diesel motor swap questions.

[jprentice94]

So i live in california and smog regs suck but what i have has led me to believe a diesel engine out of a 3/4 ton would be aloud as long as it has the smog stuff and exhaust stuff.
Now i fthink i found a great canditade for it let me know what you guys think

A chevy 6.5 liter turbo diesel out of a gmc savana it weighs 650 dry weight and has some dimensions that seem to work.

The ford 4.0 v6 has a weight of 500- 550 so not to much lighter then the other motor

 

[Flip4ford]

Going to take allot of fabrication but good luck!!

 

[Szekey Endre]

I am currently in the process of looking for a better engine to suite my needs. I know the Gas V6 3.5L in the Montero works pretty fine. But I am looking into higher tow/torque specs, with less MPG loss.

 

[jprentice94]

I cant find any measurments for the v6 or i would know if the diesel motor would fit what ive read you have to be straight axle

 

[mr cribb]

I worked on the 6.5's for the Army, I don't care for them.

1) I hope you aren't expecting massive power as the Ford and Dodge guys have. Latest models had 190 hp/ 385 tq. Max power is said to be at 500 hp after you sink a crapton of money into the block and heads. There's an article in Diesel Power magazine covering this.

2) There's reliability issues that plague the GM IDI motors, all of which can be solved, but cost money and then again may make it illegal for you in CA.

3) If you have the funds and fab skills look into the 3.9L Cummins motor. Better platform altogether and found in local delivery trucks like UPS, and bread trucks. Could be a plentiful option. Lighter motor, and since you're looking into fab work for the GM motor, might as well consider other avenues.

 

[01STrunner]

There is also a 4.5L Powerstroke that was put into the Ford low cab forward 05-07. Its a 6.0 minus the front 2 cylinders basically. Bulletproof it like the 6.0s and youd be golden. They also make a lot more power and torque than the Cummins 4BT.

 

[snoranger]

I worked on the 6.5's for the Army, I don't care for them.

1) I hope you aren't expecting massive power as the Ford and Dodge guys have. Latest models had 190 hp/ 385 tq. Max power is said to be at 500 hp after you sink a crapton of money into the block and heads. There's an article in Diesel Power magazine covering this.

2) There's reliability issues that plague the GM IDI motors, all of which can be solved, but cost money and then again may make it illegal for you in CA.

3) If you have the funds and fab skills look into the 3.9L Cummins motor. Better platform altogether and found in local delivery trucks like UPS, and bread trucks. Could be a plentiful option. Lighter motor, and since you're looking into fab work for the GM motor, might as well consider other avenues.

There is also a 4.5L Powerstroke that was put into the Ford low cab forward 05-07. Its a 6.0 minus the front 2 cylinders basically. Bulletproof it like the 6.0s and youd be golden. They also make a lot more power and torque than the Cummins 4BT.

The LCF and 4BT were never used in light duty trucks... They will be a smog nightmare trying to get passed in commie-fornia.

 

[01STrunner]

The LCF and 4BT were never used in light duty trucks... They will be a smog nightmare trying to get passed in commie-fornia.

Good point. I forgot it was for CA

 

[jprentice94]

Here from what ive read you can only use up to a 3/4 ton motor in anything 3/4 ton and lower which is why i was lookin at that motor and the size. All seem to fit a 4bt would fit good but cant smog it i thought they had somewhat more power i thought i read they had great tork which would help good and a turbo version has more power they even had these motors in blazers so 3/4 ton would be achieved i mean i would love a powerstroke but weight wise they are 1000 lbs this motor is 650 how much was that one powerstroke you said cause that could be an option

 

[mr cribb]

If more power is what you are after due to lift and tires, look at the 5.0.

There is a forum member that did this and got it smog legal in CA. His s/n is rjcooperss396

Here is the thread for his CA legal v6 to v8 swap: http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=325764

 

[jprentice94]

I want diesel because it gets better gas and i want do do a fry oil conversion also so i can buy that stuff cheap for gas

 

[OffTrac]

You may be disappointed in the amount of work necessary compared to the actual benefits. JMO. I researched this as well since 4bt engines are cheap and very easy to come by in my area with a Frito Lay distribution center nearby.

