To answer your question:
1993 Chevy 2500. And where did I say it had no major problems? The truck currently has 175K on the clock with about 1/3+ of that towing.
Things that have been replaced on the engine:
Head gaskets. (my fault, I had the boost turned up)
Timing chain and gears.(PM)
I pump. (PM)
Injectors (PM)
Alternator X2.
So all of those things together cost me about $1,500 bucks over 23 years. So average it out over 23 years and this engine cost me about $65 bucks a year for hard parts. And remember, 3 of those things were preventive maintenance and not replaced because of failure.
So would I recommend a 6.5 because mine has been so good? Hell no! I'm not going to be like some on here and recommend an engine just because it was good for "me". The 6.5 could not hold a candle to the Cummins or even the 7.3 of that era. Not even close! Just because I own one and it's been good to me doesn't make it a good engine. It's not!
And you're wrong about not wanting a Ford. Fords 7.3 was a great engine in that time period in a great truck. There's a reason people talk about the 7.3 as a legendary engine. It was! It's a lot more robust than the 6.5 that's for sure!
As far as the rest of your rant. Are you seriously trying to compare a minor DEF problem to a serious engine problem that requires the cab to be lifter and the engine disassembled at a dealership at 10, 15, 20 thousand miles? Or the hand full of 12 YO LBY's that had heating problems and took less than a $500 part to fix. LOL, are you serious?
I notice you have been around here for a while Travlingman. You must know Ricatic? You should ask Ricatic what he recommends. I bet he has some good ideas on what to recommend and what to stay away from! :B It might not have the swag you're used to in a truck, but it will more than likely be a whole hellofalot more dependable! :B
PS: Be careful out there.
Your engine is on the list of valve crackers. :E
Also remember the more regens you go through the more likely your valve heads will fall off and make a mess. :E