diesel swap??

[mudfreak79]

hey everyone im new here, im 17 and this is my first truck,its a 79 f150 4x4, ive done a lot to it so far... painted the frame, body, new gas tank, carb, new exhaust and some misc work here and there... but i was wondering how much work it is to swap from a 400 w/ c6 trans, to a 7.3 liter powerstroke with matching trans from a 93 f350?

[mudfreak79]

anyone??? please, i am seriously considering making the swap

[85e150six4mtod]

It's like building a new truck with respect to the chassis. Springs, axles, cooling, fuel system, exhaust. That engine is too heavy for the truck.

Forget it.

Does the truck drive and run good now? If yes, drive it.

If no, nurse it along until you can repair or horse trade for a better one.

I'll spare you the long version, but at 17, focus on school and post HS training/education etc. Don't p away money on a truck. Save it--you'll need it.

If you want to fool with this truck, check out the 335 forums. There are a couple of things that can be done to the 400 to bring some life back to it. The timing set can be changed out, maybe dual exhaust (with mufflers, let's not go there...) other minor, cheap things that will improve the running and mpg slightly.

[bendog]

Originally Posted by 85e150six4mtod

I'll spare you the long version, but at 17, focus on school and post HS training/education etc. Don't p away money on a truck. Save it--you'll need it.

If you want to fool with this truck, check out the 335 forums. There are a couple of things that can be done to the 400 to bring some life back to it. The timing set can be changed out, maybe dual exhaust (with mufflers, let's not go there...) other minor, cheap things that will improve the running and mpg slightly.

Wise advice from someone who cares enough to give it.

The 7.3 swap is one of the most difficult, especially into a truck not equipped to handle the weight.

[mudfreak79]

alright guys, thanks for the info, i kinda got caught up in my head a little to much, i saw the motor and tranny for 600, and wanted to make the swap, without considering all the other work that needed to be done, the 400 in the truck runs great, it has an edelbrock 650 4 barrel, holley street dom intake, and a mild cam. il try to post some pics, does anyone know how to post em? all it says is insert, but they arent on the internet

[bradyracing]

Skip the 335 and jump to the 385. When I was your age I was cramming 429s and 460s into everything I owned including a 1980 mustang.

[MazdaB4000 2002]

The diesel engine swap people are using is the Cummins 4BT.
Do a quick google search and you will find information on this.
There is a web page devoted to this diesel engine swap.
Some people have even put the 4BT into a Ranger.
The main concern is do you have the technical knowledge and financial support for this.
I am not meaning to discourage you, but a lot of projects get started and don't get finished.
So, you need to set down with pen and paper, or in todays world keyboard and project planner program and set out the steps to accomplish this project.
Take big steps and break them down to small steps (in an orderly manner).
Take time to plan the order steps should be accompished, so they all come together with a smile on "YOUR" face. The looks of wonder on the onlookers setting on the side lines playing Monday Morning critic saying you can not do this or that.
It all comes down to planning!
I hope you have good planning because every thing come down to the 5 "P's"
Poor Planning Produces Poor Performance

or

Proper Planning Produces Peak Performance

[ChaseTruck754]

cummins 6bt - not 4 bt.

Do a search around here and on Dodge Cummins Diesel Forum and you'll find tons of swaps with LOTS of info. Including mine in my 74 4wd crew cab that is 30 something pages long or so right now

Bendog has a cummins 6bt swap going as well. Although his is on oldfordcrewcabs.com if that site is still up and running

[4BT-F150]

A 4BT would be perfect for your F150. It is a good compromise between weight and performance.

[ChaseTruck754]

6bt has more than enough power to maike up for the weight

Here's a link to a 6bt swap in a 78 bronco
http://www.cumminsforum.com/forum/cu...t-gen-12v.html

[4BT-F150]

Originally Posted by ChaseTruck754

6bt has more than enough power to maike up for the weight

I don't doubt that, but you have to live with that weight sitting over your front axle. With a 4BT, my F150 is nose heavy enough the way it is, I can't imagine 3-400 additional lbs. I know the 6BT will physically fit in that body style, but just barely, it is a looooong engine.

The weight of the 6BT will require suspension upgrades, the 6BT's torque will necessitate a stout transmission and axles.

Here is my build thread:

93 F150 with 4BTA - Cummins 4BT & Diesel Conversions Forums

[fordtrucknut]

Did you sell the Alison trans from behind it? What model alison is/was it?

[4BT-F150]

Originally Posted by fordtrucknut

Did you sell the Alison trans from behind it? What model alison is/was it?

I sold it to a neighbor, I don't know what model it was, the previous owner had said it came out of a school bus.