Diesel swap help/advice
#1
Diesel swap help/advice
So long story short Ive been working on the '77 f150 that i picked up in June and am getting ready to start putting it back together. I'm going to go with a diesel engine in place of the gasser, but have run into a few snags. I want to go with a 4bt but my search is not going well, so I may have to go with a 6.9 or 7.3 IDI. Ive already searched and know alot of the issues that come up, mainly engine weight, but one thing I cant get a straight answer on is the trans. I have a C6 now that was recently rebuilt, and have read that some (6.9's specifically) came with a C6. Are they a different bolt pattern than mine? If somone could clear up my options for the diesel tranny I'd appreciate it.
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#4
There is a different bolt pattern for the idi c6. I searched long and hard can tell you for certain they are different.
Not to be a jerk but have you looked into buying a bread van or such with a 4bt in it? When I bought my 5.9 cummins I bought the whole truck, pulled the motor, trans and a bunch of miscellaneous parts. Then parted everything I could and scrapped the carcass. I have right around $1000 into my 5.9, nv4500 trans and dana 80 axle after selling everthing.
Also the isuzu npr trucks have a great 3.9l 4cylinder diesel in them as well. Just something to think about in your search.
Not to be a jerk but have you looked into buying a bread van or such with a 4bt in it? When I bought my 5.9 cummins I bought the whole truck, pulled the motor, trans and a bunch of miscellaneous parts. Then parted everything I could and scrapped the carcass. I have right around $1000 into my 5.9, nv4500 trans and dana 80 axle after selling everthing.
Also the isuzu npr trucks have a great 3.9l 4cylinder diesel in them as well. Just something to think about in your search.
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#8
The 7.3 and 6.9 are the same as far as mounting goes, as well as how accessories tend to bolt up.
#10
So long story short Ive been working on the '77 f150 that i picked up in June and am getting ready to start putting it back together. I'm going to go with a diesel engine in place of the gasser, but have run into a few snags. I want to go with a 4bt but my search is not going well, so I may have to go with a 6.9 or 7.3 IDI. Ive already searched and know alot of the issues that come up, mainly engine weight, but one thing I cant get a straight answer on is the trans. I have a C6 now that was recently rebuilt, and have read that some (6.9's specifically) came with a C6. Are they a different bolt pattern than mine? If somone could clear up my options for the diesel tranny I'd appreciate it.
#12
Thanks for all the help and info guys. Ive never heard of those isuzu motors before, but they are interesting. Ive wanted to find a bread van and scrap what I dont use, but the search just isnt going well. There is an '88 f350 near me with a 7.3 and an auto trans( all i know about it), would this be a good canidate for a complete swap, motor, tranny and possibly rear end? Again thanks guys
#15
The 4BT seem to be quite pricey generally. I have been told by someone that works on them a lot that they have vibration issues if you try to rev them much. There are two versions, one with balance shafts, and one without. I currently forget why he said the balance shaft version had issues, but the unbalanced will vibrate like crazy with much for rpms. I also had been looking into putting a 4BT into a 78 shortbed, not sure if I want to keep on it. They show up on ebay every so often.