about to buy a ex need advice

[autowizzard]

I am posting this in both the 6.0 and this forum, Ive owned a 02 7.3 f250 nearing 300K but want a ex, I drove a 04 ex with cold air intake and exhaust and impressed with the power, I am a mechanic by trade so i'm doing the work, i will do mods but only drive rough 1-5% of my miles. I tow a 5k trailer daily. Fuel mileage is important. What is the way to go motor wise? I'm between a 02 7.3 and a 04 6.0 both have close to 180K. Also what is the approx cost to do a 6.0 so it holds up? I won't pay for labor but head bolts, egr and oil coolers etc? Thanks for your thoughts. if I go 7.3 with exhaust,a tune how will I compare to the 6.0? I am not a racer but a little power never hurt. Thanks, When I do get a ex I will provide info and as much tech help as I can.

[jdhallissey]

I have a 01 Ex with the 7.3 towing my jeep around on it I get 15 all day long at 665-70 if I slow it down to 60 I am around 17. Jeep trailer loaded with camping/food/tools around 8000 pounds. My 7.3 pulls it and stops it no problem. I have a buddy with a late 03 6.0. I have towed with his truck and got 14ish. The 6.0 feels like there is more power then my 7.3. Does it matter to me no. I am not chip tuned or anything. They both stopped anything I tossed at it. Ohh I towed a bobcat (10,500 just for the machine) and it did fine there too on my X.
Though my buddies truck has been in the shop for a no start for 6 months. They say they fix one thing they finally get it running and then it does the same thing. Guy who owns the shop used to be a diesel guy at ford but I don't think he knows he hand from his ***. For the 6.0's I know you are going to want to do headstuds, EGR delete. HPOP check that too. If it is going don't replace it with the factory-- well you know well enough if you have to fix something you should just upgrade it to a performance part if they are the same price. The 6.0's are great motors, do the normal maintenance when you are suppose (sounds like you will) and they will run a long time.

[chevelless414]

having a 02 excursion I'm kind of bias but of would go with the 7.3 if I was you. i have friends with 6.0's having problems here and there and my 7.3 keeps going with no problems.

[ToMang07]

Originally Posted by chevelless414

having a 02 excursion I'm kind of bias but of would go with the 7.3 if I was you. i have friends with 6.0's having problems here and there and my 7.3 keeps going with no problems.

[Kbergman43]

I'm no expert, but it'll take a couple grand for sure if u want to make the 6.0 "fit" to drive. Although the head studs aren't crazy expensive the labor to do the job isn't cheap, and unless you have your own full blown shop it can't be done by yourself. Have a buddy whose a mechanic at ford, cab has to be lifted off...fun stuff. I may be bias as well owning a 02 7.3 but these engines just run and don't have any major problems (outside transmission issues, but that's no different than the 6.0). I've seen 6.0s go 200k with minimal problems, also have seen them go 75k with big problems. I've owned 3 7.3s and I'm extremely heavy footed and into heavy modification and have had minimal problems with any of them. Worst engine issue I had? Bad seal in oil pump...cost me 8 bucks to fix...I know where my loyalty stands.


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