85 K30 7.3L diesel swap

[Tex_50613]

well I figure I'd start a thread for my 85 K30 Crew cab, I'm currently trying to finish accumulating the rest of the parts to swap a 7.3L International Diesel and a SM465 backed by a NP205 into I'm planning on taking lots of pictures and do a full write up on it and as long as Photo bucket starts cooperating I'll have pics posted shortly

[Dieselwrencher]

Very cool swap! I had a 6.9 in my 76 years back. Have you got the parts to get the 7.3 hooked to the SM465? I have a bell housing from a 6.9 4 speed that should work for you.

[Tex_50613]

hadn't found a Bell housing yet and just got the price quote from Clutch Masters in Waterloo for a full ceramic clutch and new flywheel earlier todayso that would be awesome Dieselwrencher

[Dieselwrencher]

Um, I can get you a clutch made that will be far better than a clutch master clutch. Dude, I bet I could get you a DD made as well. It might take a little time due to getting the fly wheel made, but it would be a billet sfi clutch and be bullet proof. Or, I can even get a hard core single disc made. I'll dig out that bell housing in the morning and take some pics of it for ya big guy.

[Edahall]

This is an awesome build. The International 7.3L is an example of how the GM 6.2/6.5L should have been built from the beginning.

[lindstromjd]

Originally Posted by Edahall

This is an awesome build. The International 7.3L is an example of how the GM 6.2/6.5L should have been built from the beginning.

True, but they were also built for different purposes and designed very differently from each other. The GM 6.2/6.5 look like a v8 gasser, and the 6.9/7.3 look like a purpose-built diesel. I've torn them both apart and worked with them both in separate applications. I like the 6.9/7.3 better, but no one can convince me that the 6.2 is a piece of crap like everyone says it is.

Now... with that being said... I would LOVE to see a 7.3 in an old square body. Just remember the SCA additives in the radiator so it doesn't cavitate!!

[Tex_50613]

Originally Posted by lindstromjd

True, but they were also built for different purposes and designed very differently from each other. The GM 6.2/6.5 look like a v8 gasser, and the 6.9/7.3 look like a purpose-built diesel. I've torn them both apart and worked with them both in separate applications. I like the 6.9/7.3 better, but no one can convince me that the 6.2 is a piece of crap like everyone says it is.

Now... with that being said... I would LOVE to see a 7.3 in an old square body. Just remember the SCA additives in the radiator so it doesn't cavitate!!

the what in radiator so it don't do what? I'm just a farmer here and that sounded greek to me, T was planning on antifreeze from the IH AG dealer locally

[Dieselwrencher]

The 7.3's had a casting problem that over time, rust and corrosion would eat away at the block water jackets and create pin holes in the cylinder walls allowing coolant in the cyliners causing sever damage. Not all have this problem. I mainly have heard this from the early powerstrokes more than the IDI's. SCA is supplemental coolant additives and you can get it at your local parts store or a big truck shop. My favorite is Penray brand. You don't need much to protect your coolant system. Don't over due it, read the bottle and add the amount it says per the amount of coolant your system holds.

[Dieselwrencher]

Ok, I found the bell housing for ya.



Also, I have something that could be an option for you as well. I have 2 diesel 5 speed ZF 2wd transmissions and a divorced rh drop NP205. That'd be a cheap way to get the 7.3 in your truck buddy. Use a stock clutch for the IDI and be rolling. I may even have a stock fly wheel laying around but you may want to upgrade that any way. The 7.3's had a dual mass fly wheel and they usually are worn out or rattler like a SOB because they're loose as heck.

[lindstromjd]

Hmm... I've never heard of cavitating from the PSD's, but I do a lot more reading/lurking with the IDI's than anything. So I guess it's possible. I just know you have to be careful with them and make sure you have the additives in the coolant. If you go to the IH dealer though, they will have the proper coolant to put in it and you shouldn't have any problems at all.

Dieselwrencher, you say you have a divorced RH drop NP205? If Tex doesn't want to go that route, I'd definitely want to talk to you about it. I'm from Ankeny, and my brother still lives in WDM. I'll be driving up that way over Thanksgiving, too.

[Tex_50613]

gave Dieselwrencher a call and think I'll be using the 5 speed and the devorced to make life easer

[Tex_50613]

some of my pics now

[Dieselwrencher]

That's a great truck to start with!

[Tex_50613]

Originally Posted by Dieselwrencher

That's a great truck to start with!

thanks, I wish the cab was in better shape but I may have another from a 2wd CC DRW lined up to use on this frame which will be easy to swap while I have the cab off to finalize the drive train locations on the chassis and was planning on a 2" body lift to ease with some clearances if need be although if I do have to install the body lift I will make it very hard to tell I did so and the truck ought to look sweet with a pair of my bumpers on it.

[andrewmp6]

Is it the turbo or none turbo idi 7.3 ?

[Tex_50613]

non turbo idi but i may have a line on a banks sidewinder kit for it if i want it eventually

[Dieselwrencher]

Originally Posted by Tex_50613

non turbo idi but i may have a line on a banks sidewinder kit for it if i want it eventually

If it's the small non waste gated turbo kit you should be okay. If it's the bigger one, you better be careful. These IDI's need bigger wrist pins to take much boost over 7psi. Ask me how I know.

[andrewmp6]

The idi are good for a normal diesel they ain't fast but run forever and pull anything.I had one in a 92 f250 was a old work truck had over 300k on it still ran prefect tell the auto trans died 2 years later.

[Tex_50613]

Originally Posted by andrewmp6

The idi are good for a normal diesel they ain't fast but run forever and pull anything.I had one in a 92 f250 was a old work truck had over 300k on it still ran prefect tell the auto trans died 2 years later.

this one is out of a 93 F250 4x4 auto and the trans puked it it too, has somewhere around 314k on it, but till it fits in the truck properly I'm not gonna tear it down but eventually I'll freshen it up with with rings and bearings, but for now it's a swap and run kinda idea

[Hoods69BadBowTie]

Nice looking truck to start with looks like its in pretty good shape. Going to be pretty badass when its done. Can't wait to see some progress and pictures good luck with build

[Tex_50613]

Originally Posted by Hoods69BadBowTie

Nice looking truck to start with looks like its in pretty good shape. Going to be pretty badass when its done. Can't wait to see some progress and pictures good luck with build

it needs help, here's the drivers (lack there of) floorboard,


the truck needs some TLC for sure, being as it was a old farm truck and had a plow on it

[Dieselwrencher]

You guys got rain? What's that like?

[Tex_50613]

Originally Posted by Dieselwrencher

You guys got rain? What's that like?

that was like May or June

[Dieselwrencher]

Originally Posted by Tex_50613

that was like May or June

I see.

[andrewmp6]

Yeah diesel swaps can be fun or a pain i have helped with two so far.One was a 12 valve in a k5 blazer the other was a 7.3 turbo from a school bus in to a super duty with a blown engine.One day i will build a 12 valve square body or maybe a 90s f250 just gotta get the cash up first.