Newby question-Which year is the best?

[Hillz]

Hey every one! I am new to this site and I have to say it ROCKS! Looks like a ton of information and good people. I am going to start the search for my dream truck and I was wondering which year of 7.3 was the best for performance and reliability? Was there a HP difference? If you were going to buy a 99-03 F250 Power-stroke 4x4 which year would you buy and why?
I currently drive a 2000 F250, extra cab, short box, 4x4, gaser and I would really like to get a Power-stoke. Thanx for any advice..........Hillz

[zippy557]

dont want to go with a 6.0 ?? anyway, welcome to the org and someone should be along to help you with your 7.3 question.

[BIGGPIGG4x4]

Ive heard from a few people that 2003 7.3 was the best 7.3 made....

[symbols]

Originally Posted by Hillz

Hey every one! I am new to this site and I have to say it ROCKS! Looks like a ton of information and good people. I am going to start the search for my dream truck and I was wondering which year of 7.3 was the best for performance and reliability? Was there a HP difference? If you were going to buy a 99-03 F250 Power-stroke 4x4 which year would you buy and why?
I currently drive a 2000 F250, extra cab, short box, 4x4, gaser and I would really like to get a Power-stoke. Thanx for any advice..........Hillz

Originally Posted by BIGGPIGG4x4

Ive heard from a few people that 2003 7.3 was the best 7.3 made....

Mine is definitely the best ever made

welcome to the org!

[97powerstroker]

the 7.3 was also put in the 94-97 trucks as well.ppl are pretty much gonna say what ever they drive,but i dont think you can go wrong with any 7.3 from 94.5-03.the newer you go the more technology,power and comfort you get ,but there all good and reliable.its all in what bodystyle you want.goodluck

[scraph]

If you head over here: Diesel Technician Society then you can look through some manuals and brochures explaining the design of and changes to the 7.3L throughout the years. In 99.5, there were 2 changes made to the 7.3L... First, the compressor (and compressor outlet) on the turbocharger were increased in size to improve airflow. Second, the intake air heater was added (to reduce white smoke during extended idling in cold climates). The first is an upgrade while the second is claimed to be a downgrade to performance due to the restriction placed in the intake (some say 20%).

In 2001, the 4R100 (auto) transmissions were built for some 6 months with a mechanical diode (instead of a sprag-style clutch) which was determined to be faulty in design and has failed numerous times.

The only reason 7.3L was replaced with the 6.0L was inability to meet new emissions standards. As such, and considering what I outlined above, you are best avoiding the '99 and '01 model years. Purchase the most recent 7.3L you can find.

[Ryan Rønning]

I never met a 7.3 I didnt like but the later one had weak rods and the early 99's had the wicked wheel!

Welcome to the ORG!

[Hillz]

Wow, not only are you people good, but quick to!

I kinda have a thing for the 99-03 Super Duties. Was the 7.3 available all year in 03 and was it available in all the body styles?

[symbols]

Originally Posted by Hillz

Wow, not only are you people good, but quick to!

I kinda have a thing for the 99-03 Super Duties. Was the 7.3 available all year in 03 and was it available in all the body styles?

I believe 03 was the transition period to the 6.0 so some are 7.3 and some are 6.0.

I don't know what you mean by all body styles?

[dmd]

2000.... Forged rods and no diode

The rest you can get from a chip