold it with 186k and all original frontend. 2 duramax trucks and rebuilt the front end on one of them at 268k because of 1 balljoint stating to clunk. Maybe I've been lucky, but the IFS has been very good to me. Currently rocking a pair of Fords, a '97 7.3 and a '14 6.7. I love the 6.5 and with some upgrades, its a pretty good engine for light-duty stuff. 10k lbs of trailer or less. The 7.3 is a true "medium duty" engine and it is so much more robust than a 6.5. Love them both!
Totally agree with your assessment. My first was a '93 f250 ext cab with the same rear axil. That zf5 is a rock solid transmission. Mine had over 250k on it before i had it rebuilt. If yours needs a rebuild, use South Bend parts. There's also an upgrade for the clutch pedal that involves installing a yolk. DO THAT UPGRADE. It replaces a plastic bushing. When mine went out, i was in the parking lot at work. I was lucky it didn't total somebody's vehicle. I routinely had north of 5,000 lbs in the bed. My primary reason for moving up to a 2000 f350 crew cab was that the kids needed more leg room. All in all, my '93 was a better work truck. It road rough unless you had at least 1,000 lbs in the bed. I've always loved the 6BT, but I hate the truck they put it in. When the 6.0 came out, a lot of guys were driving their new ford's straight from the dealership to the shop and swapping it for a 24 valve. Those guys are still driving those trucks.
Reason these trucks are more expensive is because the newer diesels require a DPF and urea to run. More problems to deal with. Yes the newer trucks can tow more.
I have a 1996 F-SuperDuty (F450) with the 7.3 I just took it on its first real drive, after sitting for a long time. I also have a 1994 C2500 with the 6.5 TD love the truck, just wish it was a 4x4 and a long bed, but the 6.5 runs great and has some upgrades which really wake it up.
My friend you got a very nice WORK truck. My first work truck was a 1969 F350 crew cab, long box w/a 6.9 international. A sleeved block. I got it an auction from consumers power. Fleet vehicles that were well maintained. Got a divorce and had to sell everything. In 1982 & still running strong. It also had a 5 speed manual. She was very vindictive and new I would have gave her the house. If I could have kept the truck. Anyway I'm now retired and have a 2001 Chevy 3/4 ton w/a 6 litre gas motor. Pushing 280,000 miles. Don't leak a drop burns a little oil. First Chevy ever. And I'm good w/ it. Enjoy your back seat. Won't own a truck without one. 🙃😉.
I have 6.5 with the nv4500 that i bought with 36,000 miles last year. Pretty good and reliable truck. Until recently i also had the 24 valve Cummins as well which i sold when i got my hands on a L5P Duramax. The 6.5 felt like it was averaging better MPG than my Cummins. Thought about swapping out the ole 6.5 for a 24 valve Cummins. But well see.
I’m a ford drivetrain master technician and have repaired quite a few ZF transmissions in your configuration. I highly recommend you service the transmission and replace the transmission fluid with GM synchromesh fluid. The blocker rings ( synchronizers) will love it. Now it will feel stiffer shifting in the winter. Maybe do a 50/50 mix with trans fluid where you live. You have a great truck there. I’ve owned a Chevy truck like yours and loved it too til the injection pump went out. Never was the same again.
I’m not a brand loyalist, but I’ve found that most ford trucks are simpler to work on, and tend to take abuse much better that the other brands. I like the creature comforts of the GM trucks, but for work, I tend to lean Ford.
I have a 6.5 with a 4L80E that I am transplanting into my E350 Class C RV. The 460/C6 was a highly efficient 5MPG. 6.5 has torque/RPM ranges to compare to the 460. Overdrive adds to the equation.
I picked up my 2000 k3500 on Friday with the 6.5. Square headlights, single cab. Loving it so far! I live in Eastern Ontario and was looking for a non crusty truck! I finally found it.
