For those of you that have done the swap, I just want to know was it worth it? I have a 1997 f150 xlt 4x4, 5.4 liter, backed by a 4eod transmission. It's been up in the air for a while whether to build a lightning 5.4, v10 swap, or 4 bt cummins swap.I looked at the v6 powerstroke, but it seems like a lot more issues then the other 3 option. I would like to swap in a zf 6speed, but may just stick with the original automatic.
What kind of power are you making compared to the original motor?
What kind of milage are you getting?
What kind of money do you have in it?

Just tell me what you think.

 

Mines in a jeep and it does 200hp 430tq and thats with the ve pump. 23 mpg. Ive got between 3000-4000 in my swap

 

Stinkfist im guessing thats a 6bt in your jeep then? 23 mpg sounds low for a 4bt in a wrangler!

Luke, I've seen rebuilt 4bt's anywhere from $2,300 up to $10,000. An in-frame rebuild kit is around $700 on ebay. I'm planning on doing a 4bt in my bronco. I found a few 4bt's in step vans in local scrap yards for $800-$1000 with a 4 speed manual behind it. So I can get a rebuilt 4bt with a 4 speed for under $2000. As far as the rest of the swap, it depends what all you want to do to it. I saw an article on diesel power with a first gen Bronco that was making over 400hp and over 700 ft lbs with a 4bt. The cost and MPG all depend on what your plans are. Im looking for about 200hp 400 ft lbs (more than the factory 400m). while doubling the economy (not hard to do when it gets 11mpg highway!). And de-stroked.com sells adapters to use whatever kind of trans you can imagine behind 4bt's and 6bt's.

As far as the swap would go I say 4bt all the way! I'm personally not a massive proponent of any of Ford's modular motors, specifically that v10! 4bt will give you plenty of power in that F150 and more mileage than any other alternative!

Just my 2 cents!

 

thanks for the info yall.
What other diesle engine would work in this thing. My biggest hold back on a 6bt cummins is I want to keep the ifs for right now.

 

No its a 4bt.. at one point it was doing 26mpg

 

Luke it depends on what you want to build this truck for. Mileage or power? A 4bt is an excellent combo of both. They are relatively light too. The 6bt is around 1300 lbs and wouldnt work to well in a half ton with IFS! All detroit motors are extremely heavy as well. I mean theres pleant of diesel options out there, but I cant think of any that are under the 1,000 lbs range, make good power and economy, and have parts readily available like 4bt's I think theyre the best option for a budget diesel swap that will become a truly enjoyable and practical vehicle upon completion!

 

Yeah the think ifs on it give out under all the extra weight.I would think hard of a different truck or sas on it.

 

I think that would make a great dd I wanted to do that to my 03 chevy k1500 but I totaled it