I'm thinking of buying a friend's '97 E250 which needs a new engine (he took it out to put in another van he had). I don't know which engine it previously had, except that is was gas (I'll talk with him soon and find out, in case it matters).

If I buy it, what engine options do I have and which will be best for my needs (including any engine enhancements I can do)? I want to eventually convert it to 4x4 and do a LOTS of travelling and off-roading. I've researched this quite a bit and think I know most of the issues and options.

I REALLY would like to put a recent year diesel in it, but am guessing this might be a lot tougher (I know the engine is more expensive). Would it be a nightmare to try and put an almost-new PSD in it? Would it even fit? If so, what year/model PSDs (7.3/6.0)? What else would I have to change out? I know it needs a new "sock" in the fuel tank, new exhaust, wiring, but what else?

Power and fuel-efficiency are the main reasons (obviously) that I think I'd love to go this way if I can. But I'm guessing its gonna be a bear. If it's just putting in a very similar gas engine, I might be able to do it myself with a mechanic buddy of mine (but I just read even this is a real pain).

Before I build out the camper part, I'm going to do the 4x4 conversion and whatever suspension enhancements I'll need to do the kind of off-roading I want to do. Donno what the total weight might be, but am guessing around 9k. I'm going to be really super weight-conscious on the camper conversion, but it's still going to be a lot of weight to tote around. Don't anticipate towing much.

If I end up at 9,000 lbs total, will any of the gas engine options (with whatever enhancements that can be done to it) give me the power I'll need to carry this weight, get thru some pretty intense 4WD roads, AND give me decent mileage, say >15 MPG @ 70 MPH on level highways? What's the best engine for my needs, and what enhancement equipment do I need to really optimize it?

Lastly, if I decide to have someone else install it, what's a fair price range for having this done? I'm in the Atlanta area, so if anyone knows a shop or someone reliable who does this on the side here that will do me right deal-wise, I'd appreciate the recommendation.

Thanks, Mike

 

Unless you get your friends van for nothing you are probably better off buying something that has allready been converted. IMO.

 

You might as well take about $5,000, throw it away, then go buy something you want with a running engine and 4WD. Putting in anything but the origianl size engine will be a major head-ache. If you've got lots of time and are an extremely good mechanic, you could do it, but why ? And converting to 4WD, we're talking major, major modifications. The frame width is different, none of the springs, axle locators, nothing will interchange. Go to Sportsmobile.com, they have lots of used, camper modified, 4WD vans for sale. You'll spend much less buying something you want. Do yourself a favor, look elsewhere. Ken