6.9 diesel or 460
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6.9 diesel or 460
Hello all, first let me say that I love this site. I have learned so much. Now I have a 1973 f-100. Came from the factory as a 2wd with a 360. I got her as a 4x4 with a 390. But the 390 isnt running like she should so I'm torn between a 6.9 diesel or the big 460. I'm in the process of putting a dana 70 in rear and 60 in front. Picked up a 435/205 combo. So he is gonna be strong. Right now she has 35 inch tires on her but dreaming of putting 42's on her. I'm not looking for a race truck but I wanna be able to turn those tires when I need too. I'm sure it'll be about the same hassel putting the 460 in as would putting a 6.9 diesel. I've run the chevy diesels and the 6.0 diesel ford. Dont know too much about the 6.9, so any inputs either pro or con would be appreciated. Thanks, Jeff
Laughing Gas
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 1,056
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From: Indiana, PA
Well the 460 will eat your wallet and the 6.9 will probably be... dissapointing. I would suggest either a 5.9 cummins or a 1994 powerstroke so there will be minimal wiring with a turbo. Good luck
Cargo Master
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 3,417
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If you don't already have the motor. Do a cummins swap. I can't say it's cheaper than a 460 swap. I guess it's all in how much you pay for components. I have a 460 swap in my truck and love it. however. 18 or so mpg and 460 or more torque would be nice.
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Totally agree... build up the FE or swap in the diesel. 460 would be a waste in my opinion. Would possibly get the same or worst mileage than the FE.The diesel, especially IDI diesels are usually good for around 20 mpg, which is awesome, but are way down on power. Think 0-60 in minutes, not seconds.
A 7.3 IDI with turbo really wakes it up and still gets amazing mileage.
The powerstrokes are good for 17-20.
A 12V Cummins is awesome for mileage, but the weight might strain the front frame. Not exactly sure, I know of a couple F100 Cummins swaps, but don't know the details about the frame other than stiffer springs.
I really like diesels, but I am extremely partial to FE's and both have pros and cons.
Josh
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Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 1,186
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From: townsend DE
Totally agree... build up the FE or swap in the diesel. 460 would be a waste in my opinion. Would possibly get the same or worst mileage than the FE.The diesel, especially IDI diesels are usually good for around 20 mpg, which is awesome, but are way down on power. Think 0-60 in minutes, not seconds.
A 7.3 IDI with turbo really wakes it up and still gets amazing mileage.
The powerstrokes are good for 17-20.
A 12V Cummins is awesome for mileage, but the weight might strain the front frame. Not exactly sure, I know of a couple F100 Cummins swaps, but don't know the details about the frame other than stiffer springs.
I really like diesels, but I am extremely partial to FE's and both have pros and cons.
Josh
all that said im doing a cummins
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Joined: Aug 2011
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I had a similar conundrum with a "build the 360 vs cummins swap." I decided to stick with the FE for the nostalgia thing, but if it were a daily driver, I'd go Cummins. So basically, ^x3
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Joined: Oct 2009
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From: Lawrenceville, Ga
Totally agree... build up the FE or swap in the diesel. 460 would be a waste in my opinion. Would possibly get the same or worst mileage than the FE.The diesel, especially IDI diesels are usually good for around 20 mpg, which is awesome, but are way down on power. Think 0-60 in minutes, not seconds.
A 7.3 IDI with turbo really wakes it up and still gets amazing mileage.
The powerstrokes are good for 17-20.
A 12V Cummins is awesome for mileage, but the weight might strain the front frame. Not exactly sure, I know of a couple F100 Cummins swaps, but don't know the details about the frame other than stiffer springs.
I really like diesels, but I am extremely partial to FE's and both have pros and cons.
Josh
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Joined: Aug 2001
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Cummins is the way to go, but for the cost of the conversion alone guy could have a killer 460 crate engine or a little more a nice Survival 445 stroker.
Josh
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Thanks for all the replys. Was looking at stroking the 390 but couldn't find any reviews by people that have done it. Awful expensive to find out how it performs. Not looking to build a drag kttruck but would like it there if needed. Need the torque for 42 inch tires.
Laughing Gas
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 1,052
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From: Alvarado, TX
I just did a Cummins/ZF5 swap a couple months ago and couldn't be happier. I spent $2500 and 6 weeks on it and now get 20 mpg with enough torque to spin the 38's going into 2nd and bark them into 3rd. Heck, if I'd bought a complete donor truck I'd probably be money ahead from parting out the carcass. So that's my vote, but if you stick with a gasser I say build an FE stroker.
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Joined: Aug 2001
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332-428 Ford FE Engine Forum or Survival Motorsports Home Page are all you need for FE info. Hundreds of guys have gone the 445 Prison Break route and absolutely love that combo.Josh