did this project ever happen? i have a 6.9 in my van and i am wondering if i can marinize it and put it in my houseboat. would be interested to know the end of this story?

marine engine 6.5 chevy
 

[QUOTE=texasnative46;768823]to all,

has anyone here done a diesel conversion for a large boat using an Ford/IH IDI 6.9 or 7.3 NON-turbo engine?

fyi, i've been (for the last 2-3 years) designing a 3 stateroom/2 head 28' x 72' HOUSE-boat to retire to as my principal residence. fyi, the MV DUTCHESS SANALYNN wouldn't "plane" with a GE J-79 jet engine, so all i need is enough power to "displace the water" & get her up to hull speed. = i need at least 108 HP at the marine transmission, according to my calculations.
(fwiw, i don't think that any person could live long enough to explore/fish all the bays, rivers, flats & rivers in south TX & LA, at a speed of about 10 knots or less.)

i would like the houseboat to be diesel-powered, as i'm afraid of gas engines "out on the salt", due to fire hazards.

further, i've found a complete but totaled 1986 Ford F-250 IDI 6.9 (with less than 100K miles) PU near me, for 500.oo. - the engine starts up & sounds FINE!

IF you have actual experience in such a marine conversion & are willing to share your experience, please advise.

Hi cheapest way is a chevy 6.5l with hurth transmission
can send you correct numbers if you like
you can get 170hp natural asperated out off one but very good torque
I have two in my boat check my post out
with you tube link to engine running top off this post
My engines only use 1ltr an hour each on tick over boat does 6 knots hope this helps you stay away from common rail electronics
go mechanical injector pump for salt use no hassle cheap to repair more reliable as software upgrades do not go while at sea

Kind regards carl

exhausts chevy 6.5 l
 

Hi
I can sell you a kit off proper exhausts for the 6.2/ 6.5 l engine
Full aluminium manifold with stainless risers just newly modified the water jacket in manifold comes out of the top of manifold
not in it ! Then salt water goes into riser there preventing the engine ever hydraulic locking

If you would like some can supply you a set
Kind regards carl