in the market for a 7.3

[usarmy1986driver]

new here on the forum, i know its annoying when noobs come on the forum and ask basic things like this,(im coming from the mustang world so im not a stranger to forums) but just bare with me. im looking for some outside opinions. ive been advised by more than a few people to stay away from 6.0 powerstrokes esp the early ones due to a number of issues. im currently in the market for a 00-02 or early 03 7.3 powerstroke. my questions are what common problems can i expect from this motor? i do plan common bolt ons, exhaust, tuner ect. does the 7.3 respond well to modifications? do the motors have a track record of holding up well with modifications? please provide as much general info for me as possible, thanks for any help. -nate

[usarmy1986driver]

also, whats the story with the transmissions on these trucks..good or bad. also taking into consideration some average modifications.

[daveyburt]

The 7.3 is generally a strong reliable motor. Earlier runs of the motor had forged rods, later models not (they have what's called powdered metal rods). Forged rods will put up with strong mods, with powdered metal rods you need to keep it under 400hp.

Buy one with a good transmission; one that's been regularly serviced and not worked hard.

Some folks have had fine luck with later 6.0 but, not without a few grand in supporting mods (head studs/egr work for the most part).

If added power is what you're after, the 7.3 will require more add-ons to get there (but then again, studding a 6.0 isn't very cheap or easy either). Try to find a good one owner rig that's been properly maintained and remember it's a truck not a race car. Work it easy and it will work for a very long time.

If you decide on an 7.3, the main diff (from what i gather) is the forged or PM (powdered metal) rods.

Check out the 7.3 forums for stickies on what to look/watch out for when buying.

[daveyburt]

oh yea, I guess earlier r4100 transmissions have what's called a mechanical diode witch tends to fail.....search mechanical diode in the 7.3 forums for more info

[usarmy1986driver]

thanks for the info on the 7.3. so a later model 6.0 with a turbo back and an intake really shouldnt give me any issues? it seems the whole head bolt thing only seems to become an issue when you play with boost, is that about correct?

[NEokcTERROR]

I own Automotive Performance Specialists in Oklahoma City Oklahoma. We build, repair, modify auto and light duty diesel vehicles. We Have a Mustang dyno and also dyno tune gas and diesel vehicles.

I personally own 98.5 CC DRW 430 RWHP, 99.5 CC DRW 415 RWHP, the wifes 2000 Excursion 380 RWHP. I prefer 7.3 over 6.0 for durability reasons only. 7.3's don't run like 6.0's, but when 6.0's had been out for 3 years we were already working on more 6 liters than 7.3's. Now that most of the '05's are out of warranty we work on 6.0's approximately 4 to 1 over 7.3's.

I would not be discouraged against 6.0's if performance is your ultimate goal. If longevity is your ultimate goal I would select a 7.3 hands down. You just need to be aware that if you own a 6.0 for 3-4 years the chances you will spend a large amount of money on some sort of repair is very high.