I got a 25k mile '84 M1008 'cucv' military on 38" Patagonias has the factory 4:56's in 14b locker out back D60 up front. The 6.2(99% same as a 6.5) in it is reman and they all had cast cranks new in 80s/90s. I did a 700R4 swap last year and its getting an out of production Banks Sidewinder kit this week. Found it on a buddies donor truck getting an LS swap out here in California(smog exempt) The beauty of the 6.2/6.5 world is the motors are STILL MADE NEW by AM GENERAL and they are IMPROVED big-time in the form of 'Optimizer 6500' totally new castings/metallirgy/FORGED CRANKS....so they are still sourceable NEW from AMG. Classic Diesel Designs in Seguin TX makes big power pumps for the Ferds and the DB2 pumps for the 6.2/6.5 able to fuel 500+hp out of these things. The crankshaft is the achilles heel of a 6 2/6.5 OEM gm trucks, but the Optimizer version w Forged crank combined w a big pump+ bigger boost will survive and run hard. Depends how much money ya got like anything else. Standyne pumps in GMs are internally governed to 3500 rpm that can be removed and they can spin 5krpm if fueled for it. The 6.5T is in the all new AMG Saber military truck and being made for Hummer repower contracts. There is also the out of production AM Genreral 'P400' 6.5T that has the forged cranks and a CRAZY strong block w stud girdles and more. The marine industry runs 6.2/6.5s also 7.3s are awesome and the hot rodders are pickin em clean so they are getting rarer by the day. 6.5T world is still alive and well and they can be made to run well of you got 10-15k
I own a 97 F350 that I modified the engine to be able to handle up to 1200hp (I've only got it tuned to 500hp, but I wanted the added reliability) it's got air ride rear suspension and an eaton 13 speed. Truck has 892k on the odometer atm.
I can tell you what will help that 7.3 last longer. Unplug the pedestal valve and put a 6637 air filter on it. My 95 f350 has a zf5 410’s 33” Patagonia mt’s. With a snow plow bracket with a winch and a dump bed insert. It’s my Swiss Army knife on the 300 acres I live on. It’s my work truck and mostly daily driver. I get 16mpg pulling my landscape trailer and 20+ without. Living in Pennsylvania the rust belt it’s rusty but I can’t find anything else to replace it just from the utilitarian value. It’s stock with 318k miles. I do have a ts6 chip with stock tunes that really helps me pull heavy stuff. The winch I use to plow. Pull bushes and trees down when they get snagged. The dump bed is crazy handy with 12 cords of firewood every year. Just love it. I don’t know much about the 6.5. There’s no too many around me. My son has a 95 f250 he’s fixing up. That is his first vehicle and exactly what he wanted
Yep thqt was great truck. If we didn't have a baby I'd probably still be running it. But that being said the 7.3 in this video is just flat out a better towing and hauling rig for me. The difference in power is day and night
I like both trucks the frontend on the ford is rough on tires but the detroit engine was way behind times then. Never seen a 6.5 or 6.2 that didnt blow head gaskets under industrial use. The chevy rear suspension is way better they dont sag when fully loaded ford hasnt had a good hauling rear suspension since 72.
Got a '99 F250 7.3 with the ZF6. The Ford in that era was more powerful than both the GM and the Cummins. First light diesel offered by the big 3 to have HEUI injection system. Those motors are known to go over 500K miles.
Your truck is exactly what I started off looking for. When I found this one my heart fell in love with the old style body. Although by modern standards these old rigs are "underpowered " I think they do the job just fine. Thanks for commenting!!
I rather a 12valve with more torque.....less revs too They will easily do 800 000 Inlibe 6 better main to rod bearing ratio HEUIs have advantages until high pressure common rail fuel systems came out.......but u can beat a mechanic injection system with less complicated electronics.....
I'm a GM guy and I wouldn't exactly say the two trucks "directly competed" back in the day... If you wanted an efficient diesel that rode and drove nice and could do a bit of work, the GM truck was the ticket. If you needed towing capability, you really had to look at Ford and Dodge for the power of their diesels... '96 the pinnacle of GM trucks, '97+ got the speed sensitive steering that will eventually try to kill you...
both engines are great! HOWEVER... not exactly an apples to apples comparison. 7.3 is a work horse. 6.5 is for mileage. generally speaking, of course. just depends on your needs. personally, i grew up with both in my family and have a soft spot for both. now, having the old school GM blood in my veins, i STILL own a 1989 Chev C1500 (5.7L) and a 1995 Chev K2500 (6.5L) had them for years and would sooner fix and keep them than ever get rid of them. up in Alberta here, there are 10s of thousands of 4th gen C/Ks around still and most are in good to great shape. fords (and even old sheep trucks) of similar vintage are way less likely to be seen as they were poorly built in comparison and always rode hard and put away wet. hence they didn't last.