 

[jprentice94]

Hmm im still lookin into it cause wheny motor goes im goin diesel. I know itll be a lot of work but i think outside the box and randomly and just thinking diesel ex makes me want to do it even for the amount of work. And if i can pick up a gmc savana cheap itll be worth it also the fry oil conversion will save enough to be paid for. Did you ever do the 4bt swap

 

[OffTrac]

Around me all the restaurants already have contracts for their used oil, mostly with the farmers. Definitely look into how available the oil is first. It sounded great at first when reading about it but it just started to quickly become a ton of work and not as cheap/readily available as some make it out to be. I'm sure it varies from one place to the next.

Not trying to discourage you because it would be an awesome swap regardless. Just wanted to point out some of the obstacles I came across.

I think I'll go Super Six Motorsports 4.0 turbo (also local) or the easy, cheap and reliable 5.0.

 

[jprentice94]

Good point ill look into that

 

[01STrunner]

Here from what ive read you can only use up to a 3/4 ton motor in anything 3/4 ton and lower which is why i was lookin at that motor and the size. All seem to fit a 4bt would fit good but cant smog it i thought they had somewhat more power i thought i read they had great tork which would help good and a turbo version has more power they even had these motors in blazers so 3/4 ton would be achieved i mean i would love a powerstroke but weight wise they are 1000 lbs this motor is 650 how much was that one powerstroke you said cause that could be an option

I don't remember any of the specs for it and I gave up on the swap idea since I picked up a 6.4 F350 so funds for the Trac are minimal.

 

[1stgenX]

Been considering the same thing for years but haven't pulled the trigger. 4bt will work from what I've found, however it's tall, so cross member needs work or shortened oil pan. Also, a suitable trans or adapter will be needed. A better option may be the 2.3/2.5L turbo diesel that was available from Ford in the small Rangers from Canada or Mexico. Their legal in the states but questionable in CA. Occasionally, they can be found on Craig's list, etc.. May be less power than you were looking for but finding and mating up a transmission won't a problem, as they came stock as 4x4s. Good luck, will follow your progress.

 

[Nedwreck]

Some thoughts:

I wonder if the older diesel Benz motors would work (the 5 cyl turbo?)

Btw you can use waste motor oil instead of veggie I suppose, with no mods to the car (or motor, in this case). I always figgered 50/50 with diesel in my 300sd Benz, just to be conservative. Filter your WMO to 3 microns...

 

[malohnes]

I think Offtrac is right however the thought process seems agreeable to my way of thinking.

Having owned that model Chevy engine in an 84 3/4 ton chassis, I'd have to disagree with those that feel the engine is a dud. My experience has been opposite, especially if well tuned (IE injection pump) and well cared for. I had a Banks turbo on mine and it really woke it up and helped mileage. I use my truck for DD, weekend plowing in the winter and hauling. Mine was reliable bit it does have a solid history of known issues and solutions to those issues. In my mind, it is an easy to chose it over other more powerful, exotic or larger engines of newer design.

You might find it a fun and rewarding adventure.

 

[mr cribb]

I think Offtrac is right however the thought process seems agreeable to my way of thinking.

Having owned that model Chevy engine in an 84 3/4 ton chassis, I'd have to disagree with those that feel the engine is a dud. My experience has been opposite, especially if well tuned (IE injection pump) and well cared for. I had a Banks turbo on mine and it really woke it up and helped mileage. I use my truck for DD, weekend plowing in the winter and hauling. Mine was reliable bit it does have a solid history of known issues and solutions to those issues. In my mind, it is an easy to chose it over other more powerful, exotic or larger engines of newer design.

You might find it a fun and rewarding adventure.

Mark, you are correct with the Banks turbo waking up the engine. I only have experience with the stock turbo on the 6.5's. Keep in mind I was working with not good parts made by the cheapest bidder and then marked up for the government to pay unforeseen amounts of money for these said parts. Then granted the motors were trying to power a 20k pound armored humvee.

I am sure a stock 6.5TD would be more than adequate to power an Explorer and I know these motors have potential, I was merely suggesting another option. And if the OP was interested in substantial power to pick another motor cause this one isn't it.

I do know the motors should be addressed with a couple aftermarket goodies to eliminate problem points. However, I do not know if these items are allowed under CA smog laws.