for simplicity and serviceability i was thinking about a gm 6.5 naturally aspirated diesel and a turbo 400 transmission. the horsepower and torque numbers are not much greater then my current engine, which is good so i don't have to replace my axles and transfer case. but are there any issues with running the mechanical non-electronic injector pump? would i be better off with adding a turbo and upgrading my driveline to handle the power?  

That engines not bad, but gutless. The mechanical injection pump shouldn't pose any problem unless it's going bad. You'll probably want a turbo though, eventually.  

i'm not so worried about gutless neccesarily, just a solid replacement for my current engine, and the idea of bio diesel with todays gas prices is to hard to overlook.  

Hmmm...Bryan, where do i start...
The 6.5 is a decent engine. I would recommend the turbo for better retention of power at altitude. i would look for up to a 93-94 to stay with the mechanical injection. There are a couple of weak spots, being the tendency to overheat, but with a high volume water pump and dual thermostats that can be handled. The other week spot is it's relatively low ability to be hot rodded...no chips ect. It can be tuned a little but nothing like the cummins and dmaxes. I would also go with a 700R4 as well, i think it has better low gears.
As clearly evidenced, i was able to get enough power out of mine and broke pinon shafts and ujoints in the front axle (D44).
if you have further questions let me know email me direct or call me.
I also have a 700R4 in the garage that needs a home..  

91-93 in the 6.5 is the mechanical pump, 94 was the first computer controled mechanical pump, it had some problems, in 95 it was pretty much refined and trouble free, most pumps that got blamed for problems actually had nothing wrong with em, the pmd was the problem and is always replaced along with a newly bloted on pump. the later models have dual stats and highflow waterpumps that kept the temps in check. as long as the pyro stays under 1100 degrees under a load they stay together well.

I have several 6.5's from stock 20mpg's in my burb to running 13 second 1/4s with just under 30psi boost, 18-1 1cr's, mechanical pump and a banks sidewinder. the casualtys have been a crankshaft @6000rpm. a couple melted pistons and a few sets of heads

yeah, lots of busted/blown differentials, ya can't underestimate it just cause it says 200hp on the valve cover. my 97 has a ss diesel supply chip along with a 4" exhaust system.

the old man bought an olds in 1978 I've had my hand in the gm diesels ever since.

 

hmmm decisions decisions, well i am asking alot of questions to help make a choice between upgrading my current vehicles with newer components or selling both the scout and my 68 D200 and getting a late model dodge ram 2500 with a cummins.  

While not a diesel fan I have always been more fond of 6.5 than Dmax as it is not all about max torque with me. The pre-chamber design of engine gives it a broad RPM range for a diesel and gives it gas engine like qualities in throttle response and RPM range. Dmax has a narrow power band by comparison and kinda sucks with a stick (I drove one and was thoroughly disappointed and see why they dropped it) while 6.5 does well with one. The 6.5 is a improved/next generation 6.2 and except for some pump issues on some years, it was a pretty reliable engine.  

IF you decide to sell and get a dodge for the diesel, i would stay with the 12V which I think means  up to 1999 or 98, they are easier to run on biodiesel or convert to veggy oil. the 12V has a lower pressure injection pump and can handle different fuels easier than the 24V from what i hear. I have no first hand experience with  cummins engines.  

can i run bio diesel in a late model 24v cummins? i like chevy trucks to but when i worked for chevy all i remember about the duramax is getting all the injectors replaced and they were on back order all the time because it was a nationwide issue. if i am to buy a late model diesel truck i would need to be able to tun bio in it or else it wouldn't worth buying since i would be buying a diesel truck in order to save money on monthly operating costs.

most of the shop trucks we have at work are stupid duties and some are diesels which i also like but guys do little trash talking on fords, how bad can they really be?  

did you read what i posted above yours?
"IF you decide to sell and get a dodge for the diesel, i would stay with the 12V which I think means  up to 1999 or 98, they are easier to run on biodiesel or convert to veggy oil. the 12V has a lower pressure injection pump and can handle different fuels easier than the 24V from what i hear. I have no first hand experience with  cummins engines."
I know of several guys running bio in ford 7.3s with no issues, i do not know how bio friendly the 6.0 is.  

i did read what you wrote frank, i figured someone who might have read this thread may own a 24v dodge cummins and have first hand experience with bio-diesel. if you are the only person on this board that knows anything about bio-diesel then in the future i will direct all questions on the subject towards you.  

Bryan

Then ask the question that way......"is there anyone who has a Dodge 24V running bio with first hand experience?"

your post just looked like you asked the same question i just told you about.  
I am not the only biodiesel person on this or any other board. But i do make & use the stuff and have heard negative things about running anything other than #2 in a 24V cummins or any other late model very high pressure IP such as the newer VW TDIs.
I will go back to my cave now....

PS If i were looking into to biodiesel and i knew someone who has made & used it..you bet i would direct questions to them and call them.    

Well I have bben on the boards for a while now...and though I know very little on BD. I can tell u that Doc has been the only one I personnally have ever know to run  the stuff. I personnaly spoke with him when I was considering BD for my f250. I have also wheeled with him and "smelled the french fries".....and damn, it made me hungry...go figure? He actually offered to let me come over and see the setup he uses. I really think he has the most valuable knowledge here.

I think Doc is pretty much the authority on BD on this board.....just my 2cents  

Frank, believe me when i say i know you are an expert on the subject and just like dave said, you are the only person i know that runs and makes the stuff. But i considered the way you opened your post with "did you read what i posted above yours?" a little bit abrasive and it upset me.  

Sorry Bryan...I can come off as abrasive often. But i am not like that in person....or am I?? lol