Hello from Boston!

[B^2]

Hello Everybody,

My name is Will and my wife and I currently live in the Cambridge area. Don't currently own a sportsmobile but looking to buy a e350 diesel and start my own camper van build. I'd love a low mileage 7.3L but its probably more realistic that I'll end up with a 6.0.

Looking for something to haul 10-15 pairs of skis around and occasionally tow my 1970 Datsun 510. I know there is a Boston expedition portal meetup so hoping to check that out and meet other Boston area sportsmobile enthusiasts.

[Ben10281]

Welcome! I grew up in MA and spent a number of years living in Somerville after college. You found a good spot for a great deal of camper van knowledge!


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[B^2]

What's the going rate for a 4x4 7.3L?

I know 7.3L that are beat to hell can be found reasonably cheap but it seems like ones with a 4x4 conversion are very rare. Don't have the money for a full SMB build given that we are trying to buy a house.

[daveb]

Welcome to the site. We try to discourage gas engines vs diesel engines threads just because it has been beaten death
That said I'd sure consider a V-10 unless you're willing to throw an extra 10-15K on an engine upgrade on the 6.0 PSD. Don't get me wrong, unlike many others here, I'm really satisfied with my 6.0 but wonder just how far I could have gone in a V-10 (fuel wise) with 15,000 bucks of gas in the bank.

Anyway good luck on your build.

[B^2]

Originally Posted by daveb

Welcome to the site. We try to discourage gas engines vs diesel engines threads just because it has been beaten death
That said I'd sure consider a V-10 unless you're willing to throw an extra 10-15K on an engine upgrade on the 6.0 PSD. Don't get me wrong, unlike many others here, I'm really satisfied with my 6.0 but wonder just how far I could have gone in a V-10 (fuel wise) with 15,000 bucks of gas in the bank.

Anyway good luck on your build.

Can you elaborate on what engine upgrades you've done to the tune of 10-15k? I know a lot of people recommend the bullet proof kit which is $2,195 without labor. The diesel van I'm looking at has about 160k miles on it.

That being said, I'm still learning about the pitfalls of the 6.0L, so the insight is appreciated.


What's the towing capacity on the v10?

[daveb]

Originally Posted by B^2

Can you elaborate on what engine upgrades you've done to the tune of 10-15k? I know a lot of people recommend the bullet proof kit which is $2,195 without labor. The diesel van I'm looking at has about 160k miles on it.

That being said, I'm still learning about the pitfalls of the 6.0L, so the insight is appreciated.


What's the towing capacity on the v10?

Depends how deep you want to go and if you do it in stages or not. I just had some extra work done that should have been done the first go around.
There is a list on the site that Joe did. It shows all the little things required to rebuild the engine except the obvious (belt, hoses, tubing… etc.) Another item I added was a specific turbo…it was 2K by itself. Here is a basic list off the top of my head:
Heads & studs, New turbo, BP-EGR cooler, BP-remote coolant filter, Twin oil filter system, Air DogII fuel pump, Aluminum radiator, BP-water pump, XP-270 alternator with remote smart regulator and upgraded battery bus wire, BP-FICM, New wiring harness (harness heat wrapped), I did a new Ford oil cooler when the engine was tore down but most go with a remote cooler. I had also installed Auto meter gauges over the years but just installed a new DP tuner. I had a cold air box installed and heat wrapped most of the up and down pipes. Not really an engine upgrade but I added a High capacity transmission pan. Most do a remote cooler as well. Guess that is next on the list.
Another approach is to go with a crate motor and reuse as much as you can...at least you'll get an upgraded motor.