2011 4.6 liter, six speed conversion.

[Ranchero50]

6bt is a miserable install since it's so long, 4bt seems to fall into place.

I have my build thread in the project updates with a 6bt in a 2wd truck. Lots of work...

[averagef250]

Lots of reading here:

4BTswaps.com

A Cummins 6BT is a pretty simple fit into a 67-79 Ford 4x4 if you do it without an intercooler. But doing it in a 2wd is a real bear because of where the crossmember is and how the steering linkage is routed.

4BT's are great engines, but their NVH isn't for everyone so make sure you drive one before you buy.

You can also use the 4 and 6 Isuzu diesel engines with Ford transmissions. The Isuzus are more refined than Cummins engines and sometimes dirt cheap because they are less universally known than Cummins.

If you want fuel mileage and the power to move heavy loads you absolutely cannot beat the 4 cylinder diesel engines like the 4BT Cummins and 4BD1T/2T Isuzus.

Look closely at the 4BD1T/2T Isuzus mated to a 90's Ford truck 5 speed like the M5R2 if you want a comfortable ride, decent power and the best mileage possible.

[67 Camper Special]

OK, read the whole Cummins conversion thread, will read Ranchero 50's tonight. I have a friend with a 4BT in a Tahoe but he blew the tranny before I could ride in it. At idle it was loud and vibrated excessively, but it was out of an old bread truck so I figured it may have issues.

I have a brother in law that is a Diesel mechanic, will talk to him as well.

I have on occasion rented Izuzu box trucks for cabinet deliveries, and they are very nice little engines, and seem very smooth. Not the fastest, but smooth and reasonably quiet. And I am sure they can be turned up a bit....

Work calls, Larry

[67 Camper Special]

Been reading up on the 4BDt1/2 engines, am leaning that way. Mileage is good, trucks fall apart long before the motors, and the big thing for me they are quieter. I loved the sound of my Cummins 6, with a muffler, but not so sure about the 4.

Went and listened to the 4b Cummins again, very loud, and although it may just be the tune it shook the whole Tahoe like a dog with a bone.

Read enough of Rancheros experiance to not want to put a 6BT in.

Read some this morning on the new 8 speed auto that Dodge is using. Seems like it may be a nice auto to use behind a small diesel. They put it in the SRT8 which is around 500 hp and quite torquey, so it may be one to watch. Time will tell, and if it is any good someone will come out with a standalone ecu.

Just rambling, Larry

[fbomb100]

8 speed auto for someone will come out with a standalone ecu.

Just rambling, Larry

well time will tell... they have a stand alone ecm for the gm 6peed auto but not the ford or dodge 6 speed autos !!so seeing a stand alone ecm for them is years away alot away

[67 Camper Special]

Is anyone currently making any conversion pieces for the Isuzu 4BDt's?

Larry

[averagef250]

Is anyone currently making any conversion pieces for the Isuzu 4BDt's?

Larry

http://www.4btswaps.com/forum/showthrea ... s-for-sale

[67 Camper Special]

Thanks Dustin

Have you done one of these swaps yet? I know you like the Cummins.

Larry

[averagef250]

I appreciate all direct inject diesels that aren't smogged to death, not just Cummins. I do hold the mechanical Cummins engines in high regard for their very successful, simple, efficient design.

The Isuzus are just like all the other jap diesels- Fuso, Hino, UD, but the Isuzus are very available in the states. The Jap diesels tend to be more refined than US designed stuff.

Isuzus have dry liners. A complete rebuild kit is under $1500, add a couple hundred for overhauling the head and a couple hundred for injectors and you have a brand new engine. There's even a free liner puller/installer from a vendor on the 4BTswaps site.

Currently the transmission adapters you can buy to use behind an Isuzu engine are anything you can use behind a Cummins B series (they bolt up using the Isuzu to Cummins adapter kit) Ford small block, 460, 7.3 diesel, 6.0 diesel and Triton, Any GM transmission in two different adapter styles (economy stack on style and premium) and there are a few others like small block chrysler and 4.0 Jeep coming about.

Yes, I have installed Isuzu engines.

The only potential drawbacks to Isuzus-

The oil pans are not reversible like Cummins. They have an oil pump in the pan so they must be rear sump. The turbo and injection pump are reversed from conventional USA diesels. This isn't much of a problem, there are lots of simple solutions if you're brake booster is close to the turbo (like hydroboost).

Advantages to Isuzu- Smooth running, ever so slightly more efficient than a B series Cummins, 3400 RPM governed speed on all Isuzus right out of the box.

[67 Camper Special]

Dustin

What do you think of the 4L80E? The more I read about the E4OD I have the more I think I should consider a different tranny for the swap.

I know you are a stick guy, and I have one in my daily driver, and my car, but as I said my leg is getting bad and want an auto in this one.

Unless I run across a great deal on a manual........

Thanks, Larry

[averagef250]

Dustin

What do you think of the 4L80E? The more I read about the E4OD I have the more I think I should consider a different tranny for the swap.

I know you are a stick guy, and I have one in my daily driver, and my car, but as I said my leg is getting bad and want an auto in this one.

Unless I run across a great deal on a manual........

Thanks, Larry

The 4L80E is fine, they're easy to find with plenty of options for controlling them.

The only advantage I can see with using a 4L80E over a 460 E4OD is the GM bellhousing is tons smaller than a 460 pattern- You will have more room.

All 2004 and newer Ford autos (except the little V6 stuff) share the same bellhousing pattern. Ford no longer has a bunch of different patterns. The only one that is different is the diesel bellhousing with a ZF6. The back of the engine is actually different stick or auto. If you find a 4R70W or 4R100 in good shape for a cheap price these have really good reputations and better ratios overall. The 1st gear and OD ratios are noticeably better in the Ford autos.