460 efi vs 6.9
Senior User
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 152
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From: Halstead, KS
I stand corrected. I guess I will stick to the one profession I do know alot about. Being a Machinist. Its sad to think that Several people have purchased trucks in the past, and paid great sums of money to get a diesel option on their truck, and all they get is a converted old gas engine, wether it be the GM 6.2, International 6.9 and 7.3. It makes me want to get a dodge with a Cummins in it, at least its a true natural born diesel, atleast I think so, for all I know it used to be a gasser too, my luck.
Senior User
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 123
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From: virginia
i want to get in on this forum i pulled many of gasser 460s from the mud they were beefed up i run a 4 inch body lift no suspension runnin 38s i can make it through explain that plus about the towing day in day out work horse diesel , toy gasser
Elder User
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 588
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Dave, don't feel bad....that's what so great about this forum, the depth of knowledge! There's nothing wrong with a Cummins, its the thing it's in I have issues with! As far as our IDI's are concerned, well as I stated in a previous post, the simplicity & durability of this motor makes it a favourite amoung back yard grease monkeys like myself....so cut yourself some slack!
New User
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 3
Likes: 0
From: Bay Area, California
It has been and will continue to be debated whether the 6.9/7.3 IDI series of engines is a converted gasoline engine or a new design. I have talked to several old-timers who swear it was a diesel from the ground up, and others who say it was a converted IH MV 404/446. Personally, after seeing a MV446, it looks like a convert, but hopefully folks won't use that to bash the IDI's, as the IH MV446 was durable as far as I've seen/heard. Just my two cents. Here's another opinion, from a different diesel website:
Now, back to the topic at hand:
You could say, "Well, mine sounds better than yours!!!!!!
" Seriously, though, In my opinion, you've got a more durable, simpler, and more fuel efficient motor. You could tell him, "Well, at least I'm not compensating for anything!!" 
________________
Peter A.
There is some debate that the 6.9 was a dieselized version of International’s 446 cid gasoline engine that was widely used in the 1970’s. The 6.9 did mimic the appearance and manufacturing technology of the 446, but was a whole new design. It implemented improvements such as oil squirters to cool the pistons, hardened nodular iron crankshaft, four bolt main crank caps, and roller lifters to name a few. The new 6.9 had 30% more power than GM’s 6.2 diesel. Demand for it grew to the point that by 1985, Navistar’s Indianapolis manufacturing facility, where it was produced, was at capacity and looking to expand.
Originally Posted by fishindave11
what are some good comebacks?
" Seriously, though, In my opinion, you've got a more durable, simpler, and more fuel efficient motor. You could tell him, "Well, at least I'm not compensating for anything!!" ________________
Peter A.
Last edited by DieselPete; Jan 11, 2007 at 06:21 PM.
Senior User
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 152
Likes: 0
From: Halstead, KS
it just angers me, I spent years in the Army working on diesels, the cummins VTA903T, hercules inline 6, detroit 6V53, and teledyne continental 1500 c.i opposed 12 cyl. I have nothing but respect for Diesels, I love diesels, go look for a 20 yr old Chevy c1500 with 350, $20 says the motor is SHOT, then go look for a 20 yr old Chevy c2500 with a 6.2, $20 says it still runs fine. What does that say for a gasser? they dont last....
Postmaster
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 4,074
Likes: 1
From: Las Vegas
I thought you said it was a '86??? No matter, the '85 did NOT have a comp. controlled carb. I built an '85 460 with headers, Edelbrock cam/intake and used the stock 4BBl Holley/Motorcraft (great carb, btw) pulled a 26', 6000 pound boat between L.A. and Vegas numerous times. Up Baker grade MPG would drop but overall I saw 8-10 MPG consistently.
Especially towing...........and I wrote "N/A" which means normally aspirated. Of course if you add a turbo/supercharger a diesel will move ahead.
Diesel fuel allows forced induction much easier than a gasser.
I guess I could say the same concerning no 460 in your sig...
Look, I'm not here to diss the 6.9....I'm just answering the man's question.
A N/A diesel (non-blown) cannot compete with a gasser in power.
OBVIOUSLY the diesel has longevity and economy on its side....which is better depends on what's more important to you.
Originally Posted by CheaperJeeper
Towing too? What about a turbo?
Diesel fuel allows forced induction much easier than a gasser.
Originally Posted by CheaperJeeper
You speak as if you are very knowledgable, yet I see no IDI in your sig.... 
Look, I'm not here to diss the 6.9....I'm just answering the man's question.
A N/A diesel (non-blown) cannot compete with a gasser in power.
OBVIOUSLY the diesel has longevity and economy on its side....which is better depends on what's more important to you.
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Freshman User
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 39
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From: California Central Coast
I love my 87 6.9 but a few years ago I had an 87 460 and the 460 would smoke the diesel any day, by a long shot. Towing a huge load I got 8 mpg. Empty I got 8 mpg. For longevity, simplicity and efficiency the 6.9 for sure but for raw power the 460 works it over. Whats the cost of a new 6.9, $5000? compared to what?... $1800 for a 460 even longevity may come into question.
True diesel. I dont know much about that but it doesnt have spark plugs and is much more efficient than gas, that works for me.
True diesel. I dont know much about that but it doesnt have spark plugs and is much more efficient than gas, that works for me.
Postmaster
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 4,074
Likes: 1
From: Las Vegas
Originally Posted by Bioford
I love my 87 6.9 but a few years ago I had an 87 460 and the 460 would smoke the diesel any day, by a long shot. Towing a huge load I got 8 mpg. Empty I got 8 mpg. For longevity, simplicity and efficiency the 6.9 for sure but for raw power the 460 works it over. Whats the cost of a new 6.9, $5000? compared to what?... $1800 for a 460 even longevity may come into question.
True diesel. I dont know much about that but it doesnt have spark plugs and is much more efficient than gas, that works for me.
True diesel. I dont know much about that but it doesnt have spark plugs and is much more efficient than gas, that works for me.
Thanks, I wonder if they'll believe you???......
Post Fiend
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 21,285
Likes: 15
From: Nutter Fort, WV
I have a loaded trailer, 12,000 pounds sitting at the bottom of the hill beside my house.
The hill is a cement paved road, 32% grade.
Bring your 460 on over and lets see what happens.
I bet you can't get it to the top.
The hill is a cement paved road, 32% grade.
Bring your 460 on over and lets see what happens.
I bet you can't get it to the top.
Postmaster
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 4,074
Likes: 1
From: Las Vegas
Originally Posted by Dave Sponaugle
I have a loaded trailer, 12,000 pounds sitting at the bottom of the hill beside my house.
The hill is a cement paved road, 32% grade.
Bring your 460 on over and lets see what happens.
I bet you can't get it to the top.
The hill is a cement paved road, 32% grade.
Bring your 460 on over and lets see what happens.
I bet you can't get it to the top.
And your stock 6.9 can do it???.............Oh wait, you have a Turbo. I guess I'll bring a 514 cube based 460 with forced induction.....makes about as much sense
What exactly is you reason for posting???
