Powerstroke?!?!
Junior User
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 83
Likes: 0
From: Cedar Rapids, IA
WOW, 1900 is a great deal for a running 6BT. I was looking at them before I decided to go with the 6.9, but they were too expensive for my taste. My 6.9 will be freshly built for around $1500 or so, but if I could have bought a good 6BT for $1900 I might have done that instead.
Cargo Master
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 2,858
Likes: 3
From: Friendswood, Texas
The 6.0 PSD has been my plan for truck #3. I've been keeping an eye out for a smashed Superduty for just this purpose. I will be very interested in your progress.
There have been some troublsome 6.0's but I have an 03 (first year for the 6.0) with that engine and I really like it. Only problem has been the turbo hose blew off on a trip this summer, It was replaced wiht the new reengineered hose and it's not been a problem ever since. Most are very good engines and they are fast, strong, and fuel efficient bone stock.
This won't be anything like dropping a small block in there but I suspect the results will be worth it. I'm debating weather to do this with an F1 or with a larger truck. My inclination is do it with an F2 or larger. Anyway, got two others to do first. Good luck with it.
There have been some troublsome 6.0's but I have an 03 (first year for the 6.0) with that engine and I really like it. Only problem has been the turbo hose blew off on a trip this summer, It was replaced wiht the new reengineered hose and it's not been a problem ever since. Most are very good engines and they are fast, strong, and fuel efficient bone stock.
This won't be anything like dropping a small block in there but I suspect the results will be worth it. I'm debating weather to do this with an F1 or with a larger truck. My inclination is do it with an F2 or larger. Anyway, got two others to do first. Good luck with it.
Logistics Pro
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 4,489
Likes: 5
From: Valley Center, CA
If you're a diesel fan, then your truck will certainly be different. Personally, I like the sound of a gas motor a lot more than a diesel. You may also want to consider the weight distribution on these trucks. The rearends are already very light in comparison to the fronts. By making the engine even heavier it would seem to me that the cornering will suffer. But, however you decide to go, follow thru and take lots of pix. Your adaptation can serve as an inspiration for future FTErs. Good luck, Jag 
Senior User
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 112
Likes: 0
From: abq nm
i have 78 chevy 3/4 ton with a 1988 6bt cummins in it, i don't know the cubes but it certainly runs good. it has an automatic od with 32 inch tires. what had to be done was putting a 2" lift all the way around. that was for the bell housing to clear the fire wall. all in all it turned out very well.
Senior User
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 220
Likes: 0
From: north central illinois
i have a 6.9 stuffed into my '58 f100. blew the stock rear end out doing smoke shows but fixed that with a stange axles and third member. i have since removed the bed and built a flat bed for it and i have had no problems. actually put a set of mickey thompson ET street slicks on her and can get them to spin if you stand on the breaks but if the road is warm and the tires are warm they will usually stick. only problem i have and that i still have to fix is the front straight axle rubbs the oil pan just a tad, nothing major and only when you bottom the front end out. hopefuly have some pics up soon when i take it to a different shop for the winter.
Laughing Gas
Joined: Nov 1999
Posts: 954
Likes: 2
From: 15 miles west of Venus
FWIW, I was reading on the TDR a couple of days ago and some of the guys were reporting 3400+ lbs on the front end of '89-93 Dodge/CTD's. That is empty weight.
I briefly looked at building a '53-56 supercab and running a 6bta in it. My initial measurements were that I would have had to alter the fire wall, especially if I ran an intercooled engine.
There is always the 4bt(a). Weight savings are not real significant but length would be better. It is about the same size and displacement as the old Perkins 4cyls. Guy I worked for 25 yrs ago had one in a '69-72 Chvy C10 and was getting 33mpg as I recall.
I briefly looked at building a '53-56 supercab and running a 6bta in it. My initial measurements were that I would have had to alter the fire wall, especially if I ran an intercooled engine.
There is always the 4bt(a). Weight savings are not real significant but length would be better. It is about the same size and displacement as the old Perkins 4cyls. Guy I worked for 25 yrs ago had one in a '69-72 Chvy C10 and was getting 33mpg as I recall.
Logistics Pro
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 3,952
Likes: 117
From: Upper Left Coast
A couple of questions....
What did you do with the steering box, is it turbocharged and what transmission are you using?
I know I'll need a couple more leafs in the front but but I think this old truck will handle it! I also think the 2speed axle will take anything the 6.9 can dish out.
