Someone School Me in the 7.3

[dbu8554]

Alright I am not familiar with Diesels or the 7.3 I know how a diesel works, I am extremely experienced with gas engines esp fords, planning on a 7.3 swap into at least my 79 F-250 and maybe into something else but I dont know enough.

Is there a place to go and research the differences in powerstroke years 7.3 models of course.

Where can I learn about the computer control for these engines, dimensions of the engine with turbo's, transmission options, common problems that need to be fixed when buying a new engine all kinds of stuff I know nothing to feed me all the info you think I should be reading about thanks alot guys.

[96whitehouse]

first off welcome bud to the org and i aint sure about every little thing your asking but they have just about everything you want to know in the TECh section let me look and i will post for you

[dbu8554]

No problem thanks for the help guess i missed the tech section will look there myself.

[Dave]

Welcome to the site. Ask any questions you need.

[sldghamr]

common problems with the 7.3:

1. CPS (not a problem if you have the "new" version)
2. under valve cover wiring
3. # 22 fuse going out cuz of fuel heater (just don't have it plugged in)
4. IDM failure (my understanding no problems with "new" version)

things to keep in mind for a long lasting 7.3:
1. do your maintenance, especially engine oil cuz it uses that oil under high pressure to operate the injectors.
2. beat the snot out of it, this engine WANTS to be abused

[Tyler]

The 7.3's really only biggest change was a turbo was added to it in like 1993. Its a 444CI long block, its all mechanically driven, computer's are not much on detail for the 7.3. Strongest Power stroke ever built really. They use AA injectors (single shot) so they are loud, not kitty, no dpf, very little emission control, they didnt have an intercooler until 1999. In 99, the turbine housing was changed from 1.15AR to .84 AR with the intercooler. Also in 99 the AA injectors where switched to AB (split-shots) to help reduced emissions, and to run quieter. The 15 degree HPOP was changed to 17 degrees with the new injectors. It was made until 2004 then replaced by the 6.slow.

[dbu8554]

1. CPS? Crank or Cam Sensor?
2.whats wrong with under valve cover wiring?
3.dont live in a cold area so no worries.
4.whats an IDM?

also whats HPOP?

These things look big in the trucks but I cannot find accurate dimentions for the engines anywhere on the net, if you guys are familar how do they compare to a 4.6 DOHC, or 460 or a Boss 429, are they wide? Or Tall(they look tall) how much stuff can be moved mainly accessories and such as I am putting on in my car most likley.

I am not a tree hugger but if I can run the newer version of the 7.3 that is cleaner that would be nice no sense in making a mess of things if I don't need to right?

Also I know they have turbo's is dual turbo ever come on the 7.3 is one enough, does it ever need to be upgraded, I plan on just getting a 7.3 out of a totaled vehicle my buddy had one that went 500k before he sold it, just wondering if I bump up the power a bit how many miles am I going to sacrifice?

Also anything I should look for when looking for one of these?

What kinds of automatics did they get with overdrive I am guessing just 4 speed automatics and how big are they lets say compared to a c6 or a FMX or a AODE for you newer model guys.

Thanks alot keep the advice coming.

[Dave]

Originally Posted by 97StrokerG

The 7.3's really only biggest change was a turbo was added to it in like 1993. Its a 444CI long block, its all mechanically driven, computer's are not much on detail for the 7.3. Strongest Power stroke ever built really. They use AA injectors (single shot) so they are loud, not kitty, no dpf, very little emission control, they didnt have an intercooler until 1999. In 99, the turbine housing was changed from 1.15AR to .84 AR with the intercooler. Also in 99 the AA injectors where switched to AB (split-shots) to help reduced emissions, and to run quieter. The 15 degree HPOP was changed to 17 degrees with the new injectors. It was made until 2004 then replaced by the 6.slow.

This info is not quite accurate. There were many changes other than the turbo from 93 idi to the 94.5 powerstroke. The entire fuel system for one. Also in 99 they switched from a mechanical fuel pump to an electric system and the injectors and turbo also changed

[96whitehouse]

Originally Posted by dbu8554

1. CPS? Crank or Cam Sensor?
2.whats wrong with under valve cover wiring?
3.dont live in a cold area so no worries.
4.whats an IDM?

also whats HPOP?

These things look big in the trucks but I cannot find accurate dimentions for the engines anywhere on the net, if you guys are familar how do they compare to a 4.6 DOHC, or 460 or a Boss 429, are they wide? Or Tall(they look tall) how much stuff can be moved mainly accessories and such as I am putting on in my car most likley.

I am not a tree hugger but if I can run the newer version of the 7.3 that is cleaner that would be nice no sense in making a mess of things if I don't need to right?

Also I know they have turbo's is dual turbo ever come on the 7.3 is one enough, does it ever need to be upgraded, I plan on just getting a 7.3 out of a totaled vehicle my buddy had one that went 500k before he sold it, just wondering if I bump up the power a bit how many miles am I going to sacrifice?

Also anything I should look for when looking for one of these?

What kinds of automatics did they get with overdrive I am guessing just 4 speed automatics and how big are they lets say compared to a c6 or a FMX or a AODE for you newer model guys.

Thanks alot keep the advice coming.

-first cps crank position sensor
-second nothing if its working right (thats all i can say about that sorry)
-third the IDM stands for Injector Driver Module. It acts sort of like an amplifier for a stereo. You couldn't hook up 18" house speakers to a walkman right? The IDM and injectors work similar, injectors require a lot voltage to start up quickly enough and 12V from the battery doesn't cut it.
-fourth hpop high pressure oil pump

and aint to good with the ford motor but from my understanding id is about or is the same block as the 460 not 100% on that but hopefully someone will change it if its wrong (which they will cause this place only wants the right answer out there)

and as far as turbos you will need to ungrade the turbo if you plan on moding the engine and yeah you can put dual on a 7.3 and as far as mile it depends on how the person before oyu took care of the motor and how you treat the motor.

and as for the trans you will want to upgrage it if you ar going to dump a lot of power into it but not 100% on the newer powerstrokes but someone will

hope this helps a little

[dbu8554]

ungrade I am guessing you meant upgrade?

I dont plan on alot of power, these things made what 300+ HP and something like 500+ TQ right? Thats plenty plus the fact that my car is alot lighter then a truck at least it is until I put a 7.3 in there, 460 size sounds nice good to know its not too big.

As far as mods, a big *** tranny cooler, maybe a bigger intercooler and a good tune for my vehicle size/gearing I think should be all I need and thats it, no smog here, but I dont want to go fast, I want it to get good MPG and last forever.