With the cost of rebuilding an IDI, I looked at other options. I can only find info about a Detroit 6-53T going into a Chevy, Dodge or 70's Ford.
Anybody ever do such a swap on a '87 or newer Ford? I'm concerned about transmission issues and an extra 600 lbs on the front axle.

 

that is one BIG engine!!!

 

The -53s aren't too big. If I were trying to put a -71 in there I would have major issues (like 6" of engine sticking out of the hood).
I don't think a 4-53T is going to be enough - 180 HP and I'm not sure about the torque. The 6v-53T does 230 HP and a whopping 650 ft-lbs of torque. I might be able to get away w/o the turbo, but if I'm going to do all that work, I'd like to have the extra air (I'm at 5100' in elevation)

 

Honestly, stick with an IDI. They are /cheap/ motors. If you can't afford a full rebuild... don't!
You might well be able to just clean one up, stick a few gaskets on it and run it.
If you can throw a new set of rings on it too, that'd help.
Just remember, these things are a lot tougher than they look. You don't need perfection, just 'workable'. And I've seen seemingly fatal problems run just fine(check my thread for some pictures...)

 

I`ll betcha that 6V-53 weighs 2000lbs. I think the 4-53 weight 1100lbs.


We had where I use to work, an International Harvester 1800 Loadstar that had that 6-53. I wasn`t turbo`d, but was a work horse.


Looked like this truck, but a 2 axle dump truck.





Putting that engine in a F-250 is going to put a strain on the frame and suspension. Things are going to have to be beefed up. Anything is possible.

 

I'm starring at $8K for a very high upgrade rebuild on a 7.3 IDI. Yes, I could go cheaper, but why? I only plan on going into this engine once!! When I buy a vehicle, I "marry" it - 'til death due us part!! I have had this truck better than 10 yrs and plan on another 15. There is no body rot (but it needs paint), I just put in a reman ZF with gas gears, and have remanned the diffs when I geared it to 3.55 about 7 years ago.
I don't have a problem spending $ to get what I want - I do have a problem with band aid fixes. Last year I spent $44,000 getting a Micro Blue in-frame, Micro Blue reman 13 spd, and reman Eaton 404 full locking diffs in my Western Star. In a week I will write a check for $6000 for paint on the same truck. I will take care of my Ford in the same manner. If it is worth my money and time, then do it right.

Currently I almost have to down shift going over a pass while unladden. This pass has never been a problem before. Now I blow black smoke and still lose a lot of speed on this hill. While towing an empty gooseneck (13K gross) I can not get out of 4th gear unless I am pointing down hill. When I put a backhoe on the trailer (26K gross), I struggle to stay in 4th. All the turbo seals are tight, injectors are good, pump is good. Everything is just OLD.

I did find a torque spec for a 4-53T - about 400 ft-lbs. I also found hot rodders boosting them up over 200 HP. I could live with a 4-53T if I can get 200 HP and 400 on the torque.

It appears that the red International has a Detroit 2 stroke in it. Detroit equipped their engines with an anti rusting system (oil leaks). The catch cardboard is a dead giveaway :-)

 

Sounds like you are on the right track and know what you are doing.
I agree, do it once, do it right and you will have a dependable vehicle for the long haul.
So many people nickel and dime things together, and then complain about what a POS their vehicle is.


Good catch on the cardboard drip pan. The Air Cleaner on the R/F fender was the give away for me.


If you go with the 4-53T, find a set of Jake Brakes for it.
I always love the sound of a Detroit. Wear ear plugs when driving one.

 

if going 4 cylinder, why not look for a 4-71?
4-53 is a low of 103 hp N/A, to high of 170HP with turbo.
4-71 is low of 140 HP N/A, high of 190HP with turbo

 

Well I know nothing about those other engine's...but if 200hp/400ft-lbs will make you happy then dump the money into an IDI and you can have 300hp+ fairly easily. Plus the engine bay and transmission is already set-up and designed for it! Which makes it a much simpler upgrade for sure.

 

There's a guy on youtube ( ) that put a 6v53 in his 04 F-350 so I don't see why you wouldn't be able to do it. The guys over on 4btswaps in the detroit section are really knowledgeable on these engines and could probably answer all your questions.

 

I want to say a 6v53 weighs 1600-1800, and they are large. I wanted to put an 1160 / 3208 Cat in my 79 but didnt for the same reason... huge, heavy engine. Would be a cool project if you did it, but thats the kind project people come to regret because they have alot of problems with it. Beyond that, other than the cool factor, you would be money and engine ahead with an IDI or Cummins IMO

 

I will second on that one. I looked into a 6BT swap in my 84, just the cost in parts to swap in the Cummins was what it cost me to rebuild and mod my IDI. Then tack on another $1500-$2000 for an engine that MIGHT be good, not worth it. And yes, I'll also second on the IDI being a tough engine. When I tore mine down for the rebuild, I couldn't believe it ran as good as it did for how worn out everything was. It had no valves or seats left, broken rings, wiped out cam bearings; it was beat! You wouldn't know it, as good as it ran. Save yourself the trouble, rebuild the IDI put an R&D camshaft and a turbo on it. You won't be disappointed, I'm glad I went that route.

 

With the torque curve of the 6v-53, it seems that I would have to run more gears (Roadranger trans). I don't want to deal with finding and rigging up a military transfer case to make the 6V-53 get power to both axles. I'm going to abort the 6v-53 project for my daily driver. I'll still keep looking for an engine and maybe put it in a toy. I just don't want to have a timeline on when the truck has to be back on the road.