Hey, oregon people! I really need some help here. I got a real nice 1978 Ford Shortwide. Of course with gas they are not cheap to drive. SO I am going to swap in a diesel. I really need some help with what options are out there for a truck like this. I know the cummins 4bt is the way to go, however they are extremely hard to find, and with my redneck approach to cool projects like this, I am not join do drop 4k on a van, then another 2k to go thru the engine and make sure its in good running order. I, like many ford nuts, prefer to network, barter, and get what your looking for. So I am looking to get a good deal on a used 4 cylinder diesel that I can go thru in my garage over the winter and do the swap. FYI as far as some trading I got a really cool stick that goes "bang" worth about a grand, and oh I got a 3/4 ton front end converted to fit the 1/2 body. 70's model. Guys, let me know what out there thanks!

Bob

 

Questions to be answered:
1. List of possible 4 cylinder Diesel engines to swap into a 1978 Ford SW 4x4. (feel free to rank from best to worst)

2. Anyone got an old tired one they are looking to sell or trade?

Thanks guys!

Bob

 

The most common is the 4BT Cummins. Since it is basically 2/3 of the Cummins found in Dodge pickups everything you can do to the 5.9L 12 valve 6BT, you can do to the 4BT.

I have read articals on John Deere engine swaps.

I have also seen on another forum a 50s Chevy with a Massey Ferguson combine diesel.

You could try finding a small CAT or a Detroit 2 stroker.

I would stick with the Cummins because of the aftermarket support.

 

Izuzu engine swap, this was popular in Dodges,chevs, and fords back in the 70s and 80s Overview

 

Find an izuzu box van or even a mercedes diesel car with a turbo. Heard you can get a lot of performance out of the mercedes car engines.

Or, a gear vendor overdrive kit.They're about 2K I think.