Impractical Question ( Engine Swap)
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Oct 2017
Posts: 1,704
Likes: 164
From: Southwest Ohio
Hello 416BigBore,
I just wanted to say “thank you”. I had an extremely rough day but seeing how you went out of your way to thank each person for their reply to your original post, your politeness was extremely nice to see. You actually helped my attitude after reading this thread.
You are a true gentleman. I hope your project is a fulfilling challenge and light on the wallet.
Sorry for going off-topic, everyone.
Best Regards.
— Dave
I just wanted to say “thank you”. I had an extremely rough day but seeing how you went out of your way to thank each person for their reply to your original post, your politeness was extremely nice to see. You actually helped my attitude after reading this thread.
You are a true gentleman. I hope your project is a fulfilling challenge and light on the wallet.
Sorry for going off-topic, everyone.
Best Regards.
— Dave
Thread Starter
|
Junior User
Joined: Aug 2019
Posts: 93
Likes: 1
Hello 416BigBore,
I just wanted to say “thank you”. I had an extremely rough day but seeing how you went out of your way to thank each person for their reply to your original post, your politeness was extremely nice to see. You actually helped my attitude after reading this thread.
You are a true gentleman. I hope your project is a fulfilling challenge and light on the wallet.
Sorry for going off-topic, everyone.
Best Regards.
— Dave
I just wanted to say “thank you”. I had an extremely rough day but seeing how you went out of your way to thank each person for their reply to your original post, your politeness was extremely nice to see. You actually helped my attitude after reading this thread.
You are a true gentleman. I hope your project is a fulfilling challenge and light on the wallet.
Sorry for going off-topic, everyone.
Best Regards.
— Dave
Thread Starter
|
Junior User
Joined: Aug 2019
Posts: 93
Likes: 1
When we're talking about vehicles that don't use sophisticated electronic engine controls, or other electronic controls for other systems of the vehicle for that matter, like on vehicles of the 80s and earlier, yes I agree it can be fun. But sadly, those days are LONG gone.
BTW, did you know that on Chrysler cars that came originally equipped with the 225 slant six, you can't swap in a 318/340 or 360 without changing the subframe?
BTW, did you know that on Chrysler cars that came originally equipped with the 225 slant six, you can't swap in a 318/340 or 360 without changing the subframe?
I wasn't much of a Mopar guy back in the day so I didn't know this about Chrysler. I did know Chevy was engineered in the same way. Pull out the old 250 6 cylinder and bolt in a 454 BB, not all that difficult. FoMoCo on the other hand, what a nightmare if you wanted to swap an engine. It seemed like nothing would bolt together easy like GM without having to change the bell housing and motor mounts.
Logistics Pro
Joined: May 2017
Posts: 3,523
Likes: 483
From: Southern OH
A 7.3 can still be in good shape and have good compression at 350K. There are many things that can cause hard starts on a 7.3. I think you would be better off properly diagnosing what's wrong with you engine before you start thinking about swapping.
Thread Starter
|
Junior User
Joined: Aug 2019
Posts: 93
Likes: 1
I agree with you 100% on diagnostics first. I know the history on this 7.3 and it has not had a very easy life, it has always had a loaded trailer hooked to it. I can't complain on how dependable it has been for me over the years with very little money spent on parts aside from regular maintenance. That 7.3 owes me nothing for the years of great service I have received from it. I do understand the different issues that will cause a hard start condition, I am past that point and just not interested in spending the money to rebuild it. That 1997 is just like a good old horse, you don't get rid of it, you put it out to pasture. In my case I will trans plant that 5.8L into it and keep it around the farm for miscellaneous use.
Lead Driver
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 5,505
Likes: 256
From: Woodbridge, Ontario, CA
I tend to agree. Glow plug relays tended to go bad on 7.3s of that vintage if I recall correctly. As far as the glow plugs themselves, if you ohm test each plug and you're getting any readings greater than 0.5 to 2 ohms, they're due for replacement. Heck on one of that vintage, it wouldn't be a bad idea just to throw in a new set anyways. And while they're out would be a good time to do a compression test. All you need is a compression gauge with the appropriate range along with fitting that will thread into the glow plug hole. 350 to 400 psi readings will indicate good compression.
Lead Driver
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 5,505
Likes: 256
From: Woodbridge, Ontario, CA
I wasn't much of a Mopar guy back in the day so I didn't know this about Chrysler. I did know Chevy was engineered in the same way. Pull out the old 250 6 cylinder and bolt in a 454 BB, not all that difficult. FoMoCo on the other hand, what a nightmare if you wanted to swap an engine. It seemed like nothing would bolt together easy like GM without having to change the bell housing and motor mounts.
