Engine swap
View Poll Results: What is more worth my time and money?
Multiple Choice Poll. Voters: 7. You may not vote on this poll
Engine swap
i ain't rite
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 65,426
Likes: 5,507
From: Marlboro Mental Hospital.
it all depends on what truck you are talking about.
if it is a F150, there is a lot of work required to put a diesel in, due to the weight of the engine. if it is a F250 or F350, it will be a lot easier, due to the stronger frame.
another thing you need to remember is you are not just replacing the engine. if you have an automatic trans, you will need a diesel trans also. if a manual trans you will need at the least a bell-housing and complete clutch setup.
if it is a F150, there is a lot of work required to put a diesel in, due to the weight of the engine. if it is a F250 or F350, it will be a lot easier, due to the stronger frame.
another thing you need to remember is you are not just replacing the engine. if you have an automatic trans, you will need a diesel trans also. if a manual trans you will need at the least a bell-housing and complete clutch setup.
Elder User
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 698
Likes: 0
From: Guymon
Id say like the rest, what truck is it in and what do you use it for.
If its just a half ton truck and your not pulling anything, Rebuilding the gassers probably not a bad Idea. Alot cheaper route, expecially since diesel is quite a bit higher than gas. I had an old 1983 ford econoline with a 4 speed manual with a 302. I could turn out almost 18 mpg in that sucker (I don't remember what rear end it had though) I still don't know why I sold it but it ran great. Didn't pull nuthing with it or need alot of power so the 302 worked excelent.
For the trouble a swap is worth, Unless you really like the truck setup and body you have, then it would definatly probably be cheaper to find a diesel rig if you need to go diesel. I have been wanting to put a cummins in my 1/2 ton chevy but costing nearly 8,000-10,000 for everything, I havn't descided yet If its worth it, probably not. (i was going to geat a near new high output cummins from the salvage and the kit made for the swap, then I need a tranny, tougher rear end, beaf up the front suspension, ect) Alot of work to do. But hey, a little work never hurt anyone.
If its just a half ton truck and your not pulling anything, Rebuilding the gassers probably not a bad Idea. Alot cheaper route, expecially since diesel is quite a bit higher than gas. I had an old 1983 ford econoline with a 4 speed manual with a 302. I could turn out almost 18 mpg in that sucker (I don't remember what rear end it had though) I still don't know why I sold it but it ran great. Didn't pull nuthing with it or need alot of power so the 302 worked excelent.
For the trouble a swap is worth, Unless you really like the truck setup and body you have, then it would definatly probably be cheaper to find a diesel rig if you need to go diesel. I have been wanting to put a cummins in my 1/2 ton chevy but costing nearly 8,000-10,000 for everything, I havn't descided yet If its worth it, probably not. (i was going to geat a near new high output cummins from the salvage and the kit made for the swap, then I need a tranny, tougher rear end, beaf up the front suspension, ect) Alot of work to do. But hey, a little work never hurt anyone.
Senior User
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 369
Likes: 0
From: halstead,Ks
What year did F250's get a different frame and front axles?
F350s have had a heavier frame forever but F100-F150s and F250
did share kingpins-axles on the older trucks and the frame was the same.
F350s have had a heavier frame forever but F100-F150s and F250
did share kingpins-axles on the older trucks and the frame was the same.
i ain't rite
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 65,426
Likes: 5,507
From: Marlboro Mental Hospital.
the 250hd and the 350 have used tnhe same frame since 87.
the 250 and 350 frames were the same for the 460 and the diesel.
the 250 and 350 frames were the same for the 460 and the diesel.
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Postmaster
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 3,255
Likes: 0
From: Sweet Home, OR
Id say like the rest, what truck is it in and what do you use it for.
If its just a half ton truck and your not pulling anything, Rebuilding the gassers probably not a bad Idea. Alot cheaper route, expecially since diesel is quite a bit higher than gas. I had an old 1983 ford econoline with a 4 speed manual with a 302. I could turn out almost 18 mpg in that sucker (I don't remember what rear end it had though) I still don't know why I sold it but it ran great. Didn't pull nuthing with it or need alot of power so the 302 worked excelent.
For the trouble a swap is worth, Unless you really like the truck setup and body you have, then it would definatly probably be cheaper to find a diesel rig if you need to go diesel. I have been wanting to put a cummins in my 1/2 ton chevy but costing nearly 8,000-10,000 for everything, I havn't descided yet If its worth it, probably not. (i was going to geat a near new high output cummins from the salvage and the kit made for the swap, then I need a tranny, tougher rear end, beaf up the front suspension, ect) Alot of work to do. But hey, a little work never hurt anyone.
If its just a half ton truck and your not pulling anything, Rebuilding the gassers probably not a bad Idea. Alot cheaper route, expecially since diesel is quite a bit higher than gas. I had an old 1983 ford econoline with a 4 speed manual with a 302. I could turn out almost 18 mpg in that sucker (I don't remember what rear end it had though) I still don't know why I sold it but it ran great. Didn't pull nuthing with it or need alot of power so the 302 worked excelent.
For the trouble a swap is worth, Unless you really like the truck setup and body you have, then it would definatly probably be cheaper to find a diesel rig if you need to go diesel. I have been wanting to put a cummins in my 1/2 ton chevy but costing nearly 8,000-10,000 for everything, I havn't descided yet If its worth it, probably not. (i was going to geat a near new high output cummins from the salvage and the kit made for the swap, then I need a tranny, tougher rear end, beaf up the front suspension, ect) Alot of work to do. But hey, a little work never hurt anyone.
Cool: yes, practical: no.
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Thread Starter
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Freshman User
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 38
Likes: 0
From: Fargo,ND
The truck is an F150. The fame is going to get beefed up for offroading anyways. the 302 is currently getting 15mpg highway and around 10 in town if i don't beat on it. The reason i was wondering about diesel is one of my buddies does bio diesel and has a filter system so i could get it for nest to nothing. I also thought of just buying another truck, but my price range is low and i'd love a diesel.
Elder User
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 588
Likes: 0
All due respect....the f150 is not a real truck....I have a buddy that went down the road you're going, he wouldn't listen to any one....spent 20 plus grand on the f150, got $7000.00 when he sold it!
Now if your into projects and have tons of time and money and just want to say it can be done and you did it, well....good for you.
Now if your into projects and have tons of time and money and just want to say it can be done and you did it, well....good for you.
Post Fiend
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 21,285
Likes: 15
From: Nutter Fort, WV
All diesel trucks, F250 and F350 have F350 frames.
The light duty F250 has about 1/2 the frame thickness and strength.
It would take some serious work to get a 150 frame to hold a diesel engine weight and torque.
The light duty F250 has about 1/2 the frame thickness and strength.
It would take some serious work to get a 150 frame to hold a diesel engine weight and torque.
