I am looking at purchasing a 1984 F250 that has had the diesel removed and a 400 gasoline engine dropped in its place. The swap is complete and it works but some things look a bit rough.
The 400 has a 77 casting stamp....that is all I know about the motor.
It is a manual transmission but I don't know if it is the same tranny from the diesel days.
The truck runs and drives, current owner has been driving it for the 3 years he has owned it. He is upgrading to newer truck with better mileage.
The motor mount brackets are not normal and have been cut and welded to accomodate engine....not sure why.
Dual exhaust seems rough and is very close to starter as the two pipes seem to travel down the same route.

Considering I can acquire this truck for a bit over scrap value, it seems like a good project. I would be interested in returning it to diesel power but want the gasoline engine to function correctly until that time.

I know the 400 has high torque at low RPM. I probably would not install new pistons but might consider different heads, intake, and exhaust while prepping for the diesel re-install.

I am considering a newer 6.9 unless you guys have other things for me to consider.

Your thoughts on the 400 and or a replacement diesel?

 

my thoughts... buy it, and run it forever. if it breaks fix it.

don't buy a fully functional gasoline truck just to turn it back into a diesel you'll waste your time and money.

trucks are for driving. trucks are for towing. fully functional trucks shouldn't be butchered because it seems like a cool idea.

you want to turn as gasoline into a diesel? do it to a ranger minitruck or a ford taurus, then the world will give you tremendous respect.

 

Welcome to FTE, IDK what Patrick is talking about.

I don't see any reason to invest in heads or much anything outside of basics for the 400.

Putting a 6.9 or 7.3 IDI in it sounds like a good plan to me. A lot depends on how much of the diesel stuff is left, in particular the core support, one of the hardest parts to get your hands on.