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Old 11-18-2017, 10:08 PM   #1
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Crazy idea or has it been done

Has anyone done a swap from gas to diesel? Is it even do able? We love our motorhome and for what we paid for it cheapest diesel is $30,000 more. I have an 08 F53.

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Old 11-18-2017, 10:26 PM   #2
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The added weight of the diesel vs the gasser would cause concern about the frame/front suspension strength and weight carrying limitations of the F53 front end.
IMHO...
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Old 11-18-2017, 10:28 PM   #3
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Even with fab work? Beefing up suspension?
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Old 11-18-2017, 10:49 PM   #4
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Even with fab work? Beefing up suspension?
I didn't say that it couldn't be done,, just the limiting factors involved..Additional Torque and added engine weight can do some really ugly things to frames and suspensions ...not to mention "re-arranging" the bodywork.
I have done a few engine swaps... some were good (392 Hemi & punchbox auto in a '52 Nash business coupe or a small block 400cu ford in a '62 Rambler American coupe... A 289 in the backseat of a '65 VW bug..or a "real healthy" 302 & 4 speed in a Hillman wagon. not so much.
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Old 11-18-2017, 10:54 PM   #5
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I suppose if you threw enough money at it could could do anything but......you’re probably going to have to consider a transmission into the equation since you’re dealing with a lot more torque. Also, most of the diesels are an in-line 6 cylinder and are probably longer. This is just a couple of many thing you would have to consider.
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Old 11-18-2017, 10:58 PM   #6
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You could probably swap your gas engine for a small 5.9 Cummins, but it wouldn't be cost effective. It would be cheaper to buy another coach.
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Old 11-18-2017, 11:00 PM   #7
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A bridge across the Golden Gate was a foolish idea...until the right engineer came along. Actually most of the engine swaps Saddlesore mentioned would be beyond the skill level of many so called "professional" mechanics. I stuffed a 289 into a Suzuki Samurai....so if you have the skills....
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Old 11-18-2017, 11:16 PM   #8
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I’m thinking of a $15k budget. I am Dodge Guy well Cummins.I own a 2015 Dodge Cummins. I was reading that it might be better to stick with the same manufacturer so maybe a power stroke? But if I can get a 04 or newer 5.9 I think that would be awesome! The layout and equity I have I’m willing to take a hard look at doing it. I’m not a great mechanic on auto’s but can change a top end on a dirt bike or configure suspension. I think like said prior if you have the $$ anything can be done!
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Old 11-18-2017, 11:17 PM   #9
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You could probably swap your gas engine for a small 5.9 Cummins, but it wouldn't be cost effective. It would be cheaper to buy another coach.

$15k I would be thrilled to put a 5.9 in. Think it can’t be done?
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Old 11-18-2017, 11:19 PM   #10
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I didn't say that it couldn't be done,, just the limiting factors involved..Additional Torque and added engine weight can do some really ugly things to frames and suspensions ...not to mention "re-arranging" the bodywork.
I have done a few engine swaps... some were good (392 Hemi & punchbox auto in a '52 Nash business coupe or a small block 400cu ford in a '62 Rambler American coupe... A 289 in the backseat of a '65 VW bug..or a "real healthy" 302 & 4 speed in a Hillman wagon. not so much.
My wife’s family is from Salem, my wife went to Sprague.... want to do it for me?
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Old 11-18-2017, 11:19 PM   #11
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A bridge across the Golden Gate was a foolish idea...until the right engineer came along. Actually most of the engine swaps Saddlesore mentioned would be beyond the skill level of many so called "professional" mechanics. I stuffed a 289 into a Suzuki Samurai....so if you have the skills....
LOL...With that narrow frame and short wheelbase..bet that Bit%h was a bit "Twitchy" for highway use, off road would be another matter.
All my good to go swaps (sleepers) were for making $$ for tuition.. seek out the rich kids with a nice car daddy bought for them & $$ in their pocket and let them run their mouth until it overloaded their pocket...The VW & Hillman were for the strip... way too twitchy and unpredictable for the street or strip..
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Old 11-18-2017, 11:32 PM   #12
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Quote:
Originally Posted by saddlesore View Post
I didn't say that it couldn't be done,, just the limiting factors involved..Additional Torque and added engine weight can do some really ugly things to frames and suspensions ...not to mention "re-arranging" the bodywork.
I have done a few engine swaps... some were good (392 Hemi & punchbox auto in a '52 Nash business coupe or a small block 400cu ford in a '62 Rambler American coupe... A 289 in the backseat of a '65 VW bug..or a "real healthy" 302 & 4 speed in a Hillman wagon. not so much.
WOW! Always wanted to do the small block in the back seat of a bug! Never did do it though! I did put a 283 corvette motor in a 65 Chevy van, Lots of modifacations on that swap, but it was fun when done!

I had a '91' Overland built on a Oshkosh chassis that could have handled that gas to diesel swap, as it had the capacity to do so! I also think a 7.3 Ford diesel and a 460 gas are about the same size, size wise, but the 7.3 weighs a lot more, so the first thing is see if you have the capacity to handle the swap? Also you have to factor in the different transmission weight too! If you decide to do the swap, I am subscribed! Rail!
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Old 11-19-2017, 12:02 AM   #13
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WOW! Always wanted to do the small block in the back seat of a bug! Never did do it though! I did put a 283 corvette motor in a 65 Chevy van, Lots of modifacations on that swap, but it was fun when done!

I had a '91' Overland built on a Oshkosh chassis that could have handled that gas to diesel swap, as it had the capacity to do so! I also think a 7.3 Ford diesel and a 460 gas are about the same size, size wise, but the 7.3 weighs a lot more, so the first thing is see if you have the capacity to handle the swap? Also you have to factor in the different transmission weight too! If you decide to do the swap, I am subscribed! Rail!
I’m going to give it the ol College try! I’m going to do some research to see what I can come up with. The f53 chassis is designed for 23,000 or 26,000? I literally just started thinking about this tonight. So haven’t really dug into it.
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Old 11-19-2017, 12:11 AM   #14
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Just don't let anyone else near the go pedal!
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