With the 6.5L in 1997 the horse power was upped to 215 and the torque was upped to 450 lb ft of torque but at the end of the day all the 90s diesels where slow reliable and somewhat fuel efficient I’ve towed with all 3 90s dodge ford and Chevy there all slow
There's 2 reasons the Cummins 12 valve is commonly transplanted into other brands of trucks is because (1) the body/frame/interior of the 2nd generation Dodge was shit and (2) the 12 valve is significantly easier and cheaper to get more power and is known for being ridiculously long lasting (There's actually a Cummins million mile club because it's so common for those engines to last over a million miles)
Im a gm man because of the parts interchangeability and not such a pane to worke on but gm best deals are lly snd up and you dont have to pull the cab of to worke on and the injectors are not under the valve cover and Allison trans
I drive a 1999 3500 6.5 with nv4500 and I like it but my brother has a 1999 250 7.3 4 speed both nice trucks but the 7.3 definitely has more ass but my 6.4 has 410 rears so it has a lot of torque going up hills I can go up a pretty steep hill in 5th at 35 mph just fine but on the 7.3 it would shift down
Feel like 6.5s are mainly for better MPGs and decent power good looking trucks and in my opinion will sound better then other diesels love them chevys and fords
My 97 k3500 extended cab dually chevy has the 454. I love the power but 9mpg hurts when I see the 22 of the 6.5. And the 454 is tired at 230,000 miles with 15psi of oil pressure hot at idle on 15W40.
I hear ya on tbe 454 mileage, the first truck used here to do my chores was a 97 454 powered 3/4 ton exactly like the one in this video.. The 454 has way more power then the 6.5 but probably 1/2 the mileage.
The ford motor is better However, your going to need a ladder to get in the back of the ford 😂. Damn they were tall and noisy. Congratulations on the new to you truck.
Just bought a new ram half ton with the eco diesel, 3 liter has more hp and torque than the power stroke 7.3. It’s amazing how technology has improved performance but has made a mess with the emissions. Stick with the older and reliable trucks. I’m enjoying the variety of vids lately.
I bought a 2000 C3500 6.5 DD instead of a F250 King Ranch with the 6.0. I warned about the 6.0 and was told the 6.5 was weaker than most but very reliable. It proved to be the opposite. That C3500 proved to be the single worst vehicle purchase I have ever made. Every 2 months it was in the shop. Put me off GM forever. It was clearly engineered by the mentally ill.
I have a 2000 GMC dually 6.5td 4x4 3500 and my underhood sticker say's 210 HP /440 foot lbs. F code. WTF..lol! I've done every bolt on upgrade, excepted intercooler and it's chipped. Dose what I need it to. Just wish they came with a intercooler because long grades towing, my EGT's are threw the roof and have to backpedal so it doesn't melt...lol! Thinking when it dies, 12 valve swap and full restoration.
I've read 440lbs but honestly I don't think they are there. At least compared to the 7m3 which is 450. Local guy has your truck with a cummins, it's pretty sweet.
Meh... always been a chevy owner. My Pop's is a ford guy. Its funny they all get around 18mpg - 20mpg. I'm sure they could improve on that if they really wanted to. Never owned a desiel so I can't really comment, I can only say... Meh... they all rust and break down the same. TC Mahalo Tinman 🤙🤙🤙
I’ve always been a Chevy car guy but was never a big fan of what GM fad to offer in the diesel arena. I’ve always thought the 7.3 was a good engine and the sound 👍
That Detroit engine is probably the WORST engine that Detroit ever produced, as far as dependability. It's the opposite of the 2-strokes, that Detroit is famous for. It's nothing like the Series-60 4-stroke, either. EDIT - The power is there, though. I gotta give it that.
When that turbo kicks in. It makes night & day difference. .
I always got 16-17 mpg with tools.
1999 2500 6.5 turbo
Interesting. I have a 1993 gmc 3500 dually with the 6.5 turbo. It has its quirks. Mainly that it doesn’t like to start when it’s hot because the fuel vaporizes in the lines going from the fuel filter to the fuel pump. I have the nv4500, which, apparently, was built with synchros made of butter. Oh, and the starter bolts are dogs hit, so I replaced them with some decent ones and now it starts before the motor turns all the way over.
With all of that said, the thing is bulletproof. It has the mechanical fuel pump (after 1994, they went computerized), which is nice cuz I understand it and can rebuild it relatively easily.
Sure it’s gutless, and it takes 20 seconds to get to sixty. But it runs cool and gets 25 mpg on the freeway and 22 mpg on streets. It runs cool, ac blows colder than is comfortable, and if I need more power, I just turn a couple screws and it’s there (mechanical fuel pump and mechanical waste gate).
Upgrades I did when I got the truck is a fluid damper hydraulic damper, some decent shocks, new starter with arp bolts, idler and pitman arms, and Michelins. She’s a sweet smelly oily old breezy but she’s mine and I can work on her without a computer.
