Speeddemon02
Registered User
Hello, first time posting. I wanted to present a project I have in mind and get some opinions making sure that I am not missing/forgot/overlooked anything or may be mistaken and need to rethink something for whatever reason.
A little history to start with. I have in my possession a 1986 f250 4x4 with a 6.9L IDI with a mostly intact ATS turbo attached and a C6 and non functioning GV OD unit. It has 4.10 gear ratio, single cab, and long bed. It is not in running condition. It had a small electrical fire probably caused by installing one of the batteries incorrectly (reverse polarity) and the throttle is stuck in the open position. Lots of interior and exterior dings, dents, broken parts, but still functional type thing. Lots of missing niceties i.e. speakers, A/C, heater, parts of the steering wheel type stuff. It spent its time in the sunny SW so little to no paint, but more importantly no rust.
I really like this style of truck and want to put some money into it to make it a daily driver. Enjoy the drive to and from work. Not planning to haul anything or do any towing with it. 99% of it will be on flat ground mixed driving of suburban like driving and open highway. 95% hardball with occasional dirt/stone. There are mountains in the area, but nothing too crazy. Speed in town ranging from 35 and 45 and highway 55 to 75. I feel that it can be completely remade into something amazingly fun. With all that being said, here is some of what I am tentatively leaning toward.
Keep the 6.9 and replace the ATS with a Banks sidewinder. I feel the wastegate will be more useful. Higher temperatures out here can be more of a concern than lower temperatures. Replace the studs and gasket with the stronger/longer parts. Only planning for 10PSI at this time, but this would allow for more if so desired/needed in the future.
Drop the C6 with GV OD unit and replace it with a ready to go rebuilt E4OD. Not sure if the driveshaft would be the correct length or if it will need to be adjusted again. If that is the case maybe getting another one to resize might be the prudent course, but figure that out later. On top of the PSI gauge do want to get an EGT gauge as well. Starting to lean toward a transmission temp gauge, but not locked in just yet compared to the other two.
I do not believe it is a factory radiator keep forgetting to confirm that. In the case that I am going to replace the radiator I am strongly looking at a Mishimoto. All new wiring, not sure yet on what one since I want to switch to an E4OD, but hopefully it will be become more apparent on which one to seek out as the project progresses. Thinking of getting the 3G alternator. While I am fine and accustomed to vacuum brakes, it was suggested to me that I look into hydroboost brakes for better short distance stopping. I am pretty set on 16” wheels for availability of tires sizes. Tires I am hoping to put on are Nitto Ridge or Recon Grappler 32.8’ (33”) or equivalent. Maybe dropping down to 31.7” (32”) depending on the gear ratio.
I have been back and forth so many times and ended up building a comparison excel sheet to quickly see the differences in my attempt to determine which gear ratio to go with. I’m torn between 3.55 and 3.73. My current vehicles have 3.73 and know how they handle the valley and mountain inclines, but also what their typical mpg are as well. With 3.55 it should be better on fuel economy and not suck fuel when doing long stretches on the highway to the next town.
Any and all thoughts, questions, concerns, opinions are most welcome, thanks for the time to read this long post.
A little history to start with. I have in my possession a 1986 f250 4x4 with a 6.9L IDI with a mostly intact ATS turbo attached and a C6 and non functioning GV OD unit. It has 4.10 gear ratio, single cab, and long bed. It is not in running condition. It had a small electrical fire probably caused by installing one of the batteries incorrectly (reverse polarity) and the throttle is stuck in the open position. Lots of interior and exterior dings, dents, broken parts, but still functional type thing. Lots of missing niceties i.e. speakers, A/C, heater, parts of the steering wheel type stuff. It spent its time in the sunny SW so little to no paint, but more importantly no rust.
I really like this style of truck and want to put some money into it to make it a daily driver. Enjoy the drive to and from work. Not planning to haul anything or do any towing with it. 99% of it will be on flat ground mixed driving of suburban like driving and open highway. 95% hardball with occasional dirt/stone. There are mountains in the area, but nothing too crazy. Speed in town ranging from 35 and 45 and highway 55 to 75. I feel that it can be completely remade into something amazingly fun. With all that being said, here is some of what I am tentatively leaning toward.
Keep the 6.9 and replace the ATS with a Banks sidewinder. I feel the wastegate will be more useful. Higher temperatures out here can be more of a concern than lower temperatures. Replace the studs and gasket with the stronger/longer parts. Only planning for 10PSI at this time, but this would allow for more if so desired/needed in the future.
Drop the C6 with GV OD unit and replace it with a ready to go rebuilt E4OD. Not sure if the driveshaft would be the correct length or if it will need to be adjusted again. If that is the case maybe getting another one to resize might be the prudent course, but figure that out later. On top of the PSI gauge do want to get an EGT gauge as well. Starting to lean toward a transmission temp gauge, but not locked in just yet compared to the other two.
I do not believe it is a factory radiator keep forgetting to confirm that. In the case that I am going to replace the radiator I am strongly looking at a Mishimoto. All new wiring, not sure yet on what one since I want to switch to an E4OD, but hopefully it will be become more apparent on which one to seek out as the project progresses. Thinking of getting the 3G alternator. While I am fine and accustomed to vacuum brakes, it was suggested to me that I look into hydroboost brakes for better short distance stopping. I am pretty set on 16” wheels for availability of tires sizes. Tires I am hoping to put on are Nitto Ridge or Recon Grappler 32.8’ (33”) or equivalent. Maybe dropping down to 31.7” (32”) depending on the gear ratio.
I have been back and forth so many times and ended up building a comparison excel sheet to quickly see the differences in my attempt to determine which gear ratio to go with. I’m torn between 3.55 and 3.73. My current vehicles have 3.73 and know how they handle the valley and mountain inclines, but also what their typical mpg are as well. With 3.55 it should be better on fuel economy and not suck fuel when doing long stretches on the highway to the next town.
Any and all thoughts, questions, concerns, opinions are most welcome, thanks for the time to read this long post.
