E-250 Cummins
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Joined: Dec 2010
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From: Gary,Indiana
I would be interested to see that swap too. I have a '76 E350 classC motorhome that has a 460 and the mpg is not good. I'll bet you would need to make a custom doghouse because if I recall correctly the Cummin's 5.9 is taller and longer then the 460. I have read a few threads for guys doing the Cummin swap in the old F100 and F150 which doesn't help alot when you start talking van's.
What motor do you have in the E350 and what year?
What motor do you have in the E350 and what year?
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Joined: Dec 2010
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From: Gary,Indiana
Well since it is a 2001 if you found a wrecked 7.3 PSD van from 1999-2003 you could bolt it right up swap out the wiring harness and have a plug and play E250 PSD and everything work the way it should.
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From: Lawrence, KS
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Oct 2012
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I read a thread where someone swapped a Cummins into there Dodge van (cant remember if it was a 3/4 ton or 1 ton). It took a substantial amount of fabrication. The issue was the packaging....it's dimensions didn't want to fit since it is a inline motor and the vans were built for v6/v8 engines. I am sure some ford vans got the 4.9 I-6, but it is smaller than the Cummins.
In the persons swap he was not able to build the engine much since there was no room for a proper radiator and the van chassis was not beefy enough for the power. Probably did pretty well on mileage. What mileage are you getting with your current setup?
In the persons swap he was not able to build the engine much since there was no room for a proper radiator and the van chassis was not beefy enough for the power. Probably did pretty well on mileage. What mileage are you getting with your current setup?
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Junior User
Joined: Jun 2014
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From: Lawrence, KS
Right now I'm getting around 14mpg on the highway which really doesn't bother me too much. We're just planning on getting a different van when this one gets to around 200-220,000 miles. It's got some rust and other cosmetic issues so we'd rather get a nicer looking one. BUT, I've been pondering trying to do the cummins swap in this one after we retire it and then just keeping it around for a road van. We could just throw in the tools we need and hit the road and get (hopefully) around 20 mpg with it. And, heck, if I love it enough I might even do it to the new van!
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Laughing Gas
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 1,057
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From: gravel road ONTARIO
Right now I'm getting around 14mpg on the highway which really doesn't bother me too much. We're just planning on getting a different van when this one gets to around 200-220,000 miles. It's got some rust and other cosmetic issues so we'd rather get a nicer looking one. BUT, I've been pondering trying to do the cummins swap in this one after we retire it and then just keeping it around for a road van. We could just throw in the tools we need and hit the road and get (hopefully) around 20 mpg with it. And, heck, if I love it enough I might even do it to the new van!
7.3 powerstroke in a van can break 20mpg easy. one thing nobody mentioned was how deep the engine is rocker cover to oilpan.
this may be the problem , go out and take some measurements of a 5.9 cummins and you might find the suspension crossmember and the dash needs mods. (custom doghouse and frame crossmember.
more measuring before you convince yourself into the swap.
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Joined: May 2011
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From: Thornhill , Ontario
" 7.3 powerstroke in a van can break 20mpg easy "
Well maybe a Window Van which is empty going downhill....Not one like mine...I hit 17-18 mpg MAX on the Highway when I go to the Cottage and lucky to get 12-14 in the City...But I have ladders on top and tools inside...Also I have the 3:55 rear which sucks in Stop and Go driving....And I idle ALOT since in Toronto , Rush Hour lasts 3 hrs and there is no where to go....I suppose when I replace my Injectors I will get better economy as mine have over 425K on them , But the 50% Increase in Power might diminish that somewhat....As far as the OP goes , some Lunatics have tried it , But why stop there , Instead of a Cumapart why not a real engine like a DT466 or a 7.2 CAT ? Way better engines IMHO....
Well maybe a Window Van which is empty going downhill....Not one like mine...I hit 17-18 mpg MAX on the Highway when I go to the Cottage and lucky to get 12-14 in the City...But I have ladders on top and tools inside...Also I have the 3:55 rear which sucks in Stop and Go driving....And I idle ALOT since in Toronto , Rush Hour lasts 3 hrs and there is no where to go....I suppose when I replace my Injectors I will get better economy as mine have over 425K on them , But the 50% Increase in Power might diminish that somewhat....As far as the OP goes , some Lunatics have tried it , But why stop there , Instead of a Cumapart why not a real engine like a DT466 or a 7.2 CAT ? Way better engines IMHO....