Yea, wait till he has to put injectors, flywheels, etc . Etc. the ford will cost way more in the long run, and I got news for him the split ford front end goes through tires and ball joints as well !!
I have a 93 K3500 6.5 NV4500- love the truck. I have other 6.5s- but i like the mechanical injection available only in the ‘93 year. The 6.5s are cheap to run and fix. I have had 6.0 and 7.3 PS, like them but more $$ to keep running. I don’t tow a lot so don’t need the extra power.
I’ve owned more chevs than fords , they all have issues
I was working in the far north in British Columbia , close to the Yukon . Winter time , minus fifty . 1990 , the crew all had diesel Fords , brand new . Plugged in they would barely start , plugged in .
My old 76 Chevy sat for a week , my boss told me start that truck or you’ll be stuck here . I told him it’ll start no problem , so I went over opened the door reached in never touched the gas , not plugged in , as soon as I cranked her, boom she fired up
Next year when I went back up north , the whole crew had new chevs .
You are comparing a diesel to a gas engine. When it comes to cold start, gas wins every time. It’s not a Chevy vs Ford thing.
There is no Free Ride. Men are fallible, therefore what they make is too.
I think they are both great trucks. The gm needs a couple of things like relocating the pmd. Put some slightly bigger injectors and it makes it a completely different truck with power closer to the powerstroke. The 12v is my favorite. Traded my last one at 560k and still ran amazing
Not even close. 6.5l needs a LOT of upgrades to come anywhere close to a powerstroke. not just "slightly bigger injectors"
@@ambikesandboards they are close in stock form 🤣7.3 powerstroke makes like 200 hp pretty much in the ballpark of a 6.5
The pmd kit is 50 bucks
We have had all the ford motors. My favorite is the 6.0. Some people dog it, well most, but it's a fantastic motor once you understand it and fix the quirks. It's smooth with the bombproof automation transmission, plus it is the best sounding diesel ever made.
My list of other ford motors from best to worst is 6.7, 7.3, 460, 6.4.
You did good with that truck.
Rear diff- Ford 10.25" Chevy 10.5"
Front diff- Ford 9.0" Chevy 9.25
He mentioned the Chevy having a 8.25" front diff but those only came on the K1500s and light duty 6 lug K2500s.
The ford front end is what's called the twin- traction beam suspension. Basically the 4x4 version of the twin i beam. IIRC, the twin i beam and traction beam were discontinued in the 1/2 ton F series after '96, but still have them in the f250
7.3 idi turbo. Simple, reliable, buildable, and last forever. Mine has 410,000 miles on it and the engine has never been touched. The body is rotting off of it, but it still starts...every time. Powerstroke 7.3's are great, but need more monitoring.
7.3 idi is not buildable at all. stock power is pretty much the limit for them
Had an ‘86 6.2 3500 now have an ‘03 7.3 F350, your evaluation is spot on. Thanks for sharing your videos!
I go to high school with someone that has a 1996 Chevy 2500 6.5 turbo diesel extended cab long box and it has 800,000 kilometres on it
I own a 2002 f350 with a 7.3. It has 430,000 miles on it. Pull a 31 ft camper trailer and a firewood trailer. Runs great. The old 96 really benefits from a tow/haul tune. Not a big increase in power but really wakes it up. Buy a quality glow plug relay for a spare in case it goes open circuit. Won't start cold without it. Also a spare cam sensor
F350 Superduty an 2004 6.0 with 195000km been a great truck no head gasket issues
Great breakdown and for those two particular trucks I totally agree! As I've said before, where I live, rust is almost non existent. Still tons of second gen Cummins trucks and quite a few first gens aswell. Even so, there's a handful of Cummins swapped f-2 and 350's around, now that's a heck of a truck!
Good comparison. Agree nothing beats a Chevy ride and comfort. I drive a 1999 dodge dually 2 wd, auto (bd) dodge one died15 years ago. Banks 4 inch exhaust and towing power chip. Never driven in the winter and pulls trailers and daily driver all summer. Little rough when empty.
Ive driven and worked F350 crew powerstrokes for 25yrs. My first was a 95 7.3L that i had i bought in 02 and had for 5yrs. 2nd was an 02 7.3L i bought in 04 with 80k mi. It finally has given up with 300k mi last winter so i just got a 16 6.7L to replace it. When im loaded with logs and or equipment im pushing 30k lbs. They get the job done.
