Noob with 3 ?s

[nunya001]

Hi Guys - Been lurking here a while and reading as much as possible. So first off - huge thanks for some really well thought out info, particularly CHenry - you da man. I'm kinda going in reverse order of my build. I started out with tons of research and decided Vegistroke is right for me. I've begun collecting my oil and am getting ready to assemble my filtration unit over the next couple of weeks. Once that's done I will order my Vegistroke system, but before I can do that here are my questions:

Overwhelmingly people including folks at Vegistroke seem to think '99-03 7.3L is the best engine to go with - reliability is paramount for me - what do you think?

Professional Mechanic - I know just enough to be dangerous, but am not confident that I could do my own install at the level I want. I've searched for Atlanta area shop recommendations, but results are pretty thin. Does anyone have any good recommendations anywhere in the region (GA, SC, AL, NC) I have no problem traveling or paying for a real pro. Heck - I'd pay even more if they let me help/watch.

I live in ATL, but spend 30 plus days a year in Steamboat, CO skiing, I've read the challenges with SVO in cold and this all seems pretty manageable with the right expectations. That said do any of you have experience in severe cold conditions that I should take into consideration as I plan my build?

Thanks.

J-

[Motown Fire]

The 7.3's are the best in my opinion and the easiest to convert. I'm just a dumb fireman and I did it myself on my nights off. If you aren't comfortable find a good installer, but be ready to pay some labor $$$. I don't think you will have any problems running it in Co.'s freezing temps. I plan on running mine while I am up in Steamboat skiing this coming January.

[Clay Henry]

You will not have any problems on CO with the vegistroke. There have been some recent upgrades to address more heat for these colder climates. Although the onlder version (V2) was in my opinion, was designed for plenty of heat, but the new V3 will way outperform the old V2 in cold climates. The new heated tanks have over 400% more heating surface to the in tank heat exchanger and i will thaw out the entire tank in the coldest climates. It has been tested buy one of the first buyers who i think lived in WY and drove from OR after having it installed and went back through WY in the middle of winter when it was like -20 degrees IIRC and he had no issues at all with the cold.
I think there is also a vegistroke customer living in AK but don't quote me on that.

[nunya001]

Thanks - have been working on my WVO still today - Clay - do you have any input for 7.3L versus 6.0L?

[triplemoutdoors]

Originally Posted by nunya001

Thanks - have been working on my WVO still today - Clay - do you have any input for 7.3L versus 6.0L?

I have a 2000 7.3 and I did the install myself. I downloaded the instructions and made sure I had all of the tools required. The I read the manual over and over for weeks while the vegistroke was on order. I completerd the install by myself over the weekend and it cranked right up when I turned the key! I am not a mechanic I have changed brakes pads but that is about it. You are going to love the vegistroke!