engine swaps
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Elder User
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 548
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From: Sparks, NV
engine swaps
im just having some random thoughts: i saw how diesels went from pigs to cleaner-than-gas engines. so my thoughts are this: would it be possible to put a 6.9 or a 7.3 (IDI ir direct injection) into lets say an 1980 f-150 without major fabrication? just some questions on how to get a diesel without buying a new truck.
thanks for the feedback
thanks for the feedback
Senior User
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 317
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From: Mackinaw, IL
It will require quite a bit of fab work. One major factor is weight. Depending on what motor you have, you are going to go from say 500-600lbs with the gasser to around 1100lb with the IDI. You will have to redo the front suspension for sure. You will also have things like motor mounts, cross members, etc... Ford428CJ is a member here and has done extensive research into this. He has just finished a similar swap into a 79 250 4x4. VERY nice swap. He could steer you in the right direction better than myself.
Senior User
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 317
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From: Mackinaw, IL
Lead Driver
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 6,900
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From: Campbell River, B.C.
Its been done before, but I would advise against putting a diesel this heavy in a 1/2 ton frame, diesels have thicker steel. The 300 is a nice motor, I would opt to built that up instead for an f150, but thats just me.
Elder User
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 747
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From: Klamath Falls OR
Here are some more pics for ya. I'm not real familiar with the 80's type Trucks. I am more so in the 70's and mid 50's Ford Truck!
Mind you that this is for a 70's conversion!
http://www.oilburners.net/forums/showthread.php?t=20527
Mind you that this is for a 70's conversion!
http://www.oilburners.net/forums/showthread.php?t=20527
Freshman User
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 30
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my original aim when i bought my 6.9 equipped ford was to put it in a scout II, whch is a half ton. the old 304/345 binders were big, but not that big. between the beefing up of the springs, and having to do a body lift, let alone converting from gas to diesel, it just was too much for me.
around my neck of the woods, you can get the eighties fords pretty cheap.... look around, you might be suprised how little you can get one, and they are pretty stout.
around my neck of the woods, you can get the eighties fords pretty cheap.... look around, you might be suprised how little you can get one, and they are pretty stout.