Good morning from Cape Cod 🐟 work for an overhead door company that bought me a new 89 f-450 super duty with a 7.3 dually cab and chassis. Built my own custom flatbed with racks over the cab. Double stacked side boxes and the welder generator and a full-size set of torches. All the overhead door repair components and tools, there happened to be 5,000-lb over the rear axel. Being a service truck it was constantly in motion for half a million miles, never a problem other than fuel economy, which was nonexistent. With that said it was a great truck but I'm still a Chevy guy 😂👍✌️🇺🇲
Sounds like our econoline 250s at work.
Always overload and never stopped long. They never break.
Great video! I've owned several IFS GM trucks over the years. One '95 454 with an 8' plow that I sold to my grandfather and he still has it with 230k on it and the original ball joints and tie rods. Another '96 6.5 with a 9' plow and sold it with 186k and all original frontend. 2 duramax trucks and rebuilt the front end on one of them at 268k because of 1 balljoint stating to clunk. Maybe I've been lucky, but the IFS has been very good to me.
Currently rocking a pair of Fords, a '97 7.3 and a '14 6.7. I love the 6.5 and with some upgrades, its a pretty good engine for light-duty stuff. 10k lbs of trailer or less. The 7.3 is a true "medium duty" engine and it is so much more robust than a 6.5. Love them both!
Love the sound of those 7.3
Yes sirrr 7 🌲
Totally agree with your assessment. My first was a '93 f250 ext cab with the same rear axil. That zf5 is a rock solid transmission. Mine had over 250k on it before i had it rebuilt. If yours needs a rebuild, use South Bend parts. There's also an upgrade for the clutch pedal that involves installing a yolk. DO THAT UPGRADE. It replaces a plastic bushing. When mine went out, i was in the parking lot at work. I was lucky it didn't total somebody's vehicle. I routinely had north of 5,000 lbs in the bed. My primary reason for moving up to a 2000 f350 crew cab was that the kids needed more leg room. All in all, my '93 was a better work truck. It road rough unless you had at least 1,000 lbs in the bed. I've always loved the 6BT, but I hate the truck they put it in. When the 6.0 came out, a lot of guys were driving their new ford's straight from the dealership to the shop and swapping it for a 24 valve. Those guys are still driving those trucks.
Reason these trucks are more expensive is because the newer diesels require a DPF and urea to run. More problems to deal with.
Yes the newer trucks can tow more.
I have a 1996 F-SuperDuty (F450) with the 7.3 I just took it on its first real drive, after sitting for a long time. I also have a 1994 C2500 with the 6.5 TD love the truck, just wish it was a 4x4 and a long bed, but the 6.5 runs great and has some upgrades which really wake it up.
My friend you got a very nice WORK truck. My first work truck was a 1969 F350 crew cab, long box w/a 6.9 international. A sleeved block. I got it an auction from consumers power. Fleet vehicles that were well maintained. Got a divorce and had to sell everything. In 1982 & still running strong. It also had a 5 speed manual. She was very vindictive and new I would have gave her the house. If I could have kept the truck. Anyway I'm now retired and have a 2001 Chevy 3/4 ton w/a 6 litre gas motor. Pushing 280,000 miles. Don't leak a drop burns a little oil. First Chevy ever. And I'm good w/ it. Enjoy your back seat. Won't own a truck without one. 🙃😉.
Awesome video tinman. I am trying to talk my wife into a super cab f350 from that era for firewood hauling. Very helpful.
The best, Built Ford Tough !!
Ill keep my old square body chevy. Maybe when the old 350 dies I will stuff a LS motor in it. But I love the old style squares.
I have 6.5 with the nv4500 that i bought with 36,000 miles last year. Pretty good and reliable truck. Until recently i also had the 24 valve Cummins as well which i sold when i got my hands on a L5P Duramax. The 6.5 felt like it was averaging better MPG than my Cummins. Thought about swapping out the ole 6.5 for a 24 valve Cummins. But well see.
I’m a ford drivetrain master technician and have repaired quite a few ZF transmissions in your configuration. I highly recommend you service the transmission and replace the transmission fluid with GM synchromesh fluid. The blocker rings ( synchronizers) will love it. Now it will feel stiffer shifting in the winter. Maybe do a 50/50 mix with trans fluid where you live. You have a great truck there. I’ve owned a Chevy truck like yours and loved it too til the injection pump went out. Never was the same again.
Funny story but I have many jugs of that synchromesh fluid in my shop, may have to try that.
I’m not a brand loyalist, but I’ve found that most ford trucks are simpler to work on, and tend to take abuse much better that the other brands. I like the creature comforts of the GM trucks, but for work, I tend to lean Ford.
