winslow33

Hey,
I have an old 1990 Ford F250 4x4 with the 7.3L under the hood. How would it end if I swapped this engine into my 1988 F-150 auto, that currently has a 5.0?
Obviously I'd need to get a new tranny, suspension, rad, fuel system.... but my real concern is the frame. How well would the 1/2 ton frame hold out with a 7.3 on it?
I googled this, but couldn't find any information on anyone doing this swap

farmer12

Why would you want to do that? It would be one hell of a job. I doubt your motor mounts would even match up.

dirtcrew51m

150\250\350 same exact frame just heavier suspension for diesel. Why not use the trans you have? Everything should be an exact swap, also if I had the opportunity I would do it but i would find a turbo diesel.

divineslasher

I'd imagine you're need to fab up the 7.3 motor mounts onto the frame but other than that you'd be gold on the swap.

winslow33

Because my old 5.0 is on its way out. Old owner ran it 9 minutes with no oil and wonders why its so noisy after that
Got the ol' 7.3 IDI sittin out back growing rust i figure, heck why not
And thanks guys, If I get around to doing it ill do a build thread
I might consiter turboing it afterwards if the swap works out cleanly.

conman365

The heavier trucks had boxed frames, I believe.
Either way, I've seen this swap.
More than likely you'll need to throw a D60 under there... Some stiff coils could do justice as well.. But the 7.3 is a heavy mother.... 800lbs plus...
You'll have to mock up some motor mounts though, I'm sure....

http://www.4btswaps.com/forum/forumd...te-Performance

This site might have some good info for you regarding swaps of all kinds, including 7.3 swaps...

Good Luck

dirtcrew51m

As far as motor mounts, just unbolt whats bolted to the frame for the diesel and bolt up to the new truck, you will probably need the front suspension for the diesel rear susp should be good due to all the weight is on the front.

farmer12

Honestly i'd say your best bet would be to just swap the bodys if that's the case. It'd save you lots of fab work. The wiring on those should be dam near identical too...as far as your guages, starter, alt an whatnot. Might be worth looking into.

Stryc9

Sorry for hi-jacking your thread but i'm planning to do the same, sort of.

Found a -91 F250 that they put an 7,3L diesel in, what needs to be done is engine electrical wiring, are theese also identical, or nearly identical?

I have an -88 F150 with the 302 so if the wiring is more or less identical it'd be a walk in the park?

Or...?

winslow33

Yeah I wish I could... Heck I'd just but a new 5.0 for the F150 and fix up the F250. Unfortunately the diesel truck got in a nasty accident that destroyed most of the rear end and twisted the frame all up