I am looking real hard at a 1989 F350 dually flatbed with a 7.3L. This truck is overall in good condition but has at least 215,000 miles. The engine is smoking and has minimal power at best. I know a remanufactured engines run about $6000-$7000, totally out of the question in reguards to this truck and what I am going to use it for. What GAS engines can be swapped in? Truck has a manual 5 speed. They are only asking around $2500, they know the engine is on its last legs to. Thanks for your help.

 

Smoking and lack of power could be just air in the fuel sys.That is not a lot of miles for these trucks if it was taken care of(sca's,oil changes,etc).Do a compression test before you write off that 7.3.Look for oil in water and water in oil,if no signs of anything like that and comp is good put a new fuel return lin kit on it.It also may be time for a new injection pump.In regards to changing it to a gasser you will need a donor truck as you will need a complete wiring harnes,computer,etc.In fact it would probably be easier to swap the cab.

 

Since its a five speed I'm looking at going old school with a 400M from a 79 F250 4X4 my brother has sitting, it is a great running engine but the rest of the power train is shot (pulling 20' stock trailers in hub deep mud). My main concern is will the transmission bolt up if I install a new flywheel?

 

Nope.