I agree
I have a 6.5 with a 4L80E that I am transplanting into my E350 Class C RV. The 460/C6 was a highly efficient 5MPG. 6.5 has torque/RPM ranges to compare to the 460. Overdrive adds to the equation.
I picked up my 2000 k3500 on Friday with the 6.5. Square headlights, single cab. Loving it so far!
I live in Eastern Ontario and was looking for a non crusty truck! I finally found it.
I got a 94.5 stock Powerstroke 5 speed and a 93 ford idi turbo auto fully built both tow 10k-20k everyday and never skip a beat!
best comparison video of these 2 trucks, i had a 1996 f350 7.3 and a 2000 C3500HD 6.5
I got a 25k mile '84 M1008 'cucv' military on 38" Patagonias has the factory 4:56's in 14b locker out back D60 up front. The 6.2(99% same as a 6.5) in it is reman and they all had cast cranks new in 80s/90s. I did a 700R4 swap last year and its getting an out of production Banks Sidewinder kit this week. Found it on a buddies donor truck getting an LS swap out here in California(smog exempt)
The beauty of the 6.2/6.5 world is the motors are STILL MADE NEW by AM GENERAL and they are IMPROVED big-time in the form of 'Optimizer 6500' totally new castings/metallirgy/FORGED CRANKS....so they are still sourceable NEW from AMG. Classic Diesel Designs in Seguin TX makes big power pumps for the Ferds and the DB2 pumps for the 6.2/6.5 able to fuel 500+hp out of these things. The crankshaft is the achilles heel of a 6 2/6.5 OEM gm trucks, but the Optimizer version w Forged crank combined w a big pump+ bigger boost will survive and run hard. Depends how much money ya got like anything else. Standyne pumps in GMs are internally governed to 3500 rpm that can be removed and they can spin 5krpm if fueled for it. The 6.5T is in the all new AMG Saber military truck and being made for Hummer repower contracts.
There is also the out of production AM Genreral 'P400' 6.5T that has the forged cranks and a CRAZY strong block w stud girdles and more. The marine industry runs 6.2/6.5s also
7.3s are awesome and the hot rodders are pickin em clean so they are getting rarer by the day. 6.5T world is still alive and well and they can be made to run well of you got 10-15k
I’ve owned a 1997 f250 there great work trucks, yes they ride rough but when there loaded down they just float down the road
Ima chevy guy but I have to admit the powerstroke sounds good
I own a 97 F350 that I modified the engine to be able to handle up to 1200hp (I've only got it tuned to 500hp, but I wanted the added reliability) it's got air ride rear suspension and an eaton 13 speed. Truck has 892k on the odometer atm.
The old wood weasel sure does look better in my opinion
I concur
I can tell you what will help that 7.3 last longer. Unplug the pedestal valve and put a 6637 air filter on it. My 95 f350 has a zf5 410’s 33” Patagonia mt’s. With a snow plow bracket with a winch and a dump bed insert. It’s my Swiss Army knife on the 300 acres I live on. It’s my work truck and mostly daily driver. I get 16mpg pulling my landscape trailer and 20+ without. Living in Pennsylvania the rust belt it’s rusty but I can’t find anything else to replace it just from the utilitarian value. It’s stock with 318k miles. I do have a ts6 chip with stock tunes that really helps me pull heavy stuff. The winch I use to plow. Pull bushes and trees down when they get snagged. The dump bed is crazy handy with 12 cords of firewood every year. Just love it. I don’t know much about the 6.5. There’s no too many around me. My son has a 95 f250 he’s fixing up. That is his first vehicle and exactly what he wanted
Man I love the k2500 all day. I really love the sound of the 6.5
Yep thqt was great truck. If we didn't have a baby I'd probably still be running it.
But that being said the 7.3 in this video is just flat out a better towing and hauling rig for me. The difference in power is day and night
I like both trucks the frontend on the ford is rough on tires but the detroit engine was way behind times then. Never seen a 6.5 or 6.2 that didnt blow head gaskets under industrial use. The chevy rear suspension is way better they dont sag when fully loaded ford hasnt had a good hauling rear suspension since 72.
Just bought a 97 c3500 to pull my race car trailer. It’s been nice so far.
Got a '99 F250 7.3 with the ZF6. The Ford in that era was more powerful than both the GM and the Cummins. First light diesel offered by the big 3 to have HEUI injection system. Those motors are known to go over 500K miles.
Your truck is exactly what I started off looking for. When I found this one my heart fell in love with the old style body.
Although by modern standards these old rigs are "underpowered " I think they do the job just fine.
