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Chevy Suburban with a 6.5 L Detroit Diesel V8

front-side view of 1985 Chevy Suburban on sand dune

Willomet Motor & Fabrication built their 1985 Chevy Suburban K10 for off-roading. The SUV originally came with a naturally aspirated 6.2 L Detroit Diesel V8. They turbocharged the motor but it eventually broke. Willomet Motor & Fabrication then went with an AM General 6.5 L Detroit Diesel V8 marketed as the “Optimizer 6500”. It features a balanced rotating assembly, forged crankshaft, Holset HE351CW turbocharger, modified Duramax intercooler, Banks Power exhaust manifolds, and custom stainless steel 4-inch exhaust. Diesel fuel is supplied by an upgraded marine injections from a DB2833-6284 mechanical fuel injection pump. Willomet Motor & Fabrication backed the V8 with a 4L80 four-speed automatic and Magnum NP205 transfer case. Torque is split between a GM Dana 60 front axle and full-floating 14-bolt rear axle. Both have Detroit locking differentials and 4.88 ratios. The Suburban rides on 4-link front suspension and long-travel leaf-spring rear suspension. A set of Raceline Rhino Mesh wheels hold 40-inch tires. View the project’s progress on project page or on Willomet Motor & Fab channel.

front-side view of 1985 Chevy Suburban on sand dune

6.5 L Detroit Deisel V8 in the engine bay of a 1985 Chevy Suburban

6.5 L Detroit Deisel V8

side view of 1985 Chevy Suburban

rear-side view of 1985 Chevy Suburban

closeup view of a 4-link front suspension on a 1985 Chevy Suburban

front brakes on a Dana 60 front axle on a 1985 Chevy Suburban

closeup view of a 4-link front suspension on a 1985 Chevy Suburban

closeup view of a disc brake on a closeup view of a 4-link front suspension on a 1985 Chevy Suburban

closeup view of a 14-bolt rear axle on a closeup view of a 4-link front suspension on a 1985 Chevy Suburban

closeup view of the rear leaf-spring suspension and 14-bolt axle on a closeup view of a 4-link front suspension on a 1985 Chevy Suburban

Source: Willomet Motor & Fabrication

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