4BT v Hercules diesel

[Ziegelsteinfaust]

I am very interested in building a diesel in a couple years as a side project, and have done a bit of research.

The 4BT is very heavy, and the most common of the smaller diesels with the sae housing. Also it is capable of big HP/tq with a large aftermarket.

The Hercules is much lighter just under a typical big block, and has the sae housing too. At the power level I would build it up too it has very few relibilty issues as I just want it to get out of its own way to make merging easy enough or about 8 seconds to 60.

Both are mechanical which makes swaps easy, and are compact enough with the rear sump.

So where is a good resource for used engines of this nature besides ebay in the LA area?

Also is there other engines that I should consider or look at?

Will these engines work on B20 or B50 in the mid west.

[dieseldude4bt]

I do not believe a Hercules is much lighter than a 4bt.
My 4bt weighted in at 720 lbs about what a big block weights, and less than the GMC v6 that came out of my 4x4 frame.

[Ziegelsteinfaust]

The forums I read said it did, and there was quite a few that did. So that is all I know.

Just intrigued by diesel as of late considering it is cheaper then 87 right now which is weird in my area.

[dieseldude4bt]

I found this on Dieselstop.com: (This Step van is a Grumman Olson on a Ford E-350 chassis. It is powered by Hercules 3.7l Turbo Diesel engine. It has a 4 speed T-19 transmission. This engine provides terrific fuel economy 14-17 around town 17-20 on the highway, depending on load and driving habits" (Excerpt from an eBay listing of a Grumman step van).
I looked up this motor; found the HP was 130....torque I could not find.
weight: 619 lbs.)
100 lbs is not a lot.
If you are doing it for savings it will take a long time to recoup cost and if you count your time as worth anything it may never break even.
But I have had my diesel conversion for 15 years and have no plans of parting with it ever.

[Ziegelsteinfaust]

It would not be about recouping cost. Although my finished truck would be worth more then what I have into it.

It would be about having a truck I wanted.

Personally I just don't feel right in the new trucks. Something about them does not touch my soul.

My K20 would honestly look better with a good coat of fire, but I love driving it. I thought about the 4bt for it in a few years, but it would require more mods then what to do just for it cruise faster then 60. Where as a 2wd the options are easier.

[dieseldude4bt]

It doesn't require a lot of mods, just proper gearing and an overdrive trans to cruise at 70 ish.

[Dieselwrencher]

Sorry, I can't offer any info on the Hercules. I haven't been around any of them.