What did you do with the steering box, is it turbocharged and what transmission are you using?
I know I'll need a couple more leafs in the front but but I think this old truck will handle it! I also think the 2speed axle will take anything the 6.9 can dish out.
Originally Posted by sparky30_06
i have a 6.9 stuffed into my '58 f100. blew the stock rear end out doing smoke shows but fixed that with a stange axles and third member. i have since removed the bed and built a flat bed for it and i have had no problems. actually put a set of mickey thompson ET street slicks on her and can get them to spin if you stand on the breaks but if the road is warm and the tires are warm they will usually stick. only problem i have and that i still have to fix is the front straight axle rubbs the oil pan just a tad, nothing major and only when you bottom the front end out. hopefuly have some pics up soon when i take it to a different shop for the winter.
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Logistics Pro
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 3,952
Likes: 117
From: Upper Left Coast
That's measured from the radiator core to the firewall "cutout"?
I just went out and measured from my radiator core to the indentation in the firewall and measured about the same.....right around 39".
It seems that the engine(the 6BT I measured) was about 36 or 37 inches..... I may be off a little it was about 6 months ago when I did a rough measurement in a 97 D250.
I want the 6BT with the 47RH (A618) trans. The final drive ratio in OD is 0.69 That, with the 5.83 rear ratio, I'm hoping will give me about 2000rpm (@60)on the highway.
I just went out and measured from my radiator core to the indentation in the firewall and measured about the same.....right around 39".
It seems that the engine(the 6BT I measured) was about 36 or 37 inches..... I may be off a little it was about 6 months ago when I did a rough measurement in a 97 D250.
I want the 6BT with the 47RH (A618) trans. The final drive ratio in OD is 0.69 That, with the 5.83 rear ratio, I'm hoping will give me about 2000rpm (@60)on the highway.
Originally Posted by mgraveman
39.5 inches in a 1991 D350 with cummins from firewall to radiator.
I want to do that also. cummins in a 51.
I want to do that also. cummins in a 51.
Senior User
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 220
Likes: 0
From: north central illinois
the stock steering box is still there with plenty of room. it is turbo charged with a hypermax turbo charger and set up. did have to build custom exhaust pipes to and from the turbo. and the trans is a C6 which came with the motor. there is so much room in the engine compartment it's great!!!!
Logistics Pro
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 3,952
Likes: 117
From: Upper Left Coast
Ok....I'm going to have to have a look at an F100/250.
I have a 239 V-8 in my 55 F-600. If I had dual exhaust I'd have to use headers since the left manifold would hit the steering box. Maybe the relative position of the 6.9 and the angle of the "V" allows more room.
I had an 86 F250 with the 6.9l engine that I bought new and I loved that truck.
Even before I put the ATS turbo on it it had plenty of power. I think it would be OK in the F-600 with a turbo and I could maybe put a rebuilt/modified E4OD on it to take advantage of the OD. I have seen 2 wheel drive 7.3L early 90's pickups for pretty cheep.....I could swap out the whole eng/trans into my F-600.
I don't want a PS to stay away from the electronic injection. (The E4OD is elctronic I think)
Do you have pictures you could put in your gallery?
I have a 239 V-8 in my 55 F-600. If I had dual exhaust I'd have to use headers since the left manifold would hit the steering box. Maybe the relative position of the 6.9 and the angle of the "V" allows more room.
I had an 86 F250 with the 6.9l engine that I bought new and I loved that truck.
Even before I put the ATS turbo on it it had plenty of power. I think it would be OK in the F-600 with a turbo and I could maybe put a rebuilt/modified E4OD on it to take advantage of the OD. I have seen 2 wheel drive 7.3L early 90's pickups for pretty cheep.....I could swap out the whole eng/trans into my F-600.
I don't want a PS to stay away from the electronic injection. (The E4OD is elctronic I think)
Do you have pictures you could put in your gallery?
Originally Posted by sparky30_06
the stock steering box is still there with plenty of room. it is turbo charged with a hypermax turbo charger and set up. did have to build custom exhaust pipes to and from the turbo. and the trans is a C6 which came with the motor. there is so much room in the engine compartment it's great!!!!
Senior User
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 220
Likes: 0
From: north central illinois
well i did say we had to build the exhaust. took the stock manifolds and welded block off plates over the stock exit and welded new exits to the tops so i could rought it into the turbo. i will get some pics this weekend. i have to move it out of the shop for awhile so i can work on other truck and might try to find a winter home for it too.
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