Cool E-250 Conversion

[Matt S]

I saw a late model Ford van. Had a been converted to a 4x4. The coolest was that it was cummins powered. I couldn't talk to the driver but it looked like a contractors vehicle with ladders on it. They must have had a shoehorn to get it in there.

 

[Andy Perreault]

More proof that it can be done! That's exactly what I'm dreaming of doing. I hope someday you can talk to the owner and maybe get some pictures.

Andy

 

[Matt S]

I think I saw the place of business so I'll check it out.

 

[Mactruck]

http://www.quigley4x4.com/



I've always loved these things.



Too bad they won't shoehorn a Cummins in for ya!

 

[WileyCoyote]

I have a 1983 E350 that has a Quadravan conversion to 4 x 4. I sure would like to put a Cummins in this unit. It only has 32,000 miles on it. It is a keeper.



If anyone can find a Ford van that has been converted, 4 x 4 or not, please advise.



In looking at the problem, my initial idea would be to extend the engine into the van interior and leave the radiator and front end with the stock dimension that came with the 460.

This would make the radiator and AC systems easy to convert, but would make a mod to the engine cover and new driveshafts and transmission mounts mandatory.



Thanks for the help!!



Harry

 

[Bad340fish]

That would be one hell of a center console lol. And it would need to be about 2" thick to keep the rattle down to a tolerable level.

Clark

 

[WileyCoyote]

Fish--



Actually, the doghouse engine cover needs to be extended only about 8". The reason that I am thinking this way for the van is that extending the firewall on a truck is a really big deal. On the van, there is no such problem.



Think about extending the doghouse versus moving the radiator, AC, and all the other items forward in the already cramped area of an E 350. We'll see. I do not know where the intercooler would go if the radiator was move forward 6" from where it is now.



Also, the powerstroke vans use what appears to be almost the same doghouse engine cover as the gasoline models. Noise is not unacceptable.



The powerstokes are really cramped back into the interior of the vans. The inline 6 looks like it would fit better in all respects except for length.



Additional insulation would be needed for the extension to the dognouse but this does not look all that difficult. There are some really good stuff available for aircraft.



Maybe when I have more time. Thanks for your input.





Harry

 

[HoleshotHolset]

I can vouch for the fact that the F*rd E-series vans with the Power-Strokes do a pretty darn good job at insulating for sound... . all they have is some 1/2"-3/4" thick heat reflective insulating material and then the usual rubber weatherstrip going all around the doghouse.

I work on ambulances for a living and I've driven many E-series vans without the doghouse... . I wonder why I'm hard of hearing ... . it is kinda neat hearing that big Garrett turbo spooling up less than 1ft from your right knee!!!



Matt - ambulance mechanic to pay the bills (for now... . )

 

[Andy Perreault]

In another topic I discussed how I'm also considering this kind of project. I was thinking, since the vehicle would be converted to 4WD, I may consider a 2" body lift kit, to increase clearance at the rear edges of the front fenderwells, but also to increase space for the engine and transmission to clear the doghouse and the firewall opening above the engine. I have not seen a Cummins powered van in person, I wonder how tall the Cummins is, compared to a PSD?

I used to drive a Ford van with the older 6. 9 liter engine, and the noise to me was tolerable, as HoleshotHolset mentioned.

Andy

 

[WileyCoyote]

Andy--



I can vouch for the fact with my Quadravan conversion that you need additional front fenderwell clearance.



Even with about a 4" lift, the larger tires will drag. It needs more than a 4" lift for the really big tires Goodyear or Michelins. Really, really big tires such as off road mudders are out of the question unless you really raise the body.



Harry

 

[Crash_AF]

Here is a page and some pics of a 6BT5. 9 in an 88 Ford van...



http://cgi2.x-pointcgi.com/~dieselrepower/FORD_CUMMINS_6BTA5.html



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Later,

Joe

 

[Sled Puller]

How about an 1987 Ford Van/Cabriolet Coversion with a 1992 5. 9 Cummins, 4 speed Allison, and a 3 speed Brownie?



There is one in my driveway right now!

I will get pics eventually.

Gene

 

[Power Wagon]

Gads... what a waste of a Cummins

 

[Bad340fish]

It might be a pretty cool Cruiser. To bad its got a slushbox in it

Seriously, I bet the browny is only in there becuase of the alison. Our work trucks(Int 4700s with Alisons) will hardly climb a curb without mashing the throttle until you get some boost up. The standard shift trucks don't do that. Put a 5s in it and BOMB the hell out of it. Go smoke some mustangs in an old for Van lol

Clark

 

[bvanetten]

Randy Bleuth with Reliable Diesel in Mesa AZ has done it. It was a late 80's f350 van like thing. Half van, half pickup... The kind with a 5th wheel hitch on the back. I think he put a 1st gen motor in ti but I'm not sure.

 

[Andy Perreault]

The Cummins Repower Page has a message board, and here's the link to a topic getting into some of the nuts and bolts of swapping a Cummins into an E350: http://www.x-pointcgi.com/~dieselrepower/messages/176.html

Andy

 

[Andy Perreault]

You guys think it's possible to put in a manual transmission in a van? I'm sure it's "possible", but is it "practical"? I'm just trying to visualize where an NV5600 shift lever would stick up out of the floor. Would it be too far back?

I'm in no position to tackle this "dream project" now or in the near future, but I enjoy thinking about it.

Andy

 

[Matt S]

It may shift funny but you could always put bends in the shifter to get it located where you want it.

 

[Sled Puller]

Yes Andy, in a Ford, you would have to put a forward bend to it.

Or maybe install it backwards?