Impractical Question ( Engine Swap)
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Impractical Question ( Engine Swap)
Curious to know IF a 1993 F-350 5.8L with auto trans, will Swap into a 1997 F-250 7.3L with auto trans, both are 4x4 trucks. Long story short, this would be an extra truck to have around the farm. The 1997 has over 350K on it and has been an awesome truck, engine is tired but chase is still solid. I am not interested in trying to find another 7.3L if the 5.8L will bolt up? The 1993 has a solid 5.8L gas engine, but the chase on that truck has been beat into the ground and I don't want to throw big money at it to make things right. So if anyone knows if things will bolt together? I would like this to be my next winter shop project. I know the wiring harness from the 1993 would have to stay with the engine into the 1997 to make everything work, nothing but my time invested at this point. I just don't know if both trucks used the same trany bell housing bolt pattern so things would bolt together with no problem ? Any input on this possible engine swap would be very appreciated, Thank You.
Post Fiend
Joined: Nov 2001
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From: Tallassee, ALabama
This would be the old apples and oranges example.....the 5.8 is gas burner and the 7.3 is diesel.....the two don't mix that easy...you would need to transplant the PCM/ECU and associated engine controls/sensors when you swap the engines.....you might or might not have functioning 4x4 if either are electrically controlled......best to look around for a 93 4x4 truck needing a motor or a 7.3 needing a new home.......and sell the unused items....
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Hello King Deleted, Thanks for your reply, No the trany is solid from what I can remember, if I am not mistaken I think its the old C6 trany ? So your saying it would bolt up to the T-case with no problems?
Tuned
Joined: Jul 2019
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No I’m not saying that. Are both trucks 4WD?
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What's wrong with your 7.3? An old 7.3 can have a boost leak, worn out injectors or HPOP that can make it feel old and weak, but the engine itself can still have alot of life left in it if you fix the problems.
Lead Driver
Joined: Mar 2010
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From: Woodbridge, Ontario, CA
Let's just answer the OP's main question, and the answer is NO the bellhousing bolt patterns are NOT identical between the two engines. 100% sure on that. As a matter of fact, even the transmission cases as well as some internals are different between the two, assuming both are E4OD transmissions. Ford dealership technician here.
As far as swapping the engines are concerned, even if you have nothing else to invest but your time, it is NOT worth the headache. This isn't an ENGINE swap. This is an EVERYTHING swap. Aside from being two completely different model years, just the difference in powertrains alone doesn't make it worthwhile to pursue. We won't even get differences between the two when it comes to wiring, instrumentation, fuel lines and delivery, frame crossmembers, springs, etc. I don't think there's a need for me to go further.
Gawd I just love these "can I swap A into B ...." questions.
As far as swapping the engines are concerned, even if you have nothing else to invest but your time, it is NOT worth the headache. This isn't an ENGINE swap. This is an EVERYTHING swap. Aside from being two completely different model years, just the difference in powertrains alone doesn't make it worthwhile to pursue. We won't even get differences between the two when it comes to wiring, instrumentation, fuel lines and delivery, frame crossmembers, springs, etc. I don't think there's a need for me to go further.
Gawd I just love these "can I swap A into B ...." questions.
Tuned
Joined: Jul 2019
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So yeah take the 5.8, tranny and Tcase and it’s guts and wires out and scab it to the truck with the worn 7.3 and you should be good to go. I don’t see any issues with a nearly free farm truck. You may need to weld a few brackets and whatnot to get your cross members to line up. It sounds like fun, wish I was there to help you. Good luck with it
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King Deleted, It's all about the fun or I would not have even considered trying it. Back in the day I pulled the old in line 223 out of my short box F-100 and re-powered it with a 400 SB Chevy and 400 trany. I had lots of fun with that little truck when I was finished. I do understand this engine swap isn't practical or even cost effective for the average person, it's just and old farm truck.
Lead Driver
Joined: Mar 2010
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From: Woodbridge, Ontario, CA
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?