4BT Questions

[JohnMcCarthy]

I have a 1972 Jeepster Commando that came with a 304 AMC and T-400 transmission. I want to put a 4BT in it. I have been watching Dovebid and it seems the P30 stepvans go for around $1500. That seems like the way to get a running 4BT with trans set-up. My question is what year engine, or does that really matter? Most of the vans up for auction are 1980-85 models. I am assuming that these engines are as reliable as the 6BT as far as longivity? Any advise that you guys can give would be greatly appreciated, thanks.

 

[WadePatton]

Steve Patterson (Dieselnutz) has a panel truck 4bt into a Bronco project going on. At least I know he HAS the 4bt and the Bronco. Maybe he has some answers.



Good Luck. I think the 4bt would be ideal in either of those apps.

 

[Rotty]

Well, I got one of those dove bid bread vans.

$1500

chevy models come with TH400 or SM465 manual.

Ford models with a T19 manual 4. 00 first gear. this is what I got.

They are usually repower from the original gas engine.

They are mostly VE rotary pumps, 105HP cpl858 or cpl 7xx

If it is a 120hp model it most likely has the air to water intercooler, directly mounted to the intake manifold.

Various options are gear drive PS pump, gear drive hydro pump, gear drive vacumn pump, belt drive vacumn pump, or some combo.

I would inspect the vehicle before bidding and talk to the head mechanic about maintanace, etc.

They have the same great longevity, supposedly respond great to changing turbo to HY35,9 cm housing.

See first gen pump turn up for increasing power.

Good luck.....

 

[JohnMcCarthy]

Thanks for the input, I am currrently watching some at DoveBid. This will certainly be a learning process for me! I think as long as the engine is solid it should perform well in the old Jeep. I hope to get a look at it before bidding, but it seems that the contact people at the auction locations are hard to get in touch with.

 

[dieselcruiserhead]

If it is a 120hp model it most likely has the air to water intercooler, directly mounted to the intake manifold.

I wouldn't say this is necessarily the case in my opinion, most I have seen are actually air/air charge air cooled, for what its worth...

 

[WM-300]

It depends on the CPL #. I have (2) CPL 857's out of Bread vans, 120 hp Liquid cooled aftercoolers. I have (4) CPL 1260's out of bread vans, 105 hp which are charge air cooled aftercooles. Many of the bread vans within the same company had different CPL # 4B Series Engines.



WM300