I like the idea of a 7.3 I do with a turbo on it, would be a cool set up for sure! And a 5 speed too, very nice

 

I like the idea of a 7.3 I do with a turbo on it, would be a cool set up for sure! And a 5 speed too, very nice! Make sure to take lots of pics and do a build thread to keep us posted

 

IDI is heavier than a 460. IIRC, a full dressed 460 clocks in at about 800 lbs as opposed to 1100 of an IDI.

460: cheap parts and go fast, not so good at the pump.

300: great lil motor (what I have in mine), but even with the np435, I only pull about 11 or 12 mpg

If it were me building one for myself, here's what I would do:
-IDI w/turbo kit, injection upgrade
-ZF5
-Hydroboost brakes
-Late model power steering

To me, the above would be the ideal setup. Good power for towing, good fuel economy unloaded, easy to work on. Downsides? Oil changes are expensive, so is diesel. And parts (injection pump).

But whatever you end up doing, you'll be happy because you're driving a vintage truck!


-Jameson

 

well i want a truck that can do anything you would expect a truck to do.

im thinking DD that can tow & be capable offroad. Not a big mud fan more of a trail & sand fan even if i am in Pa.

I'm leaning toward the diesel & parts arent that bad for a IDI. its like 300 bucks for new injectors & such thats 5.0 injector prices.

But we shall see just trying to get a idea.

 

Thanks for the correction!

 

12 valve Cummins...

I know that it seems like everybody these is doing a Cummins swap, but maybe there's a reason.

350 HP and 700+ Ft.Lbs. of torque to the rear wheels is pretty easy. They start good, get good mileage, fit well, and the list goes on and on.

As for the IDI, my 4BT will out run a 7.3 with a Banks turbo on it (also backed by an E4OD) - and my truck weighed 1,500 lbs. more.

 

Oil burners get pretty good MPG and have very respectable power, however I have no working knowledge of the engines and would have a hard time working on it. I don't know your skills. Just something to factor in.

A 460 has awesome power and parts availability. Lots of heads, stroker kits, cams, and everything else. It will also give the most bragging rights with a 557 stroker kit under the hood. However, I wouldn't expect to get above 10 for MPG

A 400 is a good compromise engine. I have a warmed up 400 that gets 12mpg driving the back roads. They are a little lower in parts availability but its not bad. They make pretty respectable numbers once warmed up a it.

You could get radical and swap in a 5.0 coyote!

 

I know it's GM, but 500 Cadillac's are the cheapest of cheap horsepower - light too - with super high nickel content in the blocks.