It sounds like that little 4BT is more powerful than I thought!

I am familiar with the normally asperated models that you might find in a skid-steer etc....

The 6.5 is not a bad engine per se' I have one with about 150,000 miles on it and other than the injection system it's been trouble free. It's not my first choice in diesels though!

I wouldn't have thought a 235 would have much power. My F-600 came originally with a 223 cu-in 6. They were VERY anemic. I do know that the GM 235 /230/250/292 engines were probably the best inline sixes ever produced by anyone!


I like the 4-53T. I spoke with Grigg about his and it looks like he's going to have a really nice set up when it's done!

Did I read right? You said below that the 6BT is cheaper than the 4BT? I thought the 4BT's would be cheaper. Aren't the ones on EBAY around $2500 or so? I suppose the 6BT's are more available since Dodge has been using them since about 1989


Anyway it sounds like your's will be a great set up! I did not know that you could safely get over about 150hp out of a 4BT.

I would bet with the right gearing you could get 25+ mpg in a 3/4 or 1ton pickup with one.





Quote
Originally posted by 4.3in84toy:
I'm doing a 4bt swap on a 53 1 ton and wish I could do a 6bt swap as they are much cheaper. Ebay is not where you get 4bts unless you want to pay all the money.

You haven't been around long, not sure if you have been lurking, you'll find most people here are happy with the power/acceleration of a 235 in a medium duty truck.

The stock 4bt I am using is rated 120 hp meaning 300+ ft lbs of torque off idle. Much more than the 235 is capable of in my 39 1.5 ton. Add an intercooler, turn up the pump and a holset turbo will put it around 170 hp with 200 hp and 400 ft lbs not out of the question. If you mosey over to colorado k5 or the turbo diesel register they are pumping them up over 250 hp and 450 ft lbs for rock crawling.

Getting the rpms where they should be is another issue. Gonna start with an eaton 4.10 rear. Haven't decided to stay with a granny 4, torque splitter plus auxiliary or go automatic with overdrive.

There's been lots of diesel discussion here lately with Grigg leading the way on actually getting one completed with a 4-53T.

I can think of plenty wrong with a 6.2 or 6.5 if money isn't an object. But I can't think of a better diesel for the money if you have room for a v8 and not a straight 6.