Thanks for commenting!!
I rather a 12valve with more torque.....less revs too
They will easily do 800 000
Inlibe 6 better main to rod bearing ratio
HEUIs have advantages until high pressure common rail fuel systems came out.......but u can beat a mechanic injection system with less complicated electronics.....
Except the 12 valve had less torque than the 7.3 PS. @@fil1329
It's crazy to think how much power they make now days.
Awesome video Tinman!!! I did coil over conversion on my ol silverado, so smooth now. Straight game changer!!
Didn't even know you could do that to these trucks. Pretty cool
@tinmanssaws OH yeah, probably the most rewarding upgrade I've done so far.
215@3400 hp/rpm
440@1700 lbs.tq/rpm
I own a 95 3500 with a h/o 6.5 and other than a high flow intake plenum and straightpipe it has no other mods.
Good breakdown of those trucks
NICE TRUCK TINMAN ,,SHES IN GREAT SHAPE BUDDY SOUNDS GREAT
Here’s how it is plain as day fords diesel 7.3 gas Chevy 5.7 350 can’t go wrong with them to option
Cool sun visor on the Chevy. GM all day every day.
On my 98 Chevy 2500,has it original front suspension with 234 k on it.
In no world have i had a better ride in a 3/4 ton IFS Chevy than a F250 TTB
I'm a GM guy and I wouldn't exactly say the two trucks "directly competed" back in the day... If you wanted an efficient diesel that rode and drove nice and could do a bit of work, the GM truck was the ticket. If you needed towing capability, you really had to look at Ford and Dodge for the power of their diesels... '96 the pinnacle of GM trucks, '97+ got the speed sensitive steering that will eventually try to kill you...
Great shoot out comparison
Thanks Joey
I had a 95 Ram Cummins. I had to shut off the engine to order at Tim Hortons drive thrus!😂
both engines are great! HOWEVER... not exactly an apples to apples comparison. 7.3 is a work horse. 6.5 is for mileage. generally speaking, of course. just depends on your needs.
personally, i grew up with both in my family and have a soft spot for both. now, having the old school GM blood in my veins, i STILL own a 1989 Chev C1500 (5.7L) and a 1995 Chev K2500 (6.5L) had them for years and would sooner fix and keep them than ever get rid of them. up in Alberta here, there are 10s of thousands of 4th gen C/Ks around still and most are in good to great shape. fords (and even old sheep trucks) of similar vintage are way less likely to be seen as they were poorly built in comparison and always rode hard and put away wet. hence they didn't last.
I have a 93 c2500 6.5 with 5 speed and 330k and it runs and drives like new im shocked every day
Tinman you’re a chip off the old block now I know why you and Buckin get along so well with each other ❤😊😮
With the 6.5L in 1997 the horse power was upped to 215 and the torque was upped to 450 lb ft of torque but at the end of the day all the 90s diesels where slow reliable and somewhat fuel efficient I’ve towed with all 3 90s dodge ford and Chevy there all slow
I got a 6.5 turbo. 2wd Silverado 2500
The chevy has a higher hauling rating so it can haul the ford to the scrap yard
There's 2 reasons the Cummins 12 valve is commonly transplanted into other brands of trucks is because (1) the body/frame/interior of the 2nd generation Dodge was shit and (2) the 12 valve is significantly easier and cheaper to get more power and is known for being ridiculously long lasting (There's actually a Cummins million mile club because it's so common for those engines to last over a million miles)
Im a gm man because of the parts interchangeability and not such a pane to worke on but gm best deals are lly snd up and you dont have to pull the cab of to worke on and the injectors are not under the valve cover and Allison trans
That was a pretty good comparison the fords definitely better
I own a 1997 Chevy Silverado k3500 dually and she’s needing a lot of work done to her to get her running
I'm a GM/Detroit guy, but I'd MUCH RATHER have that Ford. It even sounds 100X better. 😁
I have a 91 chevy k2500 but its gas, next truck will b a diesel
When I first moved here I hauled Qatar with and identicle k2500 but with a 454. She pulled but was super thirsty.
My dad had a 1985 toyota landcruiser 2h diesel 4lt . beam axles front and back on leafs . carted 5.51156 pounds on it for years when carting potatos
Every chevy fan ive seen haven't bought a new truck in the last 10 years
Bowtie or no tie
I like diesel engines I would love to own both.
