87 F350 engine swap
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01-13-2016, 10:52 AM
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87 F350 engine swap
I have a 1987 F350 crew cab with long bed, 4" lift, original 460 7.5L gas engine with a 4 speed transmission. 155k miles.
It needs a new transmission and may or may not need a lot of engine work, I have wanted a 7.3L diesel for a long time. So if I end up needing a new engine and transmission I think I want to switch. What would I need to convert this to diesel and more importantly can I do it in a 87? Can I just drop in a 7.3L and transmission? I need a reliable truck which I can haul old steel horse/cattle trailers anywhere from a few miles to across Texas.
Thanks.
It needs a new transmission and may or may not need a lot of engine work, I have wanted a 7.3L diesel for a long time. So if I end up needing a new engine and transmission I think I want to switch. What would I need to convert this to diesel and more importantly can I do it in a 87? Can I just drop in a 7.3L and transmission? I need a reliable truck which I can haul old steel horse/cattle trailers anywhere from a few miles to across Texas.
Thanks.
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01-13-2016, 11:12 AM
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01-13-2016, 11:18 AM
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01-13-2016, 02:01 PM
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a 7.3 IDI is the type of diesel engine used in 88 to 94. it stands for indirect injection. it is mechanical engine just like your 460 is and will be very easy to drop in.
the 7.3 engine you are thinking about is the powerstroke, a completely computerized engine.
i would look for a 88-91 F250 or F350 diesel with a ZF5 speed trans to use as a donor. this will give you everything you will need to do the conversion.
the 7.3 engine you are thinking about is the powerstroke, a completely computerized engine.
i would look for a 88-91 F250 or F350 diesel with a ZF5 speed trans to use as a donor. this will give you everything you will need to do the conversion.
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01-13-2016, 02:49 PM
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a 7.3 IDI is the type of diesel engine used in 88 to 94. it stands for indirect injection. it is mechanical engine just like your 460 is and will be very easy to drop in.
the 7.3 engine you are thinking about is the powerstroke, a completely computerized engine.
i would look for a 88-91 F250 or F350 diesel with a ZF5 speed trans to use as a donor. this will give you everything you will need to do the conversion.
the 7.3 engine you are thinking about is the powerstroke, a completely computerized engine.
i would look for a 88-91 F250 or F350 diesel with a ZF5 speed trans to use as a donor. this will give you everything you will need to do the conversion.
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01-14-2016, 08:37 AM
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The mechanical aspects is completely doable, you'll want to look into the legal aspects though. While it may not be enforced on you and plenty of others do it, it may be illegal to swap from gas to diesel, in Texas. Just suggest you take a look.
IDI vs. Powerstroke(PSD), the PSD is going to cost A LOT more, and be A LOT more work. IDIs are still pretty cheap and as easy to deal with as carbed engines. The PSD is "easier" to make a lot of power with, the IDI easier in regards to everything else. IDI is what was the stock option in 87, no PSD until 94. If your name "tactical redneck" means you are any kind of a prepper type you'll likely prefer an IDI.
This forum has both an IDI and PSD section, I suggest you check them out.
Pre-Power Stroke Diesel (7.3L IDI & 6.9L) - Ford Truck Enthusiasts Forums
1994.5 - 1997 7.3L Power Stroke Diesel - Ford Truck Enthusiasts Forums
As far as doing the work and a donor vehicle, much better off using a truck donor. You'll want a manual transmission I assume, wont find one in a van, you'll need a diesel truck core support, radiator, battery tray, and better to have diesel truck fuel tanks.
Donor truck is going to be tough for you, these trucks are pricey in Texas, in particular a 4WD manual diesel. Maybe you can piece it together if going PSD, engine related parts from your ambulance deal, 460 ZF5s can be made to work, you'll need at a bare minimum the core support and diesel filler necks from a wrecking yard, etc. Or look for a donor truck in parts of the country where trucks are cheaper, or rusted out ones with good drivetrains are more common.
IDI vs. Powerstroke(PSD), the PSD is going to cost A LOT more, and be A LOT more work. IDIs are still pretty cheap and as easy to deal with as carbed engines. The PSD is "easier" to make a lot of power with, the IDI easier in regards to everything else. IDI is what was the stock option in 87, no PSD until 94. If your name "tactical redneck" means you are any kind of a prepper type you'll likely prefer an IDI.
This forum has both an IDI and PSD section, I suggest you check them out.
Pre-Power Stroke Diesel (7.3L IDI & 6.9L) - Ford Truck Enthusiasts Forums
1994.5 - 1997 7.3L Power Stroke Diesel - Ford Truck Enthusiasts Forums
As far as doing the work and a donor vehicle, much better off using a truck donor. You'll want a manual transmission I assume, wont find one in a van, you'll need a diesel truck core support, radiator, battery tray, and better to have diesel truck fuel tanks.
Donor truck is going to be tough for you, these trucks are pricey in Texas, in particular a 4WD manual diesel. Maybe you can piece it together if going PSD, engine related parts from your ambulance deal, 460 ZF5s can be made to work, you'll need at a bare minimum the core support and diesel filler necks from a wrecking yard, etc. Or look for a donor truck in parts of the country where trucks are cheaper, or rusted out ones with good drivetrains are more common.
When you say doner truck are you talking about a running truck that I can take stuff out of or one what doesn't work or has problems? Because if I need to buy a running truck I don't know if it would be worth spending 4-7k just to convert the truck I already have. Unless it's a smaller 250 or 350 then my big one. What do you think I would be spending on the conversation all in?
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01-14-2016, 11:55 AM
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01-14-2016, 04:47 PM
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from Dallas craigs list:
1989 ford f350 4 door dually 7.3 idi
1990 f250
from san antonio:
1992 Ford F250 7.3 idi
houston:
Ford 7.3 IDI turbo complete diesel engine
fort smith:
1984 Ford Diesel
highest price on those 5 is $1,550 asking price.
this was just a quick search . they are out there, and the prices do not " seem to carry a heck of a premium there."
1989 ford f350 4 door dually 7.3 idi
1990 f250
from san antonio:
1992 Ford F250 7.3 idi
houston:
Ford 7.3 IDI turbo complete diesel engine
fort smith:
1984 Ford Diesel
highest price on those 5 is $1,550 asking price.
this was just a quick search . they are out there, and the prices do not " seem to carry a heck of a premium there."