Diesel swap
Thread Starter
|
New User
Joined: Apr 2015
Posts: 21
Likes: 0
From: Joppa md
Diesel swap
Ok new to the diesel world have always riven them for work but not for fun I am currently considering putting a non turbo 7.3 into my 1988 f350 it has a 351 Windsor that is giving me issues I have a complete long block computer and fuel tank from a donor truck and was wondering the pros and cons of this switch I will be running my truck to pull a camper and probb goof off in the mud on occasion any suggestions and is this a relatively easy process
Lead Driver
Joined: Feb 2013
Posts: 5,006
Likes: 72
From: Roseville, MN
Welcome to FTE.
The non-turbo 7.3L (usually called a 7.3 IDI, for InDirect Injection on this board) isn't computer controlled, which makes the swap easier, but it makes me wonder when you say you have a computer for it.
As far as pros and cons, the 7.3 IDI generally is not considered a "fun" engine. It's slow. A lot of people who have them love them. They get probably the best mileage of any engine in these trucks and they seem to be pretty reliable. People tow with them a lot too, and they get the job done, as long as you aren't in a hurry.
Compared to a 351 my guess is that you will be somewhat disappointed with the performance of a 7.3 IDI, but will like the mileage.
I can't speak to the difficulty of the swap.
The non-turbo 7.3L (usually called a 7.3 IDI, for InDirect Injection on this board) isn't computer controlled, which makes the swap easier, but it makes me wonder when you say you have a computer for it.
As far as pros and cons, the 7.3 IDI generally is not considered a "fun" engine. It's slow. A lot of people who have them love them. They get probably the best mileage of any engine in these trucks and they seem to be pretty reliable. People tow with them a lot too, and they get the job done, as long as you aren't in a hurry.
Compared to a 351 my guess is that you will be somewhat disappointed with the performance of a 7.3 IDI, but will like the mileage.
I can't speak to the difficulty of the swap.
Logistics Pro
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 4,197
Likes: 558
From: Central Wisconsin
If you want to play in the mud, I'd avoid the IDI. Heavy motor, doesn't do high RPMs, and doesn't make good power. They are excellent motors, don't get me wrong. But the 351w will make about the same power, be lighter, and it's already in the truck.
If you somehow become hellbent on doing the swap, you also need a transmission for the diesel motor, because the bellhousings aren't the same from the small blocks to the IDIs.
For the money you would have spent putting in the IDI, put headers, and a decent exhaust system on your 351. Or make sure you have 4.11 gears and not 3.55s. If you don't have 4.11s its easily the biggest improvement for pulling your camper you can get for the money.
If you somehow become hellbent on doing the swap, you also need a transmission for the diesel motor, because the bellhousings aren't the same from the small blocks to the IDIs.
For the money you would have spent putting in the IDI, put headers, and a decent exhaust system on your 351. Or make sure you have 4.11 gears and not 3.55s. If you don't have 4.11s its easily the biggest improvement for pulling your camper you can get for the money.
Thread Starter
|
New User
Joined: Apr 2015
Posts: 21
Likes: 0
From: Joppa md
This motor is out of a 94 and I have the Trans radiator and exhaust as well I don't have to do the swap but I am having some issues with the 351 and can't seem to keep it running so it was either throw money at the gasser or do a diesel swap if I was going to spend a lot of money I would put a power stroke in it however I'm on a slightly cheaper budget so I have this motor and its a good running motor that's my reasoning I am a die hard ford fan and just bought this 88 f350 four door long bed and am going to keep it forever so I am just trying to come u with a game plan
Lead Driver
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 5,776
Likes: 443
powerstroke swaps are pointless IMO, unless you somehow stumble on a complete donor truck for very, very cheap. even then its kind of a "more work than its worth" deal.
IDI is a good candidate, especially since you already have it. without a turbo you will have one speed - and that's slow. turbo'd with a good injection pump and injectors will at least move without feeling like its broken, but it wont be fast either. the best things about the IDI's are: they get good mileage, are reliable as hell, and everything about them is dirt cheap.
if its anything else going in, it should be a cummins or dt360.
IDI is a good candidate, especially since you already have it. without a turbo you will have one speed - and that's slow. turbo'd with a good injection pump and injectors will at least move without feeling like its broken, but it wont be fast either. the best things about the IDI's are: they get good mileage, are reliable as hell, and everything about them is dirt cheap.
if its anything else going in, it should be a cummins or dt360.
Thread Starter
|
New User
Joined: Apr 2015
Posts: 21
Likes: 0
From: Joppa md
Thought about a Cummings but I have the 7.3 here and willing I see what everyone has and we all choose different things I don't want to drop thousands and of dollars on something I don't drive often however I love the truck and only want to do this once so I guess for now I'll work on the 351 for a little longer and try to figure out my issues and if that fails I will drop the 7.3 in I'm not looking for any speed records just good long haul reliable transportation im not into all of the new trucks with all the programming and new school science so I would like to keep it simple thank you for all the suggestions and specs it will certainly help with my decision
Lead Driver
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 5,776
Likes: 443
cant go wrong with an IDI swap. its a solid, easy to swap setup.
you can also post up your problems with the 351. if you haven't pulled codes already, that's where you need to start.
you can also post up your problems with the 351. if you haven't pulled codes already, that's where you need to start.
Trending Topics
Thread Starter
|
New User
Joined: Apr 2015
Posts: 21
Likes: 0
From: Joppa md
FTE Stories
Ford Trucks for Ford Truck Enthusiasts
Rezvani's Latest Post-Apocalytic Monster Is a Ford F-150 Raptor Underneath
Verdad Gallardo
Top 10 Most Expensive Ford Trucks Ever Sold on Bring a Trailer
Joe Kucinski
2027 Ford Super Duty Buyer's Guide (Every Model, Engine, & Package)
Brett Foote
Top 10 Ford Truck Tragedies
Joe Kucinski
AEV FXL Super Duty - the Super Duty Raptor Ford Doesn't Make
Brett Foote
Lobo Vs Lobo: Proof the F-150 Lobo Should Be Even Lower!
Michael S. Palmer
Ford's 2001 Explorer Sportsman Concept Looks For a New Home
Verdad Gallardo
10 Best Ford Truck Engines We Miss the Most!
Joe Kucinski
2026 Shelby F-150 Off-Road: Better Than a Raptor R?
Brett Foote
Thread Starter
|
New User
Joined: Apr 2015
Posts: 21
Likes: 0
From: Joppa md
Well It will run for hours in the driveway but as soon as I drive down the road it stalls out I have changed the Icm and fuel filters I get 32 psi on the fuel rail so I'm kinda lost the previous owner de smogged but I don't believe he did it the right way so checking the codes may not help I was going to change the in tank fuel pump and see if that was it any suggestions
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
Shwan_89HD
1987 - 1996 F150 & Larger F-Series Trucks
15
Jan 24, 2012 09:43 PM
JayHenry
Pre-Power Stroke Diesel (7.3L IDI & 6.9L)
1
Jan 16, 2012 06:34 PM