need some advice on what i should dobefore ipull an 7.3 idi engine fora transplant

[edwardinconn]

need some advice on what i should do before i pull a 7.3 idi engine for a transplant

i bought a box truck about ten years ago, 1988 178 kmiles highway, with c6 trans. did the glow plugs and a rebuilt starter, she started ok but i may have an air problem in the fuel lines, this i can research as i need to. the motor ran strong and used it for 6 months till the trans died, so i turned it into a shed,added some fuel addidtive and start it once a year.

My plan is to transplant it into a class b camper van with an eod4 or a c6 with gear vendor od.

before i transplant it i want to freshen it up and prep it for a possible turbo.

since i have it in a test bed that will allow me to run it and do mods i want to see what you guys think. i was going to strip the fenders/hood/and dog house out for access. new headgaskets, head studs, injectors, maybe a pump, glowplug harness homemade with heavier guage wire, new seals.
what other preps should i do?

i am looking to keep it dependable, fuel efficient and a low cost build. am not afraid to spend 1500 to 2000 to make it more reliable.

i will be towing some 10k trailers in the northeast across some long slow grades. i was thinking that i might not need the turbo because of the 7.3 low end torque and a 4.10 rear. i dont care to tow at 70or80, 60 is just fine with 10kin back of me.

also can i run the motor without the torque convertor trans?

one last question: should i buy a harness and computer from a new truck to set up the eod4 or would a stand alone computer be better for control?

 

[C.J.]

I just sold my box van with a 7.3 NA. Hated to see it go because of all the money I threw at it, but if you don't need a box van, there ain't no reason to drive a box van.

Having said that, I've had that sum ***** roll the scales at 12.5K with all my tools and a couple pallets of tile in the back. Never once did it not get me where I wanted to go. You don't NEED a turbo but you will WANT a turbo. I have an ATS set up sitting in the corner of my living room (The wife loves that) and never put it on because of the work I would have had to do to it. If you're going to have the engine out... DO IT. Otherwise you had better get used to settling in behind a semi on those grades with the OD off and the engine screamin.

Now that I think of it, I'm sure that the way I loaded my truck, even with a turbo I would still have the OD off and the engine screamin

 

[riotwarrior]

Welcome to OB and read all ya can, FAQ, Tech articles, Hall of Shame, and keep eyes peeled for turbos in Market Place.

I would run it and then do a compression test on it, to ascertain if in good shape or not! You could throw a oil pressure gauge on it too and get a real reading, for an added bit of info.

If good, pull engine and then heads and stud cause doing so in a van...could be tons O fun NOT..

Get the engine done outside, including rebuild oil cooler etc seal it up good and install as needed.


Good luck, take tons of pictures whilst at it and keep us informed

Again welcome to OB

Al

 

[IDIBRONCO]

I'm not sure, but a turbo might not fit in a van type application. As far as I know, they are all made for trucks which have a bigger engine compartment. Now after saying that, I did have the EXTREMELY unfortunate experience of having to swap out not one but two engines in a Chevy van. The preacher who owned it had WAY more time and money that sense. He "had" to have a turbo to pull around his 30' camper behind this monstrosity. He took a turbo for a truck and jerry rigged it to work on his van. He also had an aftermarket tachometer and some kind of cheap electric vacuum pump on this beast. It took about 3 days to swap out the engine if I had help. Remember at this time I was doing this for a living and a Chevy truck only took about a day and a half. I have no idea how long it took him to make this thing work. I guess if you REALLY want to have a turbo, you can find a way to make it work.

 

[79jasper]

The turbo kits will fit vans.
I think several members here have them.


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