Am I crazy for thinking this sounds like a fun project in my 64?

I dont have my truck with me, so I cant measure it, but I think the 5.9 cummins will fit. May need some trimming, but that is not a major issue. Will the frame and front end (have cvpi swap in the fron) handle the added weight? Frame rails are partially boxed for my cv swap, so finishing the box in would be simple.

I have seen examples of the 4bt, but wonder about the 6bt.

 

Go for it. The frame would be plenty strong if you boxed it. As for the front end, I have no idea.

Don't let the nay sayers talk you out of it.

 

With enough time, money and a big hammer. Anything is possible.

 

From what I have measured on these trucks, you might not even need a big hammer depending on what you do for a fan.

 

It will fit but may need some trans tunnel/firewall work from what I seen in others builds. Depending on how creative you get with all the parts that mount in front of the engine and how low you set it in the frame. As for the front end I'd say your definitely pushing the limits. A 4bt swap may be better if you have a cv front remember the Vic is made to handle what a 5-600 pound fully dressed engine maybe? A cummins is well over 1,000 so your doubling your weight on the front plus the torque a 12v puts out. Just things to remember while dreaming up this swap.

 

I agree, size and weight wise, a 4bt seems like a better fit. But the specs I have found show 4bt's at 106 hp and 200 ft lbs. That is hardly worth the effort to replace the y block, even for some diesel chatter and smoke.

Sounds like on the 5.9, I may have to lose the intercooler for it to fit. I am thinking I can get a complete truck that needs some attention for relatively cheap, or at least cheaper than a 4bt assembly. My only real concern with the 5.9 is weight, and overall length of the motor. I am not too attached to my floorboard, so I would not mind adding a trans tunnel.

 

The stock torque rating is much closer to 300 ft. lbs. on the 105 HP versions. With a new turbo (~$600 new) and some pump tuning, 105 HP will turn into 200 + HP. My 4BTA in my F350 will easily out pull the stock 7.3.

From what I have measured, a first gen Dodge intercooler (91.5 - 93) wouldn't be hard to fit at all if you don't have A/C. When I get the funds to drop a 6BT in my '66, I will try to use a 7.3 intercooler as I will want closer to 450 HP.

If you don't want to cut your core support, water to air intercoolers work very good, especially if run another radiator and water pump.



IIRC, the highest horsepower VE-pumped 6BT (fuel only) runs one of these.

As you might have noticed, I am a diesel power addict.

 

No, you're not crazy! But be aware the 6bt is very big and very heavy. Yes, the 4bt is an excellent option. It costs about twice as much as the 6 in my neck of the woods, and they are scarce. There are other diesel options, too. Good plan so far but do your internet research...
Eric

 

Before you look any more into doing a swap. I'd learn more about diesels since you don't seem to know much. A 4bt is no slug of an engine. It can probably out pull your truck already and it definitely will with minor work some pump upgrades a turbo injectors and cam you'll have a great puller with a lot less weight hanging over that crown Vic. I know some people with 4bt's that swear by them and they put 6bt's to shame. Which I still see as not so great of an idea. Curious how the oil pan and AC clearance would be like on that Vic ifs

 

You mean like this....

 

Here is one running the 4bt...

 

Thank you for your input.

 

Yeah, I have watched those videos several times! That has got me pretty excited about a potential swap.

 

What type transmission behind it you thinking of?

 

Just think if the same person had a 6BT.

The rotary VE pumps on a 4BT will put out the same amount of fuel and the VE's on 6BT's. Thus they should be able to make the same power. With compounds on the 4BT 300 HP is fairly easy - at least that's what I've read and will be putting to the test come winter.