RyanInOregon
Medford, Oregon
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Joined: 02/15/2007
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Hello,
I recently found a deal on a 7.3 IDI diesel. I'm contemplating installing this into my 1982 30ft Holiday Rambler. It currently has a 454 with a TH4xx 3 speed auto. I realize this will be a big job, but I am up to that challenge.
I have some questions though. What is the right way to remove the engine? Disassemble the front sheet metal? Up through the doghouse hole? Slide it back and lower it between the frame?
If I can locate an adapter, I intend to reuse the existing transmission. It works great currently. Other than a diesel specific torque converter and adjustments to the modulator for different shift points, will the transmission need anything else?
I will probably need to change the ring and pinion in the diff. I don't know the current ratio, but it seems to be doing 1000 engine rpm per 20 mph. This would yield 3000 rpm at 60 mph. I think I should probably shoot for 2000 at 60. The Gear Vendors OD unit only reports a 23% reduction in engine speed and they are expensive. I think I would get more bang for the buck with a rear gear change.
Thoughts?
Ryan
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crickeydog
Marietta, Ga.
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RyanInOregon wrote: Thoughts?
Why?
Happy camping!!! See ya'll down the road!!!
AIR FORCE RETIRED "EITHER LEAD,FOLLLOW,OR GET OUT OF MY WAY"!
2006 GMC 3500 SLT CC DRW 4X4 D/A LBZ,PREDATOR & FS2500 OIL FILTER
2004 HR PRESIDENTIAL 30 SCD 5'ER.
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debandi
Enjoying Life in Marathon, Texas
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Seems like a GREAT deal of work for little if any improvement. How long would it take for you to re-coup your investment?
John and Debra Spear
1999 Holiday Rambler Imperial 40PBS
2006 Saturn VUE toad Ready Brake
 A Closed Mouth Gathers No Foot
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RyanInOregon
Medford, Oregon
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5 mpg with the 454.
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ScottG
Bothell Wa.
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Auto tranny's for diesels are a built a bit different inside. You may wan't to ask a shop if they think it will hold up to the 7.3.
Scott, Grace and Wesly
2003 Dodge 3500 4x4 Cummins (lightly bombed),
2004 Forest River 25RKS many, many mods.
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gunny357
North Carolina
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Its been done before.
Couple of things to consider. Gassers use vacum to run some stuff, a diesel does not make vacum, will need a vacum pump and a tank.
Don't think you'll need to get that radical with the gear change.
You will have to flush the fuel tank.
Make an exhaust system.
Larger radiator.
Might have some difficulties with that transmission, compare the torque putput between the engines and then be sure you are not going to over load the transmission. The right transmission builder should be able to fix the existing one to hanle the added torque.
I'd take off as much sheetmetal as I could so you have room to work and take it out the front if possible. You'll be making motor mounts.
Quit an undertaking. Take a lot of pictures and let us know how it turns out.
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RyanInOregon
Medford, Oregon
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From what I'm able to determine, the 454's made somewhere around 200 - 250 hp and 300 - 400 ft/lb of torque. The non-turbo 7.3 diesel makes around 190 hp and 350 ish ft/lb of torque. So I think this will be a fairly close match. I'm just concerned about the different rpm's the two motors are happy at.
I'm getting the motor, a "fried" c6 transmission and any other goodies I need off of a 1988 f-250. This includes the vacuum pump and such.
It might be more cost effective to determine how damaged the c6 truly is. Would probably be easier to install.
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melackey73
Houston, TX
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Joined: 01/07/2004
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pretty neat idea, but those 7.3's were pretty loud. That's gonna be a BUNCH of racket right underneath you.
Apologies for not being able to offer any constructive advice on the actual swap, but would love to see pics of the progress and hear about your results.
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dawgs3
n.c
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Joined: 07/27/2007
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you picked a good little diesel there.i had the 7.3 and the 6.0,boy was i ever sorry i bought the 6.0!don't let anybody tell you it can't be done.go for it!!!!!!
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samsontdog
Sac. Ca summer, Yuma Az winter
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There are two many good deals out there to take on a project like that. The last project that I did was remove a 6 cy eng and put a full race 390 in its place with a 4:11 rear end Good luck ! as that is quite a project
samsontdog
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