Ok I know there's a bit of info floating around about this topic but so many say its possible and so many say it isn't.

I have a 93 f250 with a C6; I want the engine for something else so I'm swapping in a 7.3idi I have for the time being and I don't want to spend extra cash on a trans if Its not needed, i need it to be reliable for a year max.
My question is do I need to get another transmission or can I cut the bell housing and drill new mounts? Or build an adapter plate?
I'm hoping to hear from someone who knows the answer for a fact from trying or watching someone try to fit a gas c6 to an idi. Everything I've read is basically hear say and I can't find a clear cut answer.
Thanks in advance for any help

 

not likely no.finding a used diesel c6 (or better yet,an e40d) shouldn't be the difficult part anyway.you can simply sell the trans you have and buy another and move along.

the harder part of the diesel swap is more than just sourcing an engine and trans.you also need the larger diesel radiator support and radiator.then you need the fuel tank sending units with return and you need to run another fuel line for it.then you need to wire up the gp system and fss.
really,it's not a job worth doing for a single year and imho it's not a job worth doing at all because you could just sell what you have and buy a diesel truck.these trucks are not expensive and they're plentiful.those who seek diesels today,generally seek the much more modern powerful engines.good for us though.

 

What engine's in the gasser? If anything but a 460, then no, it's not going to happen.

If it is a 460, then you have an interesting question. Since the gasser ZF can be drilled to fit the IDI maybe there's a possibility it could be done to an auto. Not sure what variances in flex plates there are though, but it might be worth trying.

 

I know what's involved, I have the parts sitting here and it's really not very hard. It was my first truck and has been sitting since I joined the military I want it back on the road and reliable for a DD and tow rig until I finish the cummins and trans build then it will be stripped to the bone and re built from the ground up.
The hard part is going to be wiring the 460 into the 67 it's going into. Lol

 

About the radiator though. With an N/A idi, bigger injectors, aftermarket pump, and propane injection will I really need a bigger radiator than my 460 used? I know the PSD radiator is quite a bit bigger but I was under the impression the 460 radiator was sufficient in this case

 

See that's essentially the best answer I've been able to find. Lol.
Oh and yes it is the 460

 

that's essentially the answer you wanted to hear.

already answered but again it wasn't the one your wanted to hear.your rendering the thread pointless because your clearly going to dismiss what you want and pick what your going to do regardless with or without the proper information.
it's not only pointless.it's rude.
you should have started the thread with your plans rather than pose it in question form.this way those who wanted to offer the proper info,could have simply refrained because it was just going to fall on deaf ears anyway.

good luck having your trans not snap apart and having your engine overheat.that's about all iv got for ya.

 

Here's the thread where the guys shows the drilled out ZF bell:

Compatability of ZF Gas 460 trans with IDI

Hopefully the auto has that extra meat around the bosses where you need to drill like the ZF has.

 

Very True!!!

 

You completely mis understood what I said to you and to him.
All I meant was what he said is the only thing I could find in my research. Causing his post to be essentially the best answer I have found.
I specifically stated I was here looking for someone who knows for a fact either way. Your first statement was "not likely" Which not what i asked for, neither is anything else in your post. Chances are I will sell my trans and purchase one meant for a diesel; I posted on here with a specific question that you didn't even answer.

My question about the radiator after you "already answered" was to add some information on my situation in hopes of receiving a more explained answer because as I said, I was under the impression my radiator would work. I will be sure to get other opinions as I would prefer my truck not to overheat.

I realize sometimes its difficult to understand the exact intent of a statement over the internet, Perhaps in the future you won't just run with what you think you know.

 

a 460 rad will work but it may run hot under heavy load and in real hot temp climates. as for redrilling the trans, i would never do it in a million years because if you do not get it perfect, you just ruined a perfectly good trans case.
and even if it does work, how long will it work for?
a used C6 diesel 4X4 trans is not that expensive, i can get them here is New Jersey for around $100.
and then get them completely rebuilt with all now parts for under $500

 

Re drilling only works on a ZF tranny. C6 or E4 you must use a diesel case.

 

Basically, you have two options:
1. Replace with correct components
2. Figure it out and bodge it together.

If you have the tools and know-how to fabricate whatever you need, you can make it work with enough time and materials.
(In theory, you could literally cut off the entire bellhousing and weld another in it's place, or make a large spacer etc., depending on what you needed)
The only question is how much time + money.

I'd pull the transmission and see what it looks like on the test stand -- what will you need to change?

It's your money and time either way.

I would yank that C6 and replace it with a diesel ZF; sticks are /so/ much better.

 

Cool, that's what I was curious about, if the auto tranny's were cast for a specific bolt pattern or made like the ZF with wide bosses to be drilled for the application.
The only C6 I currently have in my garage is for an FE so that wouldn't tell me anything.

Myself, I'd have no problem with re-drilling a ZF, if you look at that picture you'll see that the new drilling does not penetrate an area not intended for drilling. The casting allows for either pattern. And a multi-bolt pattern bell is not exactly unheard of.

It's not going to split or break apart and if the extra holes really bothers the owner they could easily be filled in.