WORD!!! If you looking for pure, raw power, get one with Forged Rods, unless your willing to crack the motor apart (read: taking it out) and installing aftermarket rods. If you just want something diesel that will be quick, it all depends on how much $$$ your willing to spend. A typical 7.3L 99-03 will pull ANYTHING you want, and be able to hold it's own on the street against just about anything, while still being good as a daily driver for a minimal investment. (Your NOT going to get better than mid 12's though with out breaking the bank.) For all out power and a street/strip monster your going want all the expencive internals anyway which are EXPENCIVE.
(Edit: I should have started with this!)
What are your power goals with this truck? Are you going to be driving it daily, whooping up on the High School Kids in there Hon-DUHS, and towing occasionally OR are you just wanting something kinda quick, mostly for pulling your trailer and toating around the family?
If you have aspirations like I do, (EVENTUALLY) your probably going to want all the power in the world in a daily driver that is NEVER going to haul anything other than my chubby butt and maybe the g/f; so I'm thinking of getting an older Cummins or Duramax for whoopin' butt. (That's why I have a Ford PSD...to tow stuff.) The Ford is able to go quick, but it's a lot more expencive than the Duramax and Cummins if your looking for the fastest thing in your time-zone.
For the best bang for your buck, I'd try for a late model 6.0L. They are a lot faster than the 7.3L with the same mods, and can still pull buildings down.
Last edited by Ditty : 01-11-2007 at 09:22 AM.