Go Go Godzilla

[vandiesel]

Well with a burnt valve and some burnt diesel enthusiasm I’m really hoping I can pull off a 7.3 gas swap. After speaking with MG a new engine and 10 speed tranny for a truck seems optimal. I’m not sure what I’m giving up or gaining over the van 6 speed. The dash solution recommended by MG would be a Dakota digital. Without trying to talk myself into it or convince others that’s it easy why not do it? I’d love to hear from those that know more (most). Assume that cost isn’t what I’m looking for info about only hurdles and difficulties. If there is some giant hurdle I may be missing id like to know. Current setup is a SMB 4x4 with 6.0. I have an all aluminum radiator, hydro boost brakes, redhead steering gear, truck electric vacuum pump, leece Neville alternator, spare DC power 275 amp alt, no rear air, cruise, electric locks, as noted Atlas Tcase and 5r110. Advanced adapters makes an adapter for the new tranny. Will the motor mounts and tranny cross member go right in? Do I need to swap the dash or is it even possible if I wanted to without total brain damage? That’s pretty much what’s on my mental list.

 

[vandiesel]

Also wondering if I should carry this conversation over at expo portal as well.

 

[vandiesel]

Ok I found the company selling complete drop out motors from fords electric R&D division. They are pulled from brand new E450s. Engine complete all the way to the fan and 6r140 attached. Zero miles and all wiring. My mechanic surprised me will total excitement to do it. He said he’s bored fixing 6.0 motors and is excited for this project. I’m ordering the package Friday when the next 15 are available. Total random find. The first 10 sold immediately and this is the next 15 and could be it. $8000 for whole swap package. I’ll probably buy the controls pack for the this so I can do what I want.

 

[WhitH]

Wow! Super interested to follow.

 

[marret]

$8k for the package sounds great to me. Can’t offer any insights on swap issues other than wondering how to make it talk to each other.

Sounds like the controls pack is a smart move.

Sorry about all the issues as well and wish you the best going forward.

 

[Twoxentrix]

Subscribed. Sure hope you're able to make this work with little effort, would be a very appealing option!

 

[1der]

So sorry to read about the failure, especially as you were heading out on your trip.

Definitely will follow your swap adventure. I think your mechanic will have people lining up. It would be interesting to explore a 7.3GZ swap into a 5.4L E350.

 

[doublevan2]

So sorry for your "loss". - BUT - it sounds like you may have a "resurrection" on your hands !? Keep us posted !

 

[landcruisin-SMB]

In theory you should be able to get the mounts for it too? Or maybe they're a factory option. Agreed that the 10 speed would have been sweet, but perhaps the 6 speed means no massaging of the sheet metal. Also agree with MG that dakota dash is your best bet.

Will be following, best of luck.

Don't forget you will probably want lighter rate springs in the front now - just one more thing to add to the pile.

 

[86Scotty]

Seems like a steal at that price. I'd love to see this come together.

There are some van gearheads at Expo who can likely help and if not they'll be interested to follow as well. I'd duplicate this there.

:b5:

 

[nyyankees588]

There was a post from somebody else either on here or on Expo that had the exact same intent, sounds like you found the same company that you are mentioning. I tried finding their post with no luck... but will subscribe to this as well. Seems like an amazing way to breathe fresh life in to an older e-series!

 

[Lilnuts2]

Is this the thread you were talking about?

https://expeditionportal.com/forum/threads/ford-7-3l-godzilla-swap.238166/

 

[Scalf77]

or here: Ford 7.3L Godzilla Swap!, same project as expo.

-greg

 

[nyyankees588]

Yep! That's it! Couldn't find it for the life of me... looks like they haven't made much meaningful progress so far to be of help with this project...

 

[eddyturn]

Just showing this out there - a friend of a friend with a Phoenix RV hated his V10 and wanted to swap a 7.3 gasser into it. They did the swap but have never been able to make it run. Systems difference and were told by Ford that it could be done. Maybe they did not get the right electronics to make it work. Dunno. It's just been sitting now waiting for some solution. No other info but the basics on this swap.

 

[vandiesel]

Just a quick update. I bought a 10 speed 10 R140 transmission today. I’m getting the engine delivered without the other transmission but with the controls pack needed to run it along with a 10speed. I’m also getting the Y pipe and the radiator. The great thing about getting one of these dropout engines is that it comes with everything needed and is still on the engine with the belt still on. From the fan to the tail housing it’s pretty much complete. I ended up going with the company out of Texas that was mentioned in the other ambulance build thread.

 

[Lilnuts2]

Congrats, I'll be watching this one

:a4:

 

[vandiesel]

Dropping it off today! Here is the 10r140 loaded in. It’s only 2” longer that the 5r110. I should be good fudging the atlas shifters.
The ford performance controls pack all ready.

In the parking lot is my old van! Needs a down pipe

And inside another forum members van

Engine ships end of week and Dakota starts on the cluster next week and tells me 4 months! Ugh.

 

[vandiesel]

Ok change of plans going with 6r140. Too much chatter on problems with 10 speed and 6 speed is a known beast. Maybe too hasty getting things going but the 6r140 controls pack is out now son I’m good. My mechanic is very excited to do this.

 

[WhitH]

Cmon! Good stuff kudos for pushing this forward!