engine swap
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engine swap
Hi there. I have a 1979 f100 ranger with a decent 302 engine. I found this engine very reliable but not enough power. I want to swap it with a diesel engine but I don't have a clue what size would be easiest to put in. Any ideas?
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From: Oregon
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how?
If I was to get the 4bt would the swap be easy? I'm sure I would have to beef up the front end to make up for the extra weight. What all would I have to change? I'm not a mechanic by any means but from my research I think swapping would be worth it
Cargo Master
Joined: Apr 2001
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From: Vancouver
Well, as easy as, say, putting a Buick engine into your Ford. Nothing complicated but nothing factory there to help you either. The weight of a 4BT is not a problem; a 460 is heavier and your truck can handle one of those. Most of the used 4BT's you'll find will be connected to, or set up for, a TH400, and there's nothing wrong with that if you want an automatic. Have a look here:
Cummins 4BT & Diesel Conversions Forums
Eric
Cummins 4BT & Diesel Conversions Forums
Eric
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Thats awesome. Definitely marked things a lot easier for me. Now I need to figure out if my 4 speed transmission can hook right up to it or if I will need an adapter and if it canhandle the torque of the 4bt.
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From: Elk Creek Virginia
Start looking for old bread trucks
. That's the easiest way to find a 4bt. Like 6t6merc said that would be your best beat if you want to convert. They are though engines and you can get some power out of them. Plus they are getting easier to upgrade as they grow in popularity. You will have to make your mounts I believe but it won't be too bad. Also I've run turbo 400s in my drag car and they will take some abuse so you could use the pair even though Chevy in a ford is bad ju ju.I work for cobra diesel during the week and we haven't seen a 4bt in anything but delivery trucks but we've seen 6bt in everything from a f650 to a Silverado.
. That's the easiest way to find a 4bt. Like 6t6merc said that would be your best beat if you want to convert. They are though engines and you can get some power out of them. Plus they are getting easier to upgrade as they grow in popularity. You will have to make your mounts I believe but it won't be too bad. Also I've run turbo 400s in my drag car and they will take some abuse so you could use the pair even though Chevy in a ford is bad ju ju.I work for cobra diesel during the week and we haven't seen a 4bt in anything but delivery trucks but we've seen 6bt in everything from a f650 to a Silverado.
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From: Elk Creek Virginia
You may not want to use the 4 speed. It will work to death running highway speeds. A turned up 4bt is comparable to a stock 1st gen 6bt in power. You could find a nv4500 with the Chevy bell and run a 5 speed.
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Laughing Gas
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From: Ford, WA
another diesel option that some over look is the Isuzu 4BD1 turbo diesel..similar to the Cummins 4bt, and also pretty easy to come by, and similar in price...they are found in the Isuzu NPR cab over trucks...if your truck is a 2wd, you should be able to use the automatic trans out of the NPR as well..
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From: Elk Creek Virginia
The 4bt I've always thought was the right swap for a half ton. The 6bt can be a power house but its heavy and requires some mods to the fire wall and core support to fit in our fords.also trimming the back of the grill for the intercooler. I've heard of people beating the upper fire way with a bfh to get the valve cover to clear but I've always liked the smoother look. Cut it out and form a recess and weld it up. To the untrained eye it looks factory. Good luck with which ever you decide. Hope you post some picks of the process. A lot of people are wanting to do this. Might be the inspiration they need.
Cargo Master
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The 4bt I've always thought was the right swap for a half ton. The 6bt can be a power house but its heavy and requires some mods to the fire wall and core support to fit in our fords.also trimming the back of the grill for the intercooler. I've heard of people beating the upper fire way with a bfh to get the valve cover to clear but I've always liked the smoother look. Cut it out and form a recess and weld it up. To the untrained eye it looks factory. Good luck with which ever you decide. Hope you post some picks of the process. A lot of people are wanting to do this. Might be the inspiration they need.
As far as a 6bt in an f-100 / 150 I wouldn't do it. A 6bt is around 300-400 lbs heavier than a 460. Stick with the 4bt in half ton and lighter trucks.
See my build thread below.
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From: Elk Creek Virginia
Thanks for the correction. A guy I know did this in his 79 350 as a weekend toy and to hook to sleds once in a while. The engine, trans and transfer case was from a 96 3500. Pump turned up and bigger turbo the usually. But he had a hole cut in the fire wall for the valve cover for some reason. I helped him make the mounts and it seemed to me he shifted everything back to clear an aftermarket intercooler and radiator and to try keep some of the weight off the nose. Not so sure on that but I think he said that's why he did it. I believe destroked makes a kit now for it. Definitely go with the 4. Should fit easier. Hey 4bt guys what manual trans came behind a 4bt anyway?