Hi Folks,
I'm building a '54 COE and going with a later model diesel chassis. I have a one ton heavy duty '93 E-350 van that I have owned since it was new. It has lots of miles, about 260K, and still runs pretty good. However, the rust buggies are starting to take their toll on the old girl body wise. The frame is in good shape though. I'd like a little more performance and it is probably a good time for a rebuild. With that I am thinking of going turbo as I have read some stuff about a few that have and the performance sounds like it's worth the change. What I'd like to hear is some reports from those who have and what they did. I have heard that a change of rods and pistons is recommended. I also wonder how much stuff is available out there for the change. I do have some machining, welding and fabricating abilities and equipment so I'm up for some custom work.

Waiting to here from you guys...

 

The only real upgrade for rods would be to use the factory turbo versions with the heavier wrist pins. Thats not entirely necessary unless your going big turbo and lots of fuel. The simple Banks or Ats systems are easily located on ebay, are relatively inexpensive, and do provide quite the noticable improvement.

 

I agree with above. For just "improved" performance nothing among the engine itself really needs changed. However the fuel system could use some help once youve got the turbo on there Dps injection could help you there. Since your having it rebuilt, i would get ahold of Typ4 or NMB2 for a cam regrind. Fab up a divided up-pipe system (similar to stock PSD) and pick a turbo. The aftermarket turbos seem rather limited but for the bolt on minded person theyre a great addition. I personally am running a HX35 right now, and for no more fuel/boost im running seems to work great and sounds like its got a ways to go before its tapped out. If you go with the bolt on types, i like the wastgated banks and ATS the best. Another addition to consider would be a 7.3PSD or 6.0psd inter-cooler.

 

Hey guys,
Thanks for the informative and interesting replies. At this point I am in the dream stage and have not committed to anything more than getting the cab done. As for the rolling chassis and power train configuration I'm still way into the anything goes mode. Aside form the fact that I already have the van, there are other considerations in my mind but there are problems. My original idea was to get decent rolling chassis complete with a the stuff I need. My ideal target was a 7.3 PS turbo with automatic transmission, four wheel drive and dual rear wheels, but there are problems. What I'm finding is either too much money, or so worn out I'd have to rebuild engine and tranny. Most do not have four wheel drive and/or dual rear wheels.. Even though my van lacks several of the desired features, for less than they are asking for the stuff I'm interested in I can get all that other stuff. I would do my own rebuilding work so I believe that would amount to a considerable savings. As I mentioned before, I'm not necessarily convinced a bolt on kit is how I want to go. I can do machining and fabricating and the idea of going that route does intrigue me. I mean this thing is essentially going to be a big toy and novelty. Why not get crazy with it??? I am even considering a mid engine set up. At this point all things are being considered.

Hopefully more of you IDI guys will chime in on this. I know there are a lot of Darksiders out there fooling with these old IDI engines. I'm welcome to any and all suggestions and ideas. For anyone that is interested of curious, i have a build thread going at Another COE project...

 

Read through these, might spark some ideas


https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1...Project+smogie



https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1...ing+completion