need advice on IDI to PSD Swap

[divemaster5734]

i have a '89 Centurion with 7.3 idi, ATS turbo. It has a 4x4 auto 3 speed with OD, I'm running 35" tires.
I want to drop in a '97 PSD. It came off a 16 passenger city bus that was vandalized. I understand the seller has all parts, throttle, wiring harness, and i believe oil cooler.
I understand the 97 will bolt right in. I have heard conflicting comments regarding the transmission.
My intention is to build something that I can dock my 27' boat from anywhere, but also run at 70+ when not in tow.
Right now I'm 2k rpm @ 72 mph. I'd like to regear to add a safe 10 mph hiway cruising without loosing too much low end torque, but I don't want to blow up the tranny with too much extra HP.
Am wondering if anyone out there has done a similar conversion and has any tips, don't do's, etc.
Thanks

 

[averagef250]

Anyone I've talked to that's done it has regretted not going with a 5.9 Cummins instead.

I know a fellow with a newer centurion that went from an IDI turbo/E4OD to a 7.3 PSD/E4OD then to a 12 valve with a ZF 6 speed. He wished he'd just gone from the IDI straight to the 12 valve since the wiring would have been so much simpler.

 

[ameristar1]

Yeah man, for the added complexity of doing the PSD, you could do the Cummins. A lot better in the long run cost/benefit wise. Especially if you are going from a mechanical engine, a lot less things to have to deal with.

 

[divemaster5734]

I have aline on a Cummings 12 valve with about 150k miles on it.
I'm not sure what else i'm going to need.

 

[ameristar1]

Call DeStroked 303-945-7570 and they can give you all the info about doing a Cummins conversion.

 

[Agnem]

I wouldn't hesitate to do an IDI to PSD conversion. Just to thumb my nose at everybody who said do the Cummins. I understand that there is a Bronco or two running around with PSD's in them, so it can't be that hard.

 

[ameristar1]

We know you hate the C word, Mel. I'm still hoping for a bolt in DT kit.

 

[divemaster5734]

I do understand. I've been a Ford man my whole life. I still wont get rid of the Ford running gear, it's been the most reliable 4x4 and towing trucks I've ever had.
That being said, I can't argue with 500k minimum per engine swap. I consider myself lucky when I can squeeze 300k.

 

[ameristar1]

I've had two 7.3PSDs and loved them, yet I never liked the injection system. Too much stuff to go wrong and pricey when it did. But the sound and the power sucked me in.
Too bad IH never made a mechanical version. Something like that would be the perfect diesel V8.