Question?

[Vic_Rules]

Has anybody ever thought about putting a 7.3 PS in a square body ranger?

I am trying to figure out what it would take and how possible it is. I am trying to decide if I want to try it out, but before I jump into anything I want to know what I would have to do.

 

[Mutant Pony]

It has been concidered here but, the general consensus was that the motor weighs almost as much as the rest of the truck so that it would not make a good swap. There are many other diesels that would fit better.
It wouldn't be much harder than fitting a 460 and that has been done.
I'm not a deisel fan so I am not up on the numbers and specs but, I've read that there is a cummins 4cylinder that works good.

 

[Will]

The Cummins motor is much taller than the International based V8 diesel or a 460. Better is a 6.2/6.5 GM diesel which is about 100# lighter and is capable of 250hp/450ft# with a turbo setup and would give 30mpg in a Ranger.

 

[rusty ol ranger]

...its to bad the 6.2L and 6.5L are smokeing, rattleing turds in stock form, and unless you pour cash into them they stay that way.

What do you want a diesel for? For all intesive purposes a 460 would be eaiser and be just as good (untill you got to the pump), but wiht the extra cost of the conversion and the like a 460 would be the best and most cost effective option.

Either is overkill in a ranger though.

later,
Dustin

 

[fastpakr]

Funny, except for some minor issues with the early versions, they've been remarkably reliable. The military still uses the 6.5 today.

Are you basing your opinion of all GM diesels on the old 350 converted engines?

 

[Mutant Pony]

I'm with Rusty on that one. I've never seen or heard of a 6.2 or 6.5 that was worth owning.
If I could stomach the smell of diesel my pic would have to be the 7.3. Easily upgradable and way more dependable.
I know a guy that is a 100% chevy diehard. He was in the market for a towrig after his second 6.5 took a dump. He fell into a sweet deal on a 7.3 PS. He said that stock the chevy might have been faster. After he chipped it and I installed the 4" exhaust on it he said that he would never own another chevy diesel! If you are not careful you can break the duals loose with 3 cars on the trailer! (his words). He has now owned it longer than any of the chevies.

 

[Vic_Rules]

The 6.5 may still be used by the military, but I know from expieriance that it is junk. That is my job and they keep me really busy over here. Plus the 7.3 has more horsepower and torque then the 6.5.

 

[rusty ol ranger]

Ive known quite a few 6.2L's, and one or two 6.5's all have been absoulte junk. The 6.2's did have some decent power though, but if were talking back in the day diesels give me a 6.9L intl any day.

....and a 6.5L is no match for a 7.3L Powerchoke and neither is a match for a 5.9L Cummins.

I still prefer a heathly, rumbling, fire breathing big block over a smoke belching, rattling, diesel though.

later,
Dustin

 

[Mutant Pony]

I still prefer a heathly, rumbling, fire breathing big block over a smoke belching, rattling, diesel though.

later,
Dustin

OH YEAH!!!