hey guys its been a while but im back to working on the supercab again, I've accumulated my 4x4 parts and im almost ready to start but im still trying to decide to stay gas or go with a diesel. I would much rather have a diesel and with that being said I've looked at all the normal go to power plants, (Cummins, 453 Detroit, and the trusty 7.3) i would like to find something that is mechanically injected and has as little electrical work as possible. ive seen a couple trucks online that had 3208 cats in them, i was wondering is you guys knew of some other engines that would fit without a massive amount of work. i do like the idea of a cat under the hood

 

7.3 IDI, Ford, easy, cheap, mechanical, and capable of good power.

 

Only problem I see with a cat is most of the ones I've driven were pretty gutless. Now that could be partly the governors fault.

 

You can't get any less wiring than a 12V Cummins. I don't think there's any other logical choice, the IDIs aren't in the same league as far as power goes, and fitting the I6 (as well as servicing it) is a breeze compared to a V8.

 

Ok, so since you're asking for suggestions I'd say the Chevy 6.2 diesel, or for a bit newer engine with more grunt could go with the 6.5, which comes in NA or turbo.

My 78 F100 has the 6.2 diesel NA. Not the gutsiest thing in the world but its mechanically injected, simple and reliable.

I didn't do the conversion so can't give you much info on the difficulty level, but I can't see any major frame or firewall modifications or anything so can't have been too difficult.

I've heard people say that it does have overheating issues, I haven't had any but I think it does need a big radiator and an oil cooler.

 

The 3208 has been done... its a heavy 10L engine though. Agree mechanical and simple would be a 12v Cummins. That said, installation and reconditioning of the diesel (as needed) could be expensive.

I would choose a well built 390/400/460, pick your poison, over the diesel personally. Less conversion cost and less strain (ie. breakage) on the front end and drivetrain.

 

Based on everything I've here in Fte, websites, and articles, a 12-valve Cummins is the no-brainer choice.

 

When I was researching my swap it seemed that the 7.3 idi was almost the same work as a Cummins swap. Only with less potential. But an argument could be made that it'd be cheaper for the idi then it depends on the intended use of the truck.

With the current fuel prices I'm seriously considering selling my converted 77 for a gas truck to run on propane. As of this week we could buy propane for $0.65 per gallon.

 

There's a reason they are cheap. As for easy, the Banks and ATS turbos interfere with the firewall, from what I have read.

It's going to cost way more to get 300 HP out of 7.3 than a 12 valve - and then you get to change your injection system every 100,000 miles. IDI's are known for air intrusion problems. IDI's have glowplugs that require much more attention and maintenance than grid heaters.

Mileage? 12 valves take the cake.

Ever hear of a 5.9 with cavitation problems? Me neither.

Ever see a 5.9 wear through the rocker arm? Me neither.

Inline sixes have quite a few less moving parts.

Other options would include a 329/359/414 John Deere or a DT360 International. International makes some of the best inline six engines out there, IMO - V8's, on the other hand...

 

Sig material.

 

Sorry for the hijack but....

I'm curious to know what the criteria is for sig material.

 

Nope, the 3208 cat is just gutless to begin with

Sent from my Telegraph using IB AutoGroup

 

Invent the internet, install a 12v Cummins and don't be polishing your turds

 

If weight is a huge concern, a 4BT is an option, those have good power potential and mechanical pump version are a simple swap as far as wiring.