hi everyone. I am new here and am trying to learn about diesel engines. I have a 68 bronco that my dad left me and i want to build a tough durable daily driver out of it. I am going to convert it to diesel, but I am having a hard time determining what engines are the best alternative for my application. I have concidered the 4bt, but I am concerned about the weight and you have to notch the frame to make it fit ( I am also having a hard time finding one). I have a friend that has a three cylnder perkins non turbo that he will sell for $500. The engine was mounted to a generator and is complete form the radiator to the starter. We can't find out any info on the engine. there is only one set of numbers on the block and I can't find a match to anything to tell me the actual size of the engine. also what would it take to turbo the engine. does anyone have any other ideas for a smaller and lighter engine other than the 4bt, but with a comparable amount of power? I appreciate anyones input on this. I can not find anyone in my area that knows anything about diesels to give me any ideas on this. Everyone I talk to just ask me why I would want to convert to diesel and then try to tell to but a 7.3 in it.

thanks
shayne burnham

 

Welcome to DB Shayne. Id say go with the 4bt swap into the bronco, its an excellent swap and turns out to be a good match for the bronco. There are other smaller engines but i would try to swap one in.

 

perkins motors are great engines, they wil lrun forever but for ease of parts and ability to work on, get a 4BT.....

 

Just put a 7.3 in it...

 

He wants to make a out of it. why would he throw in a paper weight?

 

If I do the 4bt do you guys have any ideas where to dig one up other thatn delivery vans. I can't seem to find any of them around this area that people want to get rid of.

 

you can pick up a commercial vehicle/truck trader(auto trader makes this mag.) and look in the back section where they sell miscellaneous item such as motors, transmission, axles etc. They can be picked up at a Gas station, typically one with a mini mart inside like a new valero or sumthin. and take a looksie.

 

I had a '68 Bronco back in the day. What shape is this truck in? Old Broncos are considered collector items now.It is best (and probably cheaper)to restore it back to original. You would make a killing!

 

hrmm... what ever gave you the idea that the 7.3 is a paperweight?

The 7.3 is one of the most reliable diesel engines (along with the 12v cummins I think, or 24v?? I can't remember) out there for light trucks....


but, I would say resto it if you are wanting to make it worth a lotta $$$ -- those things are getting very rare in good shape and people want a mint for them around here...

but the auto trader is a good idea if you are searching for parts also..

 

go to dovebid.com and look for their next transportation auction lots of cheap to me 4bt. be careful some came with chev turbo 400 and some came with ford sticks . the ford ones go cheaper and could have the right adapter.