I'm thinking of putting an EFI 460 and E4OD in my '74. I'd like to do a ZF 5 but they seem to be hard to come by and $$$$ when you do (at least around here). Has anyone done this swap before? I'm a diesel tech so I'm not really scared of the wiring end of it (kind of looking for a challenge actually). Will the E4OD hold up OK behind the 460? Will see farm use and some occasional heavy towing. I've read about after market tranny controllers. Worth it? Or is the Ford one ok? What all do I need to make the engine and transmission work?

-Jake

 

 

The e4od is massive so you have to cut the floor, Find one that is cable driven other wise you have to change out the rear end too! If you use a carb setup find a diesel computer it a very simple system mine is custom built from the Ford computer, there's about 15 wires just be sure the computer and solinoid block are the same 92? Or 93 they changed but it will fit in any year e4od...why not just do a 7.3idi I did and love it!

 

E40D Transmission Swap - Custom Classic Trucks Magazine

this article swapped an E4OD into a 73 F350 behind a 460 (with carb) and no floor cutting, just moved and dented Aux fuel tank. there may be a difference in the crankshaft height between Kobaltblue's diesel swap and the 460 in Ron Ceridono's truck

 

You can get a 96 F250 California truck, they have a factory mass air flow sensor system if you dont want speed density, I have had both, I did not see any gain in gas mileage from one to the other, but the mass air flow is a better system.
They are all over pick a part out here.

 

I found a ZF 5 locally at a very good price. I need to go pick it up. I've been thinking about EFI vs carb. Here's what I have so far

Carb
Super easy swap
No computer controls
No sensors
Pretty much change motor mounts and drop the new motor in - wire to coil, oil press and coolant temp and go

EFI
Good running year round
No constantly messing with carb and timing
More wiring
More sensors and possible computer problems

All that aside, I'm still thinking EFI but I'm not 100% sure yet. I have some more questions.

For SD EFI I know you need a MAP sensor and a few others (no big deal, should be on the engine already). What about O2 sensors? And will I need to run a catalytic convertor? Also, am I limited to what cam I can run and will computer tuning be needed? I'd like to keep the in cab tank because the Highboys have the narrow rear frames - is this possible? I'm just looking for a good low dollar torque monster for some occasional heavy pulling and general farm truck use - but would like to be able to use it as a second "good" pickup if needed.

I know mileage won't be great with a 460, but it can't be much worse than the 390.

-Jake