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Junior User
Joined: Jun 2014
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From: Lawrence, KS
" 7.3 powerstroke in a van can break 20mpg easy " Well maybe a Window Van which is empty going downhill....Not one like mine...I hit 17-18 mpg MAX on the Highway when I go to the Cottage and lucky to get 12-14 in the City...But I have ladders on top and tools inside...Also I have the 3:55 rear which sucks in Stop and Go driving....And I idle ALOT since in Toronto , Rush Hour lasts 3 hrs and there is no where to go....I suppose when I replace my Injectors I will get better economy as mine have over 425K on them , But the 50% Increase in Power might diminish that somewhat....As far as the OP goes , some Lunatics have tried it , But why stop there , Instead of a Cumapart why not a real engine like a DT466 or a 7.2 CAT ? Way better engines IMHO....
Laughing Gas
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 1,057
Likes: 3
From: gravel road ONTARIO
" 7.3 powerstroke in a van can break 20mpg easy "
Well maybe a Window Van which is empty going downhill....Not one like mine...I hit 17-18 mpg MAX on the Highway when I go to the Cottage and lucky to get 12-14 in the City...But I have ladders on top and tools inside...Also I have the 3:55 rear which sucks in Stop and Go driving....And I idle ALOT since in Toronto , Rush Hour lasts 3 hrs and there is no where to go....I suppose when I replace my Injectors I will get better economy as mine have over 425K on them , But the 50% Increase in Power might diminish that somewhat....As far as the OP goes , some Lunatics have tried it , But why stop there , Instead of a Cumapart why not a real engine like a DT466 or a 7.2 CAT ? Way better engines IMHO....
Well maybe a Window Van which is empty going downhill....Not one like mine...I hit 17-18 mpg MAX on the Highway when I go to the Cottage and lucky to get 12-14 in the City...But I have ladders on top and tools inside...Also I have the 3:55 rear which sucks in Stop and Go driving....And I idle ALOT since in Toronto , Rush Hour lasts 3 hrs and there is no where to go....I suppose when I replace my Injectors I will get better economy as mine have over 425K on them , But the 50% Increase in Power might diminish that somewhat....As far as the OP goes , some Lunatics have tried it , But why stop there , Instead of a Cumapart why not a real engine like a DT466 or a 7.2 CAT ? Way better engines IMHO....
wow that's crap for powerstroke, mine has over 450,000km and I get 23-25 mpg highway as long as I keep it under 110km/hr. last tank I put in pulling my 3000lb empty trailer 1/2 the time and loaded 10,000lbs and 9500lbs 2 trips , kept it with the trucks not over 105, and I averaged 16.8 mpg. I have 3.55s but run 215/85/16 narrower than the 245/75/16s .
I usually get better mileage towing in cold weather than I do empty!
maybe mines just a freak? it weighs 7000lbs empty and I don't baby it!
if I got your mileage I wouldn't even own a diesel.
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5.9 cummins won't fit without major engine bay mods. would have a nice high cupholder on the custom doghouse though.
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 1,414
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From: Thornhill , Ontario
Do you have a PSD or an IDI ? As far as that goes , IDI's get what you state , but I could run faster ....AND I don't drive like Morgan Freeman in the Miss Daisy movie ....around 125 - 140 km/hr , usually on the Highway and tow Double what you do .... Time is worth more to me than a couple of bucks in Diesel..... I also have the stock tires....They say the ladders take away 1-2 mpg..... Towing does not change my mileage much ......Did I mention I live in Toronto ? Have you ever driven there ? Most of the time the truck does not even warm up before I get to the Job....
Postmaster
Joined: Dec 2010
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From: Gary,Indiana
Like I said I think it would be cool to put a Cummins in a van but like many have pointed out it would be alot work to get it done. But I do like the idea of a cup holder that would be at windshield level. The easiest and cheaps way is going with a 7.3 PSD and the 7.3PSD also has tons of parts out there for it. There is alot of hot rod parts and tuners out there for the 7.3.
