Cummins Ford Econoline Van Project

[GillyF59]

Good Morning, I started a Youtube channel to document my project build. ItÂ’s a 1990 Ford Econoline E350 ClubWagon that IÂ’m installing a 1995 5.9 12V Cummins with a NV4500 5 speed and a Gear Vendor Overdrive unit. The rear end gear ratio is a 3.54 limited slip. Final drive ratio out of the transmission will be .58 so based on that I calculated speed versus engine RPM and at 1525 RPM I should be running 70MPH. This van is being built to travel from PA to MT for hunting trips so IÂ’m hoping that I can get 25 mpg. Lofty goal??? I have plans for an aerotail and side skirts and a large air dam, all of which would be removable for the hunting part do the trip. IÂ’d like to get your feedback and advice as the build progresses.

https://youtu.be/E5oeu_d6XWE

Thanks,

Jonathan

[cRiPpLe_rOoStEr]

There might be some clearance issues, but that's a great engine. BTW what's the stock engine you'll be replacing with the Cummins?

[GillyF59]

Thanks!!! The original engine was a 5.8L 351 Windsor V8. The transmission was a C6 automatic.

[Ecky]

I drove a 1995 F150 with a large topper for a while though and was able to consistently get close to 20. It had Ford's 300 straight 6 (a 50 year old engine design) and not particularly tall gearing. I suspect if you can get your gearing tall enough, keep your speed down, and incorporate some driving techniques such as EoC, 25 could be realistic under the right conditions!

[COcyclist]

Gilly, cool project. I hope you can link some photos as you go.

Originally Posted by Ecky

I suspect if you can get your gearing tall enough, keep your speed down, and incorporate some driving techniques such as EoC, 25 could be realistic under the right conditions!

Yes. However, I find Engine Off Coasting to be less necessary in a diesel than in a gasoline engine and may actually harm the turbo in some conditions. I use E-On Coasting and show 300-400 mpg on the ScanGuage while coasting.

[Piotrsko]

Engine should basically fit since they put 7.3 navistars in vans. Turbo will need custom pipes since Ford had to move the van turbo slightly. May have to modify the hot box.

Cali has a mandatory defuel on coast, which was implemented all 50 back in 2005 ish but only on EFI engines and I'm betting you are keeping the stock injector system and pumps

[GillyF59]

Did the link to YouTube work? I posted a link in the first post showing the engine and trans. in place. The setup fits likes a glove minus a couple little items but that’s to be expected. I will have to relocate the batteries to down onto the frame rail to make space for a water to air intercooler.

Thanks

Jonathan

[me and my metro]

Just watched your video, well done. Is it going to grow a front drive axle? I had thought about adapting a twin traction beam to one years ago when I had a club wagon.

[GillyF59]

Yes, it’s going to get a solid front axle. I know that will sacrifice some mileage but this is being for dual purpose use. I have a Quigley axle setup now but am thinking about upgrading to a 05+ Super Duty axle swap for the better brakes and turning radius. I’m hoping the big air dam and side skirts will make up for the added 4x4 axle and additional height that brings.

Thanks,

Jonathan

[freebeard]

I have plans for an aerotail and side skirts and a large air dam, all of which would be removable for the hunting part do the trip. IÂ’d like to get your feedback and advice as the build progresses.

I created this some time back for another thread.

Notable features

• Pilasters on the front corners corner add a radius ahead of the wheelwells on the outside, and a converging duct into the radiator opening on the inside
• Turnpike Cruiser-style skirts add a separation edge at the back
• Mirrors are moved away from the A-pillar like newer buses and fire trucks.