Project vehicle

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Mar 4, 2010 | 12:23 PM

pcg7849

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From: Silver City New Mexico

Project vehicle

I have a 1949 Studebaker truck. I plan on pro-streeting the truck. It has a four wheel drive chevy chassis now. I want a two wheel drive but a diesel. Everybody and their brother in the hot rod scene has gas motors. I dare to be different. I was thinking of going with a late 80's early 90's cummins but i would like to stay with a ford. Can a non turbo diesel be turboed? If so is it just a matter of plumming the turbo and intercooler or is there more? Why spend the money on a newer truck with a turbo if i am just going to take it off and replace it. I do want to stay with the 7.3L.

Thanks
Phil

Mar 4, 2010 | 01:33 PM

hairyboxnoogle

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Joined: Apr 2008

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The answer is yes, you can turbo a non-turbo diesel. For what youre planning i would suggest using a 6.9, 7.3's are prone to cavitation and if anything happens to the cylinder walls they must be sleeved. As far as putting a turbo on it, there are several different aftermarket kits. Check out the new ATS kit.

Mar 5, 2010 | 05:47 AM

mistakenID

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Joined: Jul 2004

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From: West Valley Utah

That would be a fun project. I would keep it 4x4 but that's just me. Chevy chassis tend to be lower anyway. No reason it couldn't be a quick little truck and still be 4x4.

Mar 5, 2010 | 06:12 PM

FORDF250HDXLT

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Joined: Jul 2006

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From: Mi'kma'ki

keep in mind the IDI weighs around 920 lbs.
you may want to define; "four wheel drive chevy chassis" for more help.

Mar 5, 2010 | 09:33 PM

dyoung14

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My uncle has a 48-49 studebaker that he built to his daily driver, what he done was set the studebaker body on a 89 model dodge dakota frame made a custom wood flat bed, its actually a neet truck, but i can tell you from expeirece you aint fitting a IDI in one, we had to cut the fire wall and use electric fans just to get the dodges pitiful little V6 to fit

Mar 5, 2010 | 09:37 PM

starmilt

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Joined: Oct 2007

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From: Faibanks Ak.

Now that is weird they had a six in them way longer than a V8. I have seen several with 350 chevys in them.

Mar 6, 2010 | 11:42 AM

pcg7849

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Joined: Jan 2010

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From: Silver City New Mexico

Currently it is on a 1974 half ton blazer chassis with a 5 inch lift. That is the way i bought it. I plan on taking the body off the blazer chassis on putting it on the diesel chassis. I want the two wheel drive to save on the weight but kind of a moot point with a diesel. Since there aren't much of a selection in the lowering department, i think i will just put air bags under it and 4 link it. How cool would it be to see it go down the road pulling its own trailer? I tried posting pics of it the way it sits now but i guess i am still too new here. In due time.