new guy in need of guidance

[h150]

I guy’s im new to Ford diesel and will need some guidance
I’m working on a project vehicle that I will use as a daily driver and a 24’ camping trailer puller, it consisted of a F150 frame, a F250 front and rear suspension and a handmade Hummer Body (made by me in my garage) here picture of it
http://img.villagephotos.com/p/2004-...8/HPIM1573.jpg
http://img.villagephotos.com/p/2004-...8/HPIM1254.jpg
The project was supposed to be motivated by a 5.8 (351) EFI motor but some one just offered me a complete 1996 E250 school bus with a 7.3 PSD diesel real cheap
The van as 130000 mile on it and it run great.
My main concern is the transmission, I need to know how much I can move the motor/trans back, any of you could measure me the total length of a E4OD transmission with the Tcase?
Also what can I do to increase the output of the 7.3 without affecting reliability?
I know I will have to fabricate a new down pipe and exhaust system
Also since the air filter system will have to be fabricate I’m considering a small custom intercooler.
How reliable are those 7.3 in the winter?, I come from a truck driver family and I am aware of cold starts. At home I can kept it plug in but at work I don’t have access to electrical outlet.

[super_stroke]

now i get your name. you have got to put some of those pic's in your garage. and add a few more. i'm really intrested in that rig you got goin. i'm not sure what the length diffrence is between the e4od/4r100. i can measure the 4r100 if you want. i was unable to plug mine in a couple of winter's ago and it got dam cold, like -10, the hoss didn't wan't to start but i worked with him and after a few cycles of the G.P.'s and a few turn's at crankin and dieing it started.

[Rodslinger]

Welcome to Powerstroke.org h150! You've got a really neat project going on there.

[h150]

thank's guy's
super_stroke i will post more picture

[h150]

hi
check in my garage i have posted pictures

[PowerStroken090]

WOW! You've got one cool project!
You obviously have great talent. Please keep us up to speed on your progress. I'm getting close to starting my own project. I plan on stuffing a 7.3 PSD into a 48 Ford pickup and your upcoming experience will act as a great guide!
Oh yeah, I guess I should try to answer some of your questions... I'm all for the PSD! I don't have any "cold weather" problems because I'm in Southern California. Your H-150 looks pretty heavy and I beleive the power you can get out of a modern diesel will please you greatly. Becides, they sound really cool! As for power adders. I use the Banks products and am very pleased. You may have a hard time because 90% of your application will be custom. I know guys that run propane and nitrous power adders on their PSD's but that is just crazy power! A lot more than I'm looking for.

[h150]

Thanks
it is a great project, I have learn a lot on fabrication
I have been working on it for the past 3year, mostly because I’m on a strict budget
That was one condition my wife agreed on the project, cost must be kept down
for the price I can get the complete school bus with the running 7.3 , even if I have to locate a new 4x4 transmission, I figure I’m ahead of the game. The 5.8 would cost me close to $3000 for a good rebuilt with aftermarket head and intake, and that’s not counting transmission rebuilt

Originally Posted by PowerStroken090

Your H-150 looks pretty heavy and I beleive the power you can get out of a modern diesel will please you greatly. Becides, they sound really cool! As for power adders. I use the Banks products and am very pleased. You may have a hard time because 90% of your application will be custom.

this is the main reason I’m considering the 7.3 there a lot of power potential in them not to mention aftermarket parts for them. It would take a supercharge on the 5.8 to make the stock torque of a 7.3PSD, we all know it’s torque that get those heavy truck moving

[Banshee34]

WELCOME H150!!!!

That is one heck of a project ya got goin!

[super_stroke]

that's awesome! I'm putin my order in.:burnout

[PSD73]

As far as cold weather starts, if you keep good batteries, good glow plugs, and glow plug relays you should have no trouble starting in the winter. I talk to buddies in Alaska and this is what they say. As far as the Banks system, it is a good system but very pricey. With the amount of re-fabrication you will have to do I would suggest you buy your needs from different vendors and get as close as what you can use from each one. You can get the same or better performance as Banks by doing it this way and save lots of dollars. Their prices have to pay for a lot of advertising.