2000 Chevrolet 3500HD

[KB9UDE]

I am looking at a 1 ton dually with a dump bed. It has the 6.5 diesel with 99k miles. Seems to be in good shape. Any thoughts on this model of truck?

 

[terryknight]

i wouldn't call that a 1 ton. it is the HD version it's got a 15K GVWR and is in between light duty and medium duty trucks. similar to the Ford F-Superduty from the same era. s for the 6.5 they are okay, there are common issues (like all motors) the PMD (Pump Mounted Driver) comes to mind. they get too hot

 

[Diamondpilot]

Couldn't give me a 6.2 or 6.5 Diesel.

Chris

 

[TheGoose]

Those 6.2/6.5 Detroit's are from a different era of diesel engines. The original 6.2 was designed to be used in the same space as a V8 350 but get much better mileage during the era of oil embargo's (late 70's / early 80's). This is back in the days when a V8/350 got about 180 HP. The 6.2 made about 135 but the mileage was in the mid to upper 20's.

The 6.5 is upgraded with a turbo. It made about 200 HP (when the 7.3 made about 220 HP and 500-ish ft-lbs) and I do not remember the torque but a quick search will tell you. There were some that had a lot of problems, especially in the early 90's. I'm betting that '00 model is pretty well the last year or two it was in production.

They can be good motors, just don't expect them to be comparable to the 7.3/5.9's of the era. It just depends on what you want to do. On a side note, they were known for their excellent mileage and were the only diesel engine offered in a 1/2 ton pick-up in the 80's/90's until this year EcoDiesel. I also believe they were used in the military HMMV's.

Couldn't give me a 6.2 or 6.5 Diesel.

Chris

 

[Diamondpilot]

Those 6.2/6.5 Detroit's are from a different era of diesel engines. The original 6.2 was designed to be used in the same space as a V8 350 but get much better mileage during the era of oil embargo's (late 70's / early 80's). This is back in the days when a V8/350 got about 180 HP. The 6.2 made about 135 but the mileage was in the mid to upper 20's. The 6.5 is upgraded with a turbo. It made about 200 HP (when the 7.3 made about 220 HP and 500-ish ft-lbs) and I do not remember the torque but a quick search will tell you. There were some that had a lot of problems, especially in the early 90's. I'm betting that '00 model is pretty well the last year or two it was in production. They can be good motors, just don't expect them to be comparable to the 7.3/5.9's of the era. It just depends on what you want to do. On a side note, they were known for their excellent mileage and were the only diesel engine offered in a 1/2 ton pick-up in the 80's/90's until this year EcoDiesel. I also believe they were used in the military HMMV's.

Yea, we had a 6.2 in my Father In Law's truck. It finally got a 350 put in place of it.

My Uncle still has a 97 2500 Suburban with a 6.5. It's been nothing but trouble. Mainly fuel lift pumps, injectors, ect. Has about the same grunt as a V8 gas job of the mid 2000's but like you said it will turn in mid 20's on the highway.

Chris

 

[puckgrinder85]

Definitely PMD's, if it doesn't have the relocation kit it will need one. Not too keen on the 6.5 myself.. Find one with the 454 in it and you'd be good. It sucks gas but at least it will run.

 

[PoorPlowboy]

Most of those still on the road in my area have had a Cummins/Allison installed.

 

[Loadstar]

Later the better. It will work but don't be in a hurry. I wouldn't dump a bunch of money in aftermarket performance on a 6.5.

 

[breadtrk]

i wouldn't call that a 1 ton. it is the HD version it's got a 15K GVWR and is in between light duty and medium duty trucks. similar to the Ford F-Superduty from the same era. s for the 6.5 they are okay, there are common issues (like all motors) the PMD (Pump Mounted Driver) comes to mind. they get too hot

It will drag your 3320 and as much as you can load into that little dump longer than you will last with good maintenance.

 

[KB9UDE]

Thanks for the info guys.



John