c418

weight and size are the major factors. a super custom job would be sweet! but not very practical. (just a side note dodge doesn't make these engines; although the 6bt came with a dodge truck for a long time)

AustinJ427

The ft lbs are NOT what you are after, ever, in any given situation coming from an engine.

Horsepower.

A 4bt is really the way to go with these trucks. The size and the weight of the 6bt will be hard to fit into the small-ish bay these trucks allow. You'll get used to doing ball joints though.

With a decent little twin setup, a 4bt will pump out 500+ horsepower all day long. I would also go with a 47re behind it, they can be built to handle the power, assuming you can get that to fit as well.

c418

that would be ideal. if i can't find a van with that setup already in it, a company called ford cummins makes and adapter plate to fit the m5od (what's in my truck now), just have to figure out how much torque that trans can handle

AustinJ427

If you do plan to go that route (the swap), check into destroked. I have heard a lot of bad about ford cummins.

c418

ok, thanks man, i will keep that in mind

blu3expy

I literally just joined to show you this...

http://www.4btswaps.com/forum/showth...ord-Expedition

not sure if any of you have seen this but its an expedition with a completed 4bt swap! its sweet, i think he used your m5od but there might be a cheaper alternative?

c418

that's awesome thanks for sharing!

Mxrider372

Cummins is the best engine ever made.

2wd5spd

all engines have their ups and downs. besides, cummins is the manufacturer, not the actual engine

golden-lariat

Specs for the 4.6L
220 hp
280 lb·ft

and the 3.9L 4BT Cummins
130 HP
355 ft-pounds

Horspower is great for ricers that have a little 2 liter thats screams at 7 or 8k RPM. But when you want to put steel into motion (what we do with trucks) like pulling a trailer, torque is what you need.

Some facts for ya.

http://auto.howstuffworks.com/auto-p...sus-torque.htm

This is why diesel is the prefered fuel for towing(tractors, semis, 3/4 ton, and one ton pickup trucks). The reason is because diesel burns and gasoline explodes. The diesel burning is pushing on the piston all the way through the stroke not just exploding shortly after TDC.