so i was at my cousins diesel and off road performance shop today and i was talking to him and his mechanic about my truck. and i told theme i like the 460 for the power and torque but not the mpg. and then his mechanic suggested a 4bt swap he said it gets 20+mpg and can make good power/torque. and he said for me he could do it for about 5000$ with a 5 speed swap included. what is the 4bt capable of would it make 300-400 hp and a lot of torque with mods is it mod friendly and is what he is asking for the job a good price. or should i stick with the 460 and rebuild it for the hp and torque i want.

 

My 390 won't do this:
Eric

 

I am no expert but I think 300-400hp is on the high end for a 4bt. Its just a smaller version of the 6bt. Dont think there is as much aftermarket for it, but im not sure . Look at CO425 swap, he has way more than 5000 into his and he did all the labor himself.

They will get good mileage, I believe there is a few swaps done one this site. Just seems on the low end to get a quality swap with all new parts. Just my 2 cents.

 

the 5000 dose not included performance parts just engine and trany and the swap

 

There are a few sites dedicated to the 4BT swap.

They are known as paint shakers cause I guess they tend to jump around a bit.

The price you were quoted does not sound too bad as the engines alone go for around 3 grand (lots come out of bread vans and delivery trucks.)

I was also thinking they would be a good swap for a highboy, especially with the 4.10 gears but you would need an overdrive transmission to get the rpms down at speed.

Probably make as much torque as the 460 and considerably better fuel economy. I say go for it!

 

If it's power, I think you'd be better off with the 6bt or a later model 24 valve. More aftermarket for it.

4BT is common in vehicles with limited engine bay space, which is why it's common with jeep guys. In your truck, you've got all the room in the world. Well, enough room to get yourself in trouble


-Jameson

 

My aftercooled 4BT Makes 120hp and 320 ftlbs of torque stock. Havent got it in the truck yet to comment much more than that.

 

i would go with a 6bt but i have read on several other threads that a 6bt is to much for a 150 frame. that a 250 and up is recamended or would a 6bt work just fine in a 150 frame.

 

A 4BT in "working" form would put out 110-120 HP with lots of torque. With correct gearing it could give good mileage. By no means fast or strong in a heavy towing application. Think of it as a high torque, high mileage alternative to a 300 ci Ford six.

 

Is that keeping the 20+ mpg?

 

I think he's getting about zero mpg during that stunt.
Eric