another 4bta thread....
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another 4bta thread....
ive read quite a bit of discussion about the 4 cyl cummins...ive got an f150 therefore the 5.9 would be too heavy i think the 4 cyl would be perfect.
what exactly would be involved in making my 78 f150 4x4 a diesel??
even though it's a 4cyl, would it still be too heavy. i now have the 351m and have not looked up it's weight for comparison
how much power would I be able to get from this engine??
I know that mileage will be around 25-28 which is a huge increase from what i've got, but how much should i expect to spend out the door -install, trans, engine, etc...??
I'm fairly new to the ins and outs of these trucks, so I really appreciate your help and any info that could be shared Thanx -- Matt
what exactly would be involved in making my 78 f150 4x4 a diesel??
even though it's a 4cyl, would it still be too heavy. i now have the 351m and have not looked up it's weight for comparison
how much power would I be able to get from this engine??
I know that mileage will be around 25-28 which is a huge increase from what i've got, but how much should i expect to spend out the door -install, trans, engine, etc...??
I'm fairly new to the ins and outs of these trucks, so I really appreciate your help and any info that could be shared Thanx -- Matt
Post Fiend
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 10,323
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From: Montana Territory
Well, at the very least you'll need to tack on driveshafts, & a transfer case to the deal.
It would take a long time to pay off that diesel in fuel savings. A cummins 5.9 weighs a healthly 950lbs, and the M weighs a tad over 400. I'd guess the 4BTA is in between that.
It would take a long time to pay off that diesel in fuel savings. A cummins 5.9 weighs a healthly 950lbs, and the M weighs a tad over 400. I'd guess the 4BTA is in between that.
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that would be great mattsbox- I really appreciate it!
i found in another thread that the m-block weighs about 550 and the cummins bout 700, but a shop I had spoken with said that in these conversions, the engine is closer to the firewall, therefore distributing the weight more evenly. theoretically, it sounds like it would work just fine. I'm partial to the cummins because of reliability and everything else accociated with the cummins nameplate, but I 'm keeping my ears to the ground for anything I don't know enough about other diesels like perkins, or detroit but would like to know what else has or could be used. anybody got ideas?
i love the sound of a diesel rig and the reliability and mpg doesn't hurt either.
i found in another thread that the m-block weighs about 550 and the cummins bout 700, but a shop I had spoken with said that in these conversions, the engine is closer to the firewall, therefore distributing the weight more evenly. theoretically, it sounds like it would work just fine. I'm partial to the cummins because of reliability and everything else accociated with the cummins nameplate, but I 'm keeping my ears to the ground for anything I don't know enough about other diesels like perkins, or detroit but would like to know what else has or could be used. anybody got ideas?
i love the sound of a diesel rig and the reliability and mpg doesn't hurt either.
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 1,344
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From: Sioux Falls SD
There is a shop in Montana that does repowers. Auto World. www.autoworldmt.com They say it takes about 100 hours for the swap. They charge about $4000 for the labor. They recomend the NV 5 speed trans with the locknut fix. For them to do complete job expect about 8to 10,000. I spoke with the owner about putting a 4bt in my 99 F150. With an intercooler for the turbo you should be able to get between 150 and 200 HP and well over 350lbft of torque. Only bad side is if you buy an older engine without a balance shaft they idle rough. I think it is a great swap, wish I had the dough to put one in my 99.
Dan
Dan
Post Fiend
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 10,323
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From: Montana Territory
Well, none of them sell the junkyard type used motors, only totally remanufactured ones. None of them are in the slightest way cheap.
Inland Truck here in town said there was a customer that wanted it done, and he paid around $3200 for all the labor. that was a 6bta though.
Inland Truck here in town said there was a customer that wanted it done, and he paid around $3200 for all the labor. that was a 6bta though.
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Mattsbox-- yea thats what ive been running in to. I appreciate u looking out though. actually I've gotten much much higher quotes than 3200 for labor.
99f150 thats good info. your right about the initial investment 8-10k is pretty substancial, but if you drive a lot of miles, it'll pay off in no time.
99f150 thats good info. your right about the initial investment 8-10k is pretty substancial, but if you drive a lot of miles, it'll pay off in no time.
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Cargo Master
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 2,341
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From: Sacramento
There's lots of things to do to a 4BT. Depends on what year it is, but most use the same parts as the 6BT in the 94-98 Dodges,look for 370hp injectors, 3000 rpm governer springs(4k is sold too), and maybe a turbo off a 6BT These should net you close to 250hp . The only cheap way I've heard to get one is from a bread/Frito lay truck.
