'79 F-350 4x4 Super Cab 7.3L Powerstroke swap project
For Sale1979 Ford F-350
Oct 29, 2020, 11:07 AM | Replies: 3 | Views: 2088
New User
Join Date: Sep 2013
Posts: 12
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Price
$10,000• OBO • Trade
- Location Clovis, CA, 93611, USA
- Condition Used
- VIN X36SKEJ1621
- Engine 8 cyl
- Drive Type 4WD
- Transmission Manual
- Vehicle Type Truck
Description:
I need to sell my diesel swap project. The '79 came with 400/4 speed combo. The '97 donor had about 140,000 miles and ran great. The major fabrication work is done, New crossmember, firewall (with "doghouse" to access turbo), transmission mount and transfer case mounted (divorced NP 205). Cab was sandblasted and primered. Frame and suspension were completely painted. New 45 gallon fuel tank from Aero Tanks in San Bernardino. I have clean titles in hand for both trucks. Price is negotiable and may consider trades for tractor or UTV. I live in an area with spotty Cell coverage so leave a message if I don't answer.
Laughing Gas
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 1,107
Likes: 32
From: Spokane, WA
I like the out of the box thinking behind the build on this truck. The 7.3 is a reliable workhorse, and it would have been nice if the '79 came with diesel options back in the day (notwithstanding the Brazilian Ford F-1000, which was sold from '72 to '91, and had a couple diesel offerings). When I was building Buford, I did consider the Cummins 5.9L swap, as the company that does that is located in Montana, and not that terribly far from me. I just couldn't bring myself the hack up my frame, so I decided on the 400 stroker with the help of Tim Meyer (check the 335 engine family forum for tons of info on that plant). I finally settled on that as I could put an engine together that the truck originally came with, but was able to modify it to produce well more torque than the original 400, and even the 7.3 diesel. Once we dialed in my 434, and I added fuel injection to the mix, Mr. Meyer and I discussed it, and Buford should be in the 560 ft/lbs neighborhood, as he was already turniing 540 ft/lbs when carbureted. So, I've been happy with that decision. Now, I know one big argument for the diesel is the mileage, and the original 400 royally stunk when it came to mileage. After the build, though, and the addition of an auxiliary transmission for an overdrive gear, the mpg's went up considerably from stock. I still can't get the same as a diesel, as I think my best was around 16mpg, but considering the stock variation was around 8 to 10mpg with only 173 hp, and I was getting 16mpg with 525hp, I was pretty happy.
I do love the '79 Supercab configuration, always have, but I don't think I'll ever bring myself to build another one. Buford kicked my butt every step of the way, but that was also part of the fun of the build. Whomever decides to take your project on should probably have some fair mental issues, but at the same time, they'll probably enjoy the heck out of the journey and the finished product. I couldn't get into another project right now anyway, as I just purchased a '20 F350 crew 4x4 and will need to pay for that before any new projects. Regardless, very cool project, and I wish you luck on finding it a good home.
I do love the '79 Supercab configuration, always have, but I don't think I'll ever bring myself to build another one. Buford kicked my butt every step of the way, but that was also part of the fun of the build. Whomever decides to take your project on should probably have some fair mental issues, but at the same time, they'll probably enjoy the heck out of the journey and the finished product. I couldn't get into another project right now anyway, as I just purchased a '20 F350 crew 4x4 and will need to pay for that before any new projects. Regardless, very cool project, and I wish you luck on finding it a good home.
