Newbie questions

I plan on buying a used diesel pickup this summer and have been doing some research. I have a lot of questions, and it looks like I have came to the right place for answers. I am thinking about gettting a 2002 or 2003 either a F-250or F-350 srw. It needs to be 4x4, with a longbed and a supercab, and an automatic. As I need to be able to snow plow and plan on pulling fifth wheel w/ family I don't know alot about the powerstroke engines. The other diesels I have had were idi (6.9 and 7.3) Now I have a choice between a 7.3 or a 6.0 I had planned on getting one with the 7.3 and doing the downpipe, injectors,exhaust, and chip mods as well as the gauges (which is pretty much a given) Maybe even big oil. I don't need to have the biggest baddest. I don't truck pull or drag. I would like better performance and better mileage. I realize this is a contradiction but you know what I mean. Realiablity is also a major issue. I had never considered the 6.0 but I have recently been looking at it, I know very little about it and would like some feedback/advise. I have also looked into the dodges/cummins trucks but don't like the vp44 pump issues, and won't take the depeciation on a late model common rail. Is the 6.0 a good platform for modifications and if I go with a 7.3 what order do I do mods. I would like to be in the 400-425 hp range. I have heard a lot of bad things about 7.3 having weak connecting rods and 6.0 having head clamping issue?? I would like more information on issues with both engines and wells as model year changes. I am a mechanic by trade and a fabricator and tinkerr and thinker by nature. Please help me make an informed choice and a knowlege based decission on which of these would be a better choice, advise on mods and order of mods (should this read bombing, that is what the dodge guys all talk about)

Elighten me on your Ford/ Powerstroke knowlege.

Welcome to SDD

Well first off let's start with the HP ratings of both motors since you said you wanted to be in the 400+ HP range. Your average 7.3 is what - 235HP while your stock 6.0 is at 325. A simple box and exhaust and your in the high 300+ with the 6.0. Your going to need that plus injectors on the 7.3 to get it to the same area.

As for "mods" (Us Ford guys) on either motor - exhaust - (intake 7.3 only)- gauges and then tuner/box/programmer. Basic gauges should include your pyro, boost and tranny temp.

Now you say that your looking in the 02-03 range. 03 second half was the first year run on the 6.0 and they had bugs to work out. Personally I'd look for a higher mileage 03 - 6.0 which in my mind indicates it didn't spend much down time. 02-03 7.3's were at the end of the run so you have to assume most of the bugs are worked out.

Having had both motors - the biggest problem I had with the 7.3 was keeping a tranny under it. 3 of them under warranty and then I installed a Suncoast after warranty. I don't race nor hot-rod - but I do pull heavy loads. So far at 40K - the 6.0 torqeshift is still the original which for me is a personal best. (I tend to lose trannies in everything for some reason )

Sooo - not to write a book here - based on the year range that you are looking at - I'd suggest that you go with a late 7.3 for ease of modding, no EGR and it's your first diesel. It will cost you a lot more money to get to the HP range that you want though.

This is only based on your year selection criteria - personally I love my 6.0!

Good luck with it all -

Ron

Welcome to SDD Skip,

Lots of questions........... I'll try my hand at a few of them.

7.3 or 6.0? If you are looking seriously at a 6.0 you need to do an indepth search of the truck you are interested in. Ask the dealer to do an OASIS report on it to see what the vehicles service history has been. 03 was the first yrea of the 6.0 and it was problematic. Not all of them but there were lemons in the bunch.

7.3 in 2003 was a good motor. But, as you already said, 400-425 horse is pushing the limits of the PMR's, you go much aove that and you will need to look at forged rods. If you want to drop back to the 2000 model year they came with forged rods. Or move up into an 04 6.0 and 425 is pretty attainable. You are doing the right thing by asking opinions and researching the different engines and brands. We have some very knowledgable 6.0 gurus roaming around here and I suspect one or two of them will be along shortly to give you the real lowdown on that cat.


edit......... Ron typed faster than I did, see, one of the 6.0 gurus is already hot on this.

