I have seen it done before, and I hear that it is just a bolt and go. I am having a hard time finding a decent powerstroke for cheap. I have been finding International's for cheap, and the one in particular that I am looking at is a T444E. Would I be able to do a direct swap? I don't have the time or ability to tear apart the whole front clip and fab new motor mounts.

The other thing that I am looking at is a Caterpillar 3208 V8. Same as above, would I be swapping into a 79 Bronco, and I can't fab motor mounts. The International is the more expensive of the two, and if I can find a 7.3 powerstroke then I will use that.

 

The closest to bolt in you can get with a diesel are the 6.9 or 7.3 IDI. Powerstorke is a new motor designed for a new frame so its going be custom.

4BT swaps are pretty popular, but fabing is nessacary.

I would love a diesel, but to me there uncharted territory. Maybe one day I will get one when I do not need it to be a daily driver.

Before I got my 66 F100 I found a 86 F250 with the 6.9 IDI. I thought about doing the CV swap on it, a 9 inch with 2.50 gears, and making it a 30mpg freeway flier. Unfortunatly they sold it before I got there.

 

What kind of fabing?

 

Motor mounts, Turbo piping, inter-cooler, and a few other small thing.

Cummins 4BT & Diesel Conversions Forums

Any diesel swap will have similar problems but heres a forum for people who have or are going through it.

 

the t444e is the same as a 7.3 powerstroke except a "powerstroke" was sold to ford and a t444e was installed in something else other than a ford.Other than perefials there is not much difference.

If you have no fab skills and dont want to remove the doghouse then you prob should not start this project.This IS a major undertaking no matter how you look at it.It will not be done in a weekend and will have many unforseen issues.

The wiring alone for what you are proposing is a big undertaking....PCM,IDM,Fuel system,Fuel pump(if you get 99up) return line, gauges.tire diameters vs gear ratio vs overdrive or none.Think all of this through first!
I would suggest keep cruising rpm at or less than 2k rpm for any economy.
Randys ring and pinion has a nice gear-speed calculator.

I dont want to be down on this project.I do like it very much actually.But if you are not in it to finish then it would be much cheaper to not start it.
I can attest to that personally....

 

I can do *some* fab work, just I don't have all the correct tools. As for the dog house, I can if I need to. But what I have heard that with a powerstroke you don't need to disable to dog house to install the engine.

 

no not disassemble.Just unbolt at back and front frame and lift off as a unit.
What trans are u wanting to run? stick or auto.
if you had a 1st gen powerstroke without i.c. that would simplify some plumbing.If you can get a parts vehicle that would make the whole deal much more straight forward.But that is not cheap either.

The thing should be a cool project when it is done I will give you that!

 

Auto trans. I will be going with the earliest ps that I can find. I MAY go with a idi 7.3 if I can find one