I drive an 73 Ford F100 with a 360 big block. That things guzzles down the fuel. I have been thinking of other ways to get better fuel economy. 6 speed man trans, lower rear end gearing, etc. I have also been toying with the idea of dropping in a turbo diesel. I know that would be wicked sweet, just imagine your at a stop light just waiting for it to turn green then here comes this nice and shiny 73 Ford pickup. When it stops next to you you here that sweet diesel rumble. Well, anyway, another good idea for our trucks is to drop in the 300ci inline 6. Power is good and fuel is better. However, last night I got to thinking "what if a beefed up turbo 4 cylinder was put in its place?" I mean a stocker wont work, it won't cut it in my opinion. But built turbo 4's are getting more than a 1000hp! And I have a few guys on my turbo dodge forum (turbododge.com) with 500hp+ in their Dodge cars. So, would a turbo 4 work? Or would the weight of the truck be to much for that lil 4 banger to be able to handle on the start? I am wondering if in order to move that much weight (close to 4000lbs) would the motor have to work to hard and keep the turbo spinning the entire time? The reason I am not sure if this will work is because with a torquey lil motor the starts is all that is the issue because we all know it take less then 10hp to keep a truck in motion while cruising. But the 73's were like walls moving through air, they are not aerodynamic at all and we all know this. I don't know this is just ideas, what do you all think?

 

Well first what are you going to use the truck for an how much are you looking to spend to get better MPG? An how much better MPG are you looking for?

 

The truck is just a street truck. The most I will haul or tow is a motorcycle or maybe a bed load of wood. Nothing special. And I am not really considering this as an actual course of action. I am just curious if it is possible and "if" done, what would the benefits be? I have turbo motors and some fabrications skills (meaning I can do the motor mounts and such myself) so cost would be mainly on me and my time. I really am just curious because I have never seen a full size pickup with a 4 banger in it.

 

" I really am just curious because I have never seen a full size pickup with a 4 banger in it. "

For a good reason! 300 I6 is your best and by far easiest option IMO, close to 20mpg on the highway and torque too

 

I'm puuting a 4cyl turbo diesel in mine........4bt Cummins............120 hp @ 2200 RPM 300ft.lbs @ 1700 RPM Hoping for 22+ MPG

 

That is exactly what user carcrafter22 is putting in his 67 is a Twin turbo Isuzu 4db1T. There is alot of information in this thread about his engine and the crown vic swap.
https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/7...o-67-f100.html
I hope he don't mind me posting this video.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ws3D62pBI0A

 

what dose a 4bt Cummins come out of???
and why a 4 banger? them 24 valve straight 6 cummins will walk all over that 4 baNGER bolth in power and in MPG's!!!

 

Offhand I would say it could be a weight and fitment issue. Those Cummins 6 cylinder 24 valve are not exactly lightweight, and if they are going into a F100, you're talking about reinforcing the suspension, frame, springs, etc, etc....

 

Why not a cummins? That is a good question. The reason I omitted it was because I have no knowledge of the cummins straight 6. However, I have plenty of knowledge about turbo motors. Also...cuz it would be freaking cool! I have to agree with ArcadeTom though, weight is an issue and a light weight turbo 4 would help with the weight issue. Lastly, jsutton....thanks for showing the video and link. That truck sounds sweet!