Which year is best of the 99 - 03 7.3l's?

[cutlass]

I would like to get some information on which year is the best to own among the 1999 to 2003 7.3L F350. I have heard somewhere that the year 2000 superduty was the year to own regarding overall reliability, build quality, design, and so on. What does everyone here think?

[driximus]

years really dont matter. esspecially if your gonna build them.

[layson]

Kinda depends on what you want too... the newer ones 01 and up have powdered metal rods, not as strong as the forged ones in the early ones. But that only pertains if you want to go for more the 400 ponies...

if that don't matter, the newer the better...

[cutlass]

When did Ford begin to use the powdered metal rods in the 2001 model year? I ask because as we all know the early 99 7.3l is different than the later or 99.5 7.3l when it comes to the types of components used with the motor. Is there a chance there are even some later build dates on the 2000 model years that began to use the powdered metal rods before the 2001 models began coming out?

[Tony V]

I think some in the very very last of 2000 got PMRs. Like layson said it just depends on if your going to go over 400hp. if no then get the newest one you can. if you want 400+ get a 2000

[BKraft03'7.3L]

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[cutlass]

Additionally, is there a difference in power from the factory between 1999 and 2000? Also, is there a year more capable of handling modifications over another? I get the pmr issue, but is there a reason beyond that which one year may have more limitaions on ability to add horsepower over another? Like maybe the computer, injectors, etc?

[Tony V]

early 99s had smaller injectors. 2000 and up has like 140cc injectors. Computers wont really hold you back. I'd just find a good 2000 if your gonna mod it much.

[BKraft03'7.3L]

I had the chance to buy a rather nice 2000 Lariat w/63K on the clock but it had a few more mods than i would care to have when purchasing a used unknown truck. It also ran rather well but it seemed as tho it had excessive blow-by to me and a few other little things here and there threw up read flags. so i opted for the 2003 XLT w/91k completely stock for the same price from a more reputable dealer.

[driximus]

How do you get blow by on a diesel?