Gas to diesel conversion

I have an 1989 Ford 1/2 ton Econoline with a 351 Windsor engine. Is it realistic to consider swapping to a diesel engine and which one would be the more natural swap?

[Jarrod]

The diesel weighs a bit much for a 1/2 ton. You must also change transmissions because yours won't bolt up. Dad has a one ton 90 model with a 7.3. Pulls good but it's geared too deep

[billy bee]

Originally Posted by Jarrod

The diesel weighs a bit much for a 1/2 ton. You must also change transmissions because yours won't bolt up. Dad has a one ton 90 model with a 7.3. Pulls good but it's geared too deep

Do you know if it is easier to install a diesel engine in a newer E250? I have a 1994 E250 Sportsmobile (camper van conversion) with a 5.8 and would love to drop a diesel in there. Any ideas?

BillB

[dieselman]

I'm not sure about down there, but here Ford Canada has their Family pricing back out. Best time to get a new diesel E350! A gas to diesel conversion isn't easy. I've done two - in cars. I make my own bio diesel fuel and made my own test cars. It took nearly a year to complete both. Yes, I do work a lot of hours at work. My next conversion will be my durango R/T...5.9L to a 4.0L V6 diesel. It's just too early as my 360 is just getting broke in

With the diesel engine you'll need a new PCM, someone to tune it, a wire harness, transmission, and possibly a stronger rear end to handle the additional torque. I would just buy new then convert, unless you can afford the down time of the vehicle, and the costs to make it happen! Enjoy.

[ecobronc]

I'm looking to do the same- convert my '95, gas-pig Bronco to either diesel then biodiesel or to natural gas. I'm planning to document the process for a film looking at ways for average working people to find ways to become "green" with our work vehicles. We can't afford to just dump gas burning investments and get expensive hybrids. What works? What's plausible? Maybe as a start we can re-tune the common 351s to get 20 mpg. I underestand this can be done incrementally with changes in air-intake, exhaust, more efficient valve parts and lubricants. I welcome all input.