Diesel swap

dragula65000 · #1 (**permalink**) 10-22-2009, 09:55 PM

I have a 2001 F250 with the V-10. I've been thinking about swaping the drivetrain for the 7.3 diesel, around the same year. Its possible to pick up low mileage wrecked diesel trucks for way less then a diesel truck.

I know I would have to change the motor, trans, fuel system, and computer. What else? Will the wiring harness match up? Would I have to get a new key switch for the glow plugs? Just shootin the idea around, and if I do it, wither sell the V-10, or put it in a muscle car or somethin. My V-10 has 153,000, and runs great, I just want better mileagew while towing. Any tips would be apprecitated. Thanks ya'll.

Midwest Dually · #2 (**permalink**) 10-25-2009, 07:52 AM

You know, as for pricing and whats better, that will be more based on the area you live in. My area is horrible when it comes to truck pricing (everyone thinks they own gold here). So when I started getting parts to complete my conversion, I had to do a lot of "out of state" shopping. I came across some good deals, and what neat is that the Econoline vans had some equipped with desiels, which made it cheaper.

It is an undertaking completing a swap. I am for swaps because I dont like going out and buying a completely different or new truck, or having more vehicle payments. I have completed I4 to V6, and V6 to V8 swaps, computer controlled and old school, so its not an issue to me, but each person is different. Drivetrain, suspension, cooling, mounts, wiring, ECU and even gauges will have to be swapped. I forgot to add, fuel lines and tanks as well.

drivembig · #3 (**permalink**) 10-29-2009, 08:50 PM

It would be a hugh undertaking.....Like MidWest Dually said....engine, tranny, rear-end, wiring harness, computer, fuel lines, pump, tanks.....etc. etc.

Maybe finding a wrecked truck and using your body on it would be easier.....lol

bayouboy · #4 (**permalink**) 11-09-2009, 05:51 PM

I've been reading some articles about swapping in either a 5.9 or 6.7 cummings. Most of the swaps are 10 to 15K depending on options, mileage on donor motor, etc. With this swap you would the best of both worlds, rock solid cummings, and a Ford Superduty.

gearloose1 · #5 (**permalink**) 11-24-2009, 08:40 AM

Unless you are a professional car builder or restorer.. forget it.

Instrument panel, wiring harness, even brakes are not the same.

All the little boxes (electronics control units) have to be reprogrammed.

Easier to buy a frame rail, a body, and start building from scratch.

At least then, you don't have to worry about the factory boxes mismatching.