Chris Johnson at Rock Tech Off-Road in La Habra, California, was instrumental in swapping the 6.5L into the Scout and provided shop space for this uncommon installation. He performed most of the fabrication required, such as widening the front end to accept a larger four-core high efficiency radiator. Then, Frank brought the Scout home to finish the buildup.

1978 International Biodiesel Scout Biodiesel Engine
He decided to use a stout GM 4L80E transmission behind the V-8 and mounted auxiliary engine oil and transmission fluid coolers under the front seats. The engine computer was reprogrammed by Westers' Garage to improve performance and so it would work without the extraneous GM electronics that were not swapped into the Scout. It all worked, but, unfortunately, the engine seller never mentioned the heads were damaged and the injection pump was shot-which became evident after some post-swap driving. No problem. Frank contacted Wayne Dorchester at Inland Kenworth in Fontana, California, who helped him perform a rebuild. Since the engine was out, they painted the Scout green to promote the biodiesel that would soon be running through its veins.