For a swap that is. I am looking for relative ease of installation. Would a 12V be the easiest, considering I wouldn't need a computer and a bunch of wiring? Or, is there a way I could get around all the wiring for the 24V? I am sure I could P-Pump a 24V, and get away with no wiring, right? I am considering only 6BT's at this point in time, but might consider 4BT's if someone can sell me on the idea. I would love to get a common rail and drop it in there, but I am quite intimidated by the wiring, and don't really know what I would need to make it work.

Reason I ask is, I have found a 1965 era Lincoln Continental 4 door convertible (suicide doors and all) for a reasonable price. It looks like its in good shape, but I am not sure it even runs. I thought it would be a good platform for a diesel swap, and would give me a sweet cruiser when I am done. Its got a big block right now, and probably would bet like 8mpg at best, so a diesel would not only be an improvement in power, but fuel mileage too.

Guess I am just looking for some discussion on all this. Maybe i need convinced to do it, or leave it be. I am not sure what kind of budget I would be operating on, but it isn't going to be large by any means. I do all my own work though, which is why I wanna take this project on. Might have to pick up some extra hours at work to pay for it though...

Cheers!

Matt

 

98 12V

 

Easiest to swap with the least amount of hassle? 1st gen VE pumped 12v. Best IMO would be a P-Pumped 12v though.

 

As long as you have the entire engine harness already on the engine, there is no more wiring for a 24 valve than a 12 valve. In fact a common rail is actually the easiest to wire because the alternator is regulated by the ecm so nothing at all to hook up there but a heavy wire to the battery.

That is engine only, not transmission. If you want an electronic controlled trans, then it gets more complicated, but not much really.

 

i'd still stick with the p-pumped 12v

 

i thought all generationa regulate alternator thru ecm

 

i would look at a 4b you can find a old bread truck a get ever thing including the bell housing to bolt up to the trany and better mpg. just a thought

 

PCM I believe on the pre 03's. The common rails regulate the alternator through the ecm on the engine, so you don't have to wire up an external regulator like you do when you use the older versions.

 

It depends on what you want to do. If you want a ton of power go with a second gen 12 valve. But a non intercooled first gen would be easiest. The intercooler is kind of a pain to make work in a vehicle it was never ment to be in. Defitantly invest in ALOT sound insulation as we all know cummins are quite the rattle boxes, and your going to want a comfy ride in your cruiser.

 

I would go with the 4bt, theyre alot easier to fit, and you can tune it up and get close to the same power as the 6bt