I recently decided to replace the 302 in my 1995 F-150 pickup with a Cummins 3.9L 4 cyl turbodiesel. My 302 was starting to have little problems here and there with the electronics and emissions system after 170,000 miles. I did the swap in a couple of weeks time and kept the M5OD and the rest of the drivetrain. I have seen a significant increase in milage. In addition, the low rpm power of a diesel fits my 3.08 gears and 31" tires. Just thought you guys might be interested.
Heres a link to my build:
1995 Ford F-150 getting a 4bt - Cummins 4BT & Diesel Conversions Forums

 

Looks good. Thanks for the link.

 

Outstanding. I hope you post this in the diesel section. Good luck with it.

 

I read the entire post and I'm awe struck with your abilities and knowledge. Very well done!

Will the new engine have an effect on state inspections and Emissions checks?

Tim

 

Thank you. It was a learning experience for me and the guys on the other forum were very helpful. Here in Illinois, we don't have any inspections or emissions checks, hopefully it stays that way.

Jordan

 

thats awesome. I plan on doing a swap in my 96 F-150 4.9 but I never considered this. I always thought "go BIG" but this has got me thinking.
How much HP and TQ is it rated?

Thanks Steve

 

Something like 105hp and 265ft lbs of torque. Not very impressive in stock form but with a small amount of effort, it can put out some incredible power.

 

Your very lucky in that respect. Here in Va and Maine, where I'm from that awesome swap would never fly. It'll be interesting to see how your MPG improves.

For the life of me, I still don't understand why Ford can't build something as simple as the 3.9L cummins, (naturally with todays emissions) and mount it in the F-150. But no, they had to make a variation of the motor and apparently, it failed. Maybe Ford should hire you for consulting expertise! You seem to be a regular hard working guy like the rest of us and you made it work. Sir, I am impressed.

Tim

 

all i can say is WOW!

 

Zxwut
Those arent bad numbers. I like to play with Volkswagen turbo diesels so i know the simplicity of getting big power with little effort.

 

I'm not disagreeing with that. I'm pretty sure I said that it was easy to get power out of them.

 

bigger turbo !!

can you make some vid of it idling and driving ? in the f150

 

Thanks for the compliments. Ive wanted a diesel for a long time, but could never afford a powerstroke. I read about these motors and engine swaps and when the chance came along to get one for a decent price, I jumped on it. I am starting to keep a mileage log now that I have the kinks worked out. From the gauge and miles I know its getting at least 20 mpg.
I also want to do a few modifications (turbo, etc) this summer once I get some more funds. However, in its stock form, this engine is not underpowered in a half ton pickup by any means. Acceleration isnt bad and merging onto the interstate is no problem. Also, I almost never have to downshift for hills on highway. The torque is awesome!

 

What you're seeing is not that there is more torque (there's actually less than a stock 302 by your numbers), but that there is more in the RPM range where you need it. A 302 has to rev up a fair bit to hit its torque peak of 270 ft-lbs, but you have 3.08 gears which all but prevent that in top gear. That diesel makes a whole heckuva lot more torque between 1000-1500 RPM, which is really where you need it for those rear gears.

Just curious, but at what speed does it really start to run out of breath?

Jason

 

That is exactly what I meant by loving the toque..its actually in the right range for my pickup.....unlike the 302 that needed RPMs to make any power. I would still like to ask whoever ordered a truck with a 302 and 3.08 gears what the heck they were thinking. It will peg out the speedometer (85ish) no problem but is pretty much limited by the governer at 2800 rpm. It will run on the interstate at 70-75 all day with no problems keeping up with traffic.