Hi all, I'm looking at building up a 50's Ford F100 and am considering a diesel for a powerplant. The other option is a 4.6 and manual trans from a Mustang.

What I am wondering, is what would my options be for a diesel that I could flog like I would a gas motor? I know that 4BT and 6BT motors are popular, and that they get built for drag racing and sled pulling. How would they hold up to street flogging?
What other motors could I consider, Detroits, IDI, Powerstroke, Duramax?

I already know that I'd have to upgrade the stock frame, and suspension as well, but I already planned on all that. So no need to bring up any of that. I just wanna get some ideas for options.

Thanks in advance!

 

I'd say if you are looking just for a high rpm, street killer, stick with a gasser... Diesel's aren't really made for street racing.

 

I'm not talking about racing . I like going out on the back roads and just opening it up, and I want something I'm not gonna have to pussyfoot with. I like diesels, been trying to get into them for a while, and I figure a diesel would make a nice touch to a custom truck. Get good mileage, have power on tap. I've seen a lot of vids on Youtube of 4bt and 6bt motors used for pulling and drag racing, I'm thinking that a 4bt might suite me for what I want.

I understand that diesels have a lower RPM threshhold, require different gearing, and certainly a stout transmission. Just want something I can romp on a bit

 

I say find a 12valve BT6 out of a ram truck. that way you have the tranny rearend and every thing else. Also Ive seen some FAST freakin 12 valves street racing

 

I can't knock the 12v swap bc im doing one currently in a 72 chevy but thts only cuz I wouldn't. Bother with a dmaxx way to expencive. But I've already got my eyes 7.3L set on, a 79 f250 and I wanna put a built 7.3L in it to keep it ford all the way but that's just me

 

Depend on how much money and time you want to invest. If you want to go the simple, cheaper, mechanical engine route, find a 5.9 (6BT) to put in. Easy to make big power, the downside is its a common swap. Unless your pockets are really deep (and lots of patience to go along with it), I would stick with this route. An LBZ or LMM Duramax would be really awesome, but much, much, much more complex.

 

Yeah, I'm not wanting a V motor, I wanna stick to inline to keep as much side clearance as possible. I've been looking at the 6bt option, but I'm not sure if it would fit without pushing the firewall back.

 

If not a 4BT will work. I just prefer the 6BT, its a little smoother running engine, and a bit more powerful. Dont get me wrong, Ive seen 4BT's make big power, but its still two less cylinders.

 

Yeah, the old adage "no replacement for displacement" is certainly true

 

Amen to that IMO it would be worth having to massage the firewall to get that extra displacement