I drive a 1999 3500 6.5 with nv4500 and I like it but my brother has a 1999 250 7.3 4 speed both nice trucks but the 7.3 definitely has more ass but my 6.4 has 410 rears so it has a lot of torque going up hills I can go up a pretty steep hill in 5th at 35 mph just fine but on the 7.3 it would shift down
Stock GM tires 245/75/16 LRE 3042# vs 235/85/16 3042# Both trucks can handle upgraded flotation tires
Funny my 1996 Chevy says 480 ft lbs of torque at 1800 rpm and says 200 hp
Tinman,you missed ground clearance...but overall good video
Both good truck both have good and bad years
Torque gets you going, HP keeps you going.
Tug of war time!!
The ford would win for sure lol
Feel like 6.5s are mainly for better MPGs and decent power good looking trucks and in my opinion will sound better then other diesels love them chevys and fords
99 super duty with a 7.3, it is kinda scary how much weight this thing will pull😂
Chipped or stock?
Factory stock
Tinman you can change the oil in the oil pump housing of the 7.3 and ot will quiet down the idle
you should make a sleep music track of the 7.3 idling and upload it to your channel...therapeutic sound...
My 97 k3500 extended cab dually chevy has the 454. I love the power but 9mpg hurts when I see the 22 of the 6.5. And the 454 is tired at 230,000 miles with 15psi of oil pressure hot at idle on 15W40.
I hear ya on tbe 454 mileage, the first truck used here to do my chores was a 97 454 powered 3/4 ton exactly like the one in this video..
The 454 has way more power then the 6.5 but probably 1/2 the mileage.
1995 gmc 3500 4bolt main 350 nvg5400 and 14 bolt rear with 4:11 gears single wheel tough tough can be not fast but reliable
The ford motor is better However, your going to need a ladder to get in the back of the ford 😂. Damn they were tall and noisy. Congratulations on the new to you truck.
My chevy is actually taller at the rear bumper by several inches, the front pf the ford is way taller though for sure.
Just bought a new ram half ton with the eco diesel, 3 liter has more hp and torque than the power stroke 7.3. It’s amazing how technology has improved performance but has made a mess with the emissions. Stick with the older and reliable trucks. I’m enjoying the variety of vids lately.
7.3 no brainer~
You weren't kidding about having no brand loyalty.. what's with the "Hercules" China tires? Lmao. Michelin or bust.
F & S are for EGR or non EGR.
FOR THE 6.5 TURBO
always gonna be a ford guy
The 7.3 was good but so was the 6.5 especially turbo models 6.5 had less power than 7.3 225 HP vs 180 with 6.5 GM
I have one of each so I don't have to make the choice!
Drag race for the winner!
I bought a 2000 C3500 6.5 DD instead of a F250 King Ranch with the 6.0. I warned about the 6.0 and was told the 6.5 was weaker than most but very reliable. It proved to be the opposite. That C3500 proved to be the single worst vehicle purchase I have ever made. Every 2 months it was in the shop. Put me off GM forever. It was clearly engineered by the mentally ill.
I have a 2000 GMC dually 6.5td 4x4 3500 and my underhood sticker say's 210 HP /440 foot lbs. F code. WTF..lol! I've done every bolt on upgrade, excepted intercooler and it's chipped. Dose what I need it to. Just wish they came with a intercooler because long grades towing, my EGT's are threw the roof and have to backpedal so it doesn't melt...lol! Thinking when it dies, 12 valve swap and full restoration.
I've read 440lbs but honestly I don't think they are there. At least compared to the 7m3 which is 450.
Local guy has your truck with a cummins, it's pretty sweet.
He got one because he's been watching pegs channel...
Meh... always been a chevy owner. My Pop's is a ford guy. Its funny they all get around 18mpg - 20mpg. I'm sure they could improve on that if they really wanted to. Never owned a desiel so I can't really comment, I can only say... Meh... they all rust and break down the same. TC Mahalo Tinman 🤙🤙🤙
Just seen a 1997 f 250 7.3 for 3000 grand just like yours
What about the death wobble of Ford and dodge vs gm
7.3 all the WAY mine has 360000 and still runs like a baby
25 more horsepower not 35. Don't make my Chevy look bad 🤣
The last powerstroke to outdo a Chevy.
I’ve always been a Chevy car guy but was never a big fan of what GM fad to offer in the diesel arena. I’ve always thought the 7.3 was a good engine and the sound 👍
I agree buddy
That Detroit engine is probably the WORST engine that Detroit ever produced, as far as dependability. It's the opposite of the 2-strokes, that Detroit is famous for. It's nothing like the Series-60 4-stroke, either. EDIT - The power is there, though. I gotta give it that.