Converting 7.3, worth to get newer version?

[Abitibi]

Hi,

I've posted in the general forum but since my ultimate goal is to convert to WVO I thought I might get better luck here.

I'm looking to buy my 1st Ford diesel and it will either be a E350 or the E350 ambulance. Either way I'm pretty set on the 7.3! If I'm lucky the van will already have a 4x4 conversion, if not then its just one more project to add up on driving my wife crazy.

Basically I'm trying to figure if the changes on the newer 7.3 justify waiting to find one over the older (pre-99) version. I read all the post with 7.3 in the titles but I can only get so much from reading, nothing like first hand info...

Once I find the right van I'll be back asking more questions about the conversion.

I've been running my trucks on WVO for the last 5 years, currently have a Nissan Patrol and a Mitsubishi Pajero, both running 2 tanks WVO system. That Ford thing is all new to me but I think the 7.3 is a great platform!

Thanks
Mr. D

[JSchuricht]

I can't say on the van but the big changes on the truck was electric fuel, intercooled (truck only), hydroboost brakes and bigger splitshot injectors. If the vans went to efuel and hydroboost, I would give preference toward those years.

[Abitibi]

I believe the van weren't intercooled? I read about some of those difference (injector, turbo...) but I wonder how it translate on the pavement?

Cheers
Mr. D

[erbilabuc]

why a van?

[drunk on diesel]

There's a 4x4 f350 7.3 ambulance for sale on Houston craigslist.

Truck front end makes the engine much easier to work on vs. van

[Abitibi]

I realize the F serie would be way easier to work on but I mad the "mistake" years ago to get a '65 VW bus followed by a '78 and I got hooked on the van concept. I tried the truck thing with my Nissan Patrol, amazing vehicle but I realized I'm a van guy... Something about being able to walk from the driver's seat to the fridge ;-)

I'm not sure how they manage to fit all the extra gears for a Wvo conversion under the hood of a van but seems like its been done before...

I'm leaning on waiting for the right '03 to come along, might cost me a bit more upfront but I hope to get my money back in the long run! I'm still curious to hear the difference between the older and newer 7.3 though... Also how it affect the Wvo conversion. (Good start for info on sticky)

Cheers
Mr. D

[CharlieC]

As it relates to WVO, i think the biggest difference is electric fuel system on the 99+. I run a '96 PSD and after killing two mechanical fuel pumps, I upgraded to efuel, which is not a tough thing to do. If you get a pre 99, just plan on upgrading the d2 system while you're doing the wvo system.

I helped a buddy do a pre 99 ambulance conversion. Having the engine compartment in the cab like it is meant that it was TIGHT to work on. Not impossible, but definitely a PITA. He did setup a sweet system with a custom tank in the back that the bed platform went on top of. Gave him about 100 gallons of veg capacity, which was awesome. The ambulance package also gives you all the electronics wiring in the back, which is sweet for rigging lights, appliances, etc.

Sounds like a fun project!