6.5 turbo diesel change to Auto

[mychev]

Got a chev 6.5 turbo in my GU love it I have the problem of the manual box is on the way out now going the Auto that is behind these motors from new the 4L80E just wondering if anyone has this conversion and what rpm I could expect I have 3.9 diffs so I am getting pretty good fuel results for the size of the motor well I think so.If you can help out would be good and who done your conversion would also be an advantage.

[Clunk]

Not sure who's done this but I know Highlander is looking at getting it done too so might me worth sending him a pm

Don't slap it, tap it!!!!

[Gecko17]

Not sure who's done this but I know Highlander is looking at getting it done too so might me worth sending him a pm

Don't slap it, tap it!!!!

G'day mychev,

As Clunk said, I have booked my truck in to brunswick to have a brand new auto put in as a, I hate the manual gearbox performance with the chev and b, I am old and lazy and love the autos .

As for revs, I have been told to expect approx 15% improvement in fuel economy and a 15% decrease in revs...

I suggest that you phone Greg, from brunswick Diesel conversions and speak with him for the correct figures/costs etc. PM me if you have any trouble and I will see if I can help. I also contacted the transmission mob in Action 4x4 and spoke to the bloke there. Sounded like a really nice guy too. Based in Melbourne. I think Bullet cars also do the conversions and they're based both over east and in WA.

My truck is booked in for five weeks time so once I have it and can take it off road, will let you know what I think of it.

Tim.

[mychev]

Yeah thanks highlander
I am dealing with wholesale autos in melbounre they do brunswicks autos so I am told they are very good with they 4L80 transmission mine is a turbo diesel so it will be good I think with keeping it on song after changing gears you lose that power unless high in the rev range.Don,t get me wrong the 5 speed has done well they are a tough box but like all 5 gears its an add on.

[FNQGU]

Highlander - definitely interested in how you go with this change. Like you, I think the manual is a bit slow sometimes with this engine. I changed out the 5th gear ratio on mine for one of the GearMaster 10% less revs units and that worked a treat for long runs on the highway. Still interested in the Auto option and what you think about it once you've had a chance to test it out properly.

[nissannewby]

I would go the Allison unit. It's a much sturdier unit designed for high torque applications and will be a pleasure to drive.

[FNQGU]

I would go the Allison unit. It's a much sturdier unit designed for high torque applications and will be a pleasure to drive.

Yep, have heard the same thing. Would be interested in the overall cost of the job though. If there was nothing wrong with the current manual, it might be a bit hard to justify to the Finance Minister.

[mychev]

Yes we all got to answer to someone,in my little hamlet it,s the Govenor .But apart from that the Allison are a very good box a lot of mods to fit this upto the transfer also the same with the 4L80 been talking to wholesale autos and they are saying go the Nissan auto it all bolts straight up to the adapter plate and transfer case with there valve body kits they can make these autos handle plenty of power I think the cost will not be cheap , but in the long run I think it will be a benefit as a new manual box plus big clutch and will have the same problem again next time it could happen out the back of you know where not heading into the local for a coupla loudies as that's where I was heading conversions like this I think you need to keep the car for a long time to get the benefit out of it which is what I intend to do so I,m takin it down to these guys this week Iwill keep you posted.

[Gecko17]

I would go the Allison unit. It's a much sturdier unit designed for high torque applications and will be a pleasure to drive.

The auto I'm getting is the 4L80E, which I've been told is the GM auto from the Chevy Suburban? so should be more than able to handle the torque as that's the normal trans on the 6.5l anyway. It is going in in about 4 weeks, when I get back home then another 2 weeks before I can put it through its paces.... may have to set up a WA funrun... will let you know how it goes.

As for the Allison's, I was warned off the new 6 speed as it has (not confirmed!) some design fault but the earlier models are brilliant. To be honest though, I don't know too much about them.

[FNQGU]

Either way, I am keen to hear how it all goes and what you think of it.

I have not had experience with either of them, but once drove a big old F250 in Auto if that counts. Pretty smooth power but they are a bloody big truck and really heavy on the juice.