Powerstroke 2 IDI no Turbo conversion

sieg01 · Apr 23, 2024

I am running an '94 Eco IDI w/o turbo.
My first IDI broke down some year ago and I still have this motor sitting here.

The engine had a problem with the oil pump and it ran dry.
Crank shaft, some rods and pistons changed color.

Problem here in Europe is the limited availability of spares for our motor.
Now I saw a Powerstroke motor (Excursion) for sale and I thought:
"What does it take to convert a 7.3 Powerstroke into an IDI."

And does it necessarily need to get converted into an "IDI turbo" or can it get converted into a "non turbo" motor?

Which parts from the broken engine need to get swaped to the Powerstroke block?

Thanks for sharing!

hacked89 · Apr 23, 2024

You can’t

Rdnck84_03 · Apr 23, 2024

hacked89 said:
You can’t

I wouldn't say " can't " but I will say that it is far from feasible. There would be alot of custom machined parts involved with a venture like that. You could completely rebuild several IDI's for what you would spend trying to get that to work.

I think it would be easier to get the powerstroke pcm and wiring from a 94.5 - 97 truck and use the powerstroke.

James

hacked89 · Apr 23, 2024

I would say “can’t”

Jesus Freak · Apr 23, 2024

They're 2 totally different engines. The only thing they share in common is their displacement of 444 cubic inches or 7.3 liters. I don't even think that there's one bolt that would transfer.

Jesus Freak · Apr 23, 2024

hacked89 said:
I would say “can’t”

I would say....... impossible.

hacked89 · Apr 23, 2024

Jesus Freak said:
They're 2 totally different engines. The only thing they share in common is their displacement of 444 cubic inches or 7.3 liters. I don't even think that there's one bolt that would transfer.

The oil filter

Jesus Freak · Apr 23, 2024

Rdnck84_03 said:
I think it would be easier to get the powerstroke pcm and wiring from a 94.5 - 97 truck and use the powerstroke.

James

It's either make it a powerstroke or an idi.

XOLATEM · Apr 23, 2024

I have a feeling that an originally turbo-ed diesel that has the turbo missing would be gutless..that is to say the power level would be so low that it would be useless as a prime mover...maybe it would work as a garage heater...but be very inefficient in that role...

When you turbo a diesel...I believe that it is customary to lower the static compression somewhat...to allow more room for compressed air from the booster...

I learned how slow a diesel can be when I drove a Mercedes...can't remember the model...but the turbo must not have been working...it would not get out of its own way....frightening on an american highway...

sieg01 · Apr 23, 2024

Ok. But there is a PS7.3 2 IDI available:

You must be registered for see images attach

https://www.gohypermax.com/ProductDisplay.aspx?id=ac1c22c9-c515-4b4a-82cc-8df2dccc5adb

But this is basically a "totally new engine".
And looking at / concidering all the effort they have put in, the price is ok. I don't believe, they get rich on this motor.

So there is a conversion but I was hoping to stay with our injectors and IP

Now let's think of using the "Excursion PowerStroke" engine and remove the crankshaft, rods and pistons and put them into the old IDI block.
Would this work?
And if the compression is too low, then a turbo must be fitted.
I thought that I read somewhere that folks were using these parts to upgrade their IDI.
Can't remember if they added an aftermarket turbo to it.
Or am I dreamin'?

Nero · Apr 23, 2024

Anything can be made to work, with enough money. Question is how deep are your pockets?

u2slow · Apr 23, 2024

The powersroke is going to be a headache. You'd need all the computer/wiring stuff from the excursion - probably best with transmission also. Then you need the E-series specific parts for the powerstroke.... Radiator, oil cooler, gosh knows what else. I think a better strategy is to keep the turbo and accomodate or delete the intercooler. 94.5-97 F series had turbo and no IC.

Imho, fix the IDI, or swap an inline 6 diesel (mechanical injection) from an older Iveco, Mercedes, etc truck. Cummins 5.9L engines are more commonly swapped over here, but those may be in short supply over there.

Edit: powerstroke rotating assembly doesnt work on the IDI.

Old Goat · Apr 23, 2024

Here is some good info on the 6,9/7.3 IDI and Power Stroke engines.

Rebuilding the International 6.9/7.3L Powerstroke Engine - Engine Builder Magazine

One solution to that problem is the diesel engine with more torque, horse power and better fuel economy. This applies not only to heavy duty applications but small displacement turbocharged inter-cooled diesels as well. The diesel engine will play just as important part of the future of the...

www.enginebuildermag.com

Goat

Rdnck84_03 · Apr 23, 2024

Nero said:
Anything can be made to work, with enough money. Question is how deep are your pockets?

This is my thoughts exactly. I definitely think it could be built. The question should be, are you willing to spend more trying to get it to work than the cost of a brand new F-350 diesel would be?

James

WrenchWhore · Apr 23, 2024

I'm not sure of you skill set and how deep you want dive in but if IDI parts are rare/expensive where you're located i'd be tempted to look into a swap of some sort. Question is are you hauling heavy? If not you could get away with a lighter duty diesel engine that has all the perks and simplicity but won't probably have the "duty cycle" that an IDI has. I'm not sure how common they'd be but a mechanical Mercedes diesel. Whats the mechanical "Ford IDI/Cummins" equivalent in Finland?

Powerstroke 2 IDI no Turbo conversion

sieg01

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hacked89

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Jesus Freak

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Jesus Freak

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hacked89

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XOLATEM

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sieg01

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Nero

HD Diesel nut

u2slow

bilge rat

Old Goat

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Rebuilding the International 6.9/7.3L Powerstroke Engine - Engine Builder Magazine

Rdnck84_03

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WrenchWhore

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