Engine choices? MPG, reliability and torque.
Lead Driver
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 5,217
Likes: 506
From: Pa.
Tell me about the 7.3 Diesel swap. I AM AVOIDING electronics at all costs. How many sensors and wiring would be needed for a diesel swap?
1) I bought a dent to ditch sensors/wiring/ECM/ECU and all of the other electronic garbage that kept money out of my pocket on my last few late model trucks. Simplicity is key here. 7.3 turbo? I'd consider if I werent spending a month plumbing sensors, computers, and wiring only to replace them 30-50K down the road.
2. Is there a more simplistic diesel swap, like a 4BT or something? Considering the money id spend in building a gasser to uphoild the same standards, id consider a diesel swap...BUT NO ELECTRONICS.
thanks
1) I bought a dent to ditch sensors/wiring/ECM/ECU and all of the other electronic garbage that kept money out of my pocket on my last few late model trucks. Simplicity is key here. 7.3 turbo? I'd consider if I werent spending a month plumbing sensors, computers, and wiring only to replace them 30-50K down the road.
2. Is there a more simplistic diesel swap, like a 4BT or something? Considering the money id spend in building a gasser to uphoild the same standards, id consider a diesel swap...BUT NO ELECTRONICS.
thanks
Hotshot
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 14,333
Likes: 247
From: Stanley, VA
Just my 2 cents.
Freshman User
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 49
Likes: 0
From: Globe/Miami, Arizona
If you want MPG and torque, build the 300 I6. And upgrade it too a 4 bbl you'll lose a little, I kept a 2" exhaust on my truck, I still get 23 MPG, and pull my boat quite easily.
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Logistics Pro
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 3,522
Likes: 11
From: Townsend, MT
My cummins can get 24 with no cruise. It's not even close to stock either.
Thread Starter
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Senior User
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 101
Likes: 0
Will a 300 I-6 have enough torque to move a 78 super cab on "31's, loaded down with about 2000 pounds of tools and accessories, 2000 pounds of firewood while spinning my big green alternator, power sterring pump and A/C compressor while going uphill?......if so I will start my build NOW, and will use this 300 as an "interim" motor until I am better suited for a diesel swap.
I guess Id start with my 300 block, .10 over, hyperuetectics, a 240 head for better compression and low end, an offy intake, a clifford's cam and header, and a 590cfm 4 barrel, with a duraspark distro.......... Am I on the right track? Id like to get about 350 ft lbs over a broad range out of this. Its GOTTA be able to work like an egyptian slave and handle extreme environments. (-10 degrees to 115+ degrees, idling/creeping in super low.)
Thanks all.
I guess Id start with my 300 block, .10 over, hyperuetectics, a 240 head for better compression and low end, an offy intake, a clifford's cam and header, and a 590cfm 4 barrel, with a duraspark distro.......... Am I on the right track? Id like to get about 350 ft lbs over a broad range out of this. Its GOTTA be able to work like an egyptian slave and handle extreme environments. (-10 degrees to 115+ degrees, idling/creeping in super low.)
Thanks all.
Elder User
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 550
Likes: 0
From: N. IL
How about an idea from left field? What about an engine set up for dual fuel; gas and propane? Here in Illinois all of the Menards stores have put in automotive propane fueling stations. Propane generally costs about $2 less per gallon than gasoline. A conversion kit for a carbureted engine with tank should run about $2000.
True you get about 10% worse mileage and have less power while running propane but it is about half the cost. With the dual fuel setup you can switch to gasoline anytime you need the extra power. My thought was going to be the 300 but if the fuel price is that low a larger V8 is still a viable option. Finally propane burns much cleaner giving your engine more life.
True you get about 10% worse mileage and have less power while running propane but it is about half the cost. With the dual fuel setup you can switch to gasoline anytime you need the extra power. My thought was going to be the 300 but if the fuel price is that low a larger V8 is still a viable option. Finally propane burns much cleaner giving your engine more life.
Thread Starter
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Senior User
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 101
Likes: 0
Id LOVE to do something like that. Id actually considered buying an old AM General multi-fueler military 6x6 for that reason: Fuel flexibility.......However, the nature of my build wont allow for it. This is going to be my "Retreat-from-civilization, live as far off the grid as possible, survival truck".......Itll be hard enough to find gasoline, let alone propane where/when I make my move. Thanks for the kickaxe idea, though!
Lead Driver
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 5,217
Likes: 506
From: Pa.
For off grid an inline six is not a bad choice because the conversion is so readily available .. with a 1,000 gallons of propane buried underground it's my backup genny .. You need hardened valve seats for the head to burn that fuel though .. When you think of storing fuel it's the most practical unless you have a way to make your own diesel ..
More Turbo
Joined: Jan 2000
Posts: 507
Likes: 2
From: Pasadena US
2wd F100 with a 300 6 and highway gearing can barely muster 15-17mpg, at best.
no . . got 18 MPG on last highway trip with 2wd 300 '79. That was traveling 60-65 MPG. Made a few changes and am "hoping" to crack the 20 mpg barrier, we'll see
Latest change was installing split exhaust manifolds and 2 1/2 in exhaust, no cat.