95_stroker said:

Welcome to SDD Skip,

edit......... Ron typed faster than I did, see, one of the 6.0 gurus is already hot on this.

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Mike I guess that proves that a 6.0 is a little quicker than a 7.3

Glassdude said:

Mike I guess that proves that a 6.0 is a little quicker than a 7.3

Click to expand...

No doubt about it, also leaves said wallet a little lighter at the end of the month than the 7.3.

95_stroker said:

If you are looking seriously at a 6.0 you need to do an indepth search of the truck you are interested in. Ask the dealer to do an OASIS report on it to see what the vehicles service history has been. 03 was the first yrea of the 6.0 and it was problematic. Not all of them but there were lemons in the bunch.

Click to expand...

I love my 6.0. However, if I were forced to replace it (stolen, totalled, etc) I'd look at an 04 or 05 due to previously mentioned maintenance issues. I've had my turbo replaced under warranty plus three of the injectors, again all under warranty. I'm not saying don't touch an 03, just do your homework and you'll be fine. I've got 78k on the clock and she's running great now that Ford has taken care of the turbo for me.

Good luck with your search and post often with questions. Lots of smart guys here who are happy to help.

I love my 6.0. I have an '05 with 14,800 miles. It tows like a champ, never overheats and starts when it's 30 below zero. I have had it in the shop for a front stabilizer shock, 1 new injector, and a few computer reflashes, but other than that its a great truck. I would recommend driving one for a day and see if you like it. I'd get taller gears if you plan on running on the highway empty. I have 4:10's and my fuel mileage suffers(12.6 mpg running empty) but it tows great. If you have a family (ie. kids), GET A CREW CAB!!!! It makes your truck a little longer (and a little more expensive), but the extra cab space is worth it!! I won't own anything but a cc!!!

As for 7.3's...I don't know. People who own them are obviously proud!! Look at this site!! I have never owned one. I have heard that the tranny isn't as good as the Torqshift and has a tendancy to fail if you juice up your rig.

Good luck, and thats my

So......................is the 2000 the only year that came with forged rods? Someone mentioned an OASIS?? How does that work and are there any certain years of 7.3 that are better than others? I assumed that the later year 7.3 such as the 01 and '02's would be better but I guess maybe they're not because of PMR's? What's up with that?? Did the older ones have them also, only one year was mentioned with oem forged rods 2000.??

If I have this figured out a 2000 would be better or best of the 7.3's? I am not that familar with these trucks so please bear with me. I looked at the 2002 and 2003's. Does the 2000 model have the same interior. I really liked the fact that the fords had a factory trans temp gauge. Was that included on all automatic trans diesels or only certain years? And is it any good or does it work like their oil (idiot) gauge?

Since someone mentioned the 2000 being a better year because of the forged factory rods over the pmr's. I am just trying to find out if there is anything I would be trading off by going with a truck 2-3 years older.? Interior, options, powerstroke differences, really anything you know of.?

Also how long do these engines last? I really like the truck and need a diesel for towing. Still fishing for more info? I have pretty much ruled out the 6.0 for now.

What brands of performance products work best for each mod??
I know this is a lot more questions, and I hope that some people will please share their knowledge with me. As this truck will have to do it all, daily driver, snowplowing, pulling fifthwheel and gooseneck. I just want to learn as much as I can before I get one so I don't find out that it really isn't the correct one that I really need. And have to go looking again or worse yet find out the hard way when It gives up the ghost prematurely.

Like I said before I would like to mod to 400-425 horses.

recommendations and advise encouraged and appreciated.

Thanks again and sorry this post is so rambely.
Skip

OASIS is Ford's own system to keep track of vehicles. Have any dealer run an OASIS on the VIN on the truck you want and it will tell you what Ford has done to the truck.

Dave