My E99 7.3 F350 DRW I can get 20mpg highway as long as I keep it at 2000- 2200rpms/ 62-65mph mind you I have 4:10 gears. Now if I drive it like a some young dumb punk and drive it like I stole it my mileage is about 16mpg. And yes at times I do drive it like a dumb a$$. Either way I love my 7.3 PSD in my truck and wouldn't trade it for a Cummin's or any of Ford's 6.0, 6.4 or 6.7. Sure all the others make more power but None of them are going to last as long as my 7.3.
The 7.3PSD/ T444E has stood the test of time there are millions of them out there and many with 400k to million miles on them.
That and No emissions crap on them!!!
Now for me with my old 1976 motorhome/ Class C I think I'll just have to make do with the 460. I think the key to getting it to get better mileage will be to get rid of the C6 and a better intake and carb set up.
My E99 7.3 F350 DRW I can get 20mpg highway as long as I keep it at 2000- 2200rpms/ 62-65mph mind you I have 4:10 gears. Now if I drive it like a some young dumb punk and drive it like I stole it my mileage is about 16mpg. And yes at times I do drive it like a dumb a$$. Either way I love my 7.3 PSD in my truck and wouldn't trade it for a Cummin's or any of Ford's 6.0, 6.4 or 6.7. Sure all the others make more power but None of them are going to last as long as my 7.3.
The 7.3PSD/ T444E has stood the test of time there are millions of them out there and many with 400k to million miles on them.
That and No emissions crap on them!!!
Now for me with my old 1976 motorhome/ Class C I think I'll just have to make do with the 460. I think the key to getting it to get better mileage will be to get rid of the C6 and a better intake and carb set up.
Laughing Gas
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 1,057
Likes: 3
From: gravel road ONTARIO
that 76 would be a nice unit with a 7.3 idi in it, could do it with all Ford parts even. but hey how many miles will you put on it in a year?
I'm repowering a 1986 E150 shorty that had a battery fire that I got in Pickering, I think that's close to Toronto? I have a surplus 2003 powerstroke in a parts van and we are toying with the idea of fitting it in as I need to replace a section of firewall, heater box/dash/windshield anyway. also exploring the possibility of a 6.0 powerstroke in it as it will only be a toy and doesn't nececarily have to be reliable
. I could put my old 5cyl MB turbo diesel in it but it wouldn't be as much fun.
cummins nah.
I'm repowering a 1986 E150 shorty that had a battery fire that I got in Pickering, I think that's close to Toronto? I have a surplus 2003 powerstroke in a parts van and we are toying with the idea of fitting it in as I need to replace a section of firewall, heater box/dash/windshield anyway. also exploring the possibility of a 6.0 powerstroke in it as it will only be a toy and doesn't nececarily have to be reliable
. I could put my old 5cyl MB turbo diesel in it but it wouldn't be as much fun. cummins nah.
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Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 2,951
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From: Gary,Indiana
that 76 would be a nice unit with a 7.3 idi in it, could do it with all Ford parts even. but hey how many miles will you put on it in a year?
I'm repowering a 1986 E150 shorty that had a battery fire that I got in Pickering, I think that's close to Toronto? I have a surplus 2003 powerstroke in a parts van and we are toying with the idea of fitting it in as I need to replace a section of firewall, heater box/dash/windshield anyway. also exploring the possibility of a 6.0 powerstroke in it as it will only be a toy and doesn't nececarily have to be reliable. I could put my old 5cyl MB turbo diesel in it but it wouldn't be as much fun.
cummins nah.
I'm repowering a 1986 E150 shorty that had a battery fire that I got in Pickering, I think that's close to Toronto? I have a surplus 2003 powerstroke in a parts van and we are toying with the idea of fitting it in as I need to replace a section of firewall, heater box/dash/windshield anyway. also exploring the possibility of a 6.0 powerstroke in it as it will only be a toy and doesn't nececarily have to be reliable
. I could put my old 5cyl MB turbo diesel in it but it wouldn't be as much fun. cummins nah.
Now your E150 shorty sounds like a cool project !! And since you already have the '03 you should have everything you would need to convert the '86 into a PSD. Now I had to laugh when I seen you bring up the old M/B diesel are we talking the type out of a 300D? Years ago I had a 300D and it was a dog. If so they were good old engines that would run forever . But they were lacking in the "getty up and go" dept.
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