1994-1998 Vs. 1999-2003 powerstroke

[browka14]

I want to get some insight on the different era powerstrokes. I want to get some opinions from people with experience with both eras. I don't care about the looks of the different trucks because the motor i choose to go with is going in an older truck anyhow. I just want to find out which one to go with in reguards to performance and reliability.

A. 1994-1998

B. 1999.5-2003

[97powerstroker]

smart choice is the newer 7.3 it has bigger injectors,better hpop,motor fed by electric fuel pump.they also have intercoolers from factory.all those items can be transferred to the first gen stroke if you want by why go through the extra work.one downfall of the 2000-03 years is they had powder metal rods instead of the forged rods(i think thats what there called) that the earlier strokes had.pmr's wont last long once you get to 450-500hp.good tuning will prolong the life but your better of with the forged rods.2000yrs could have been a split yr for the rods im not sure,others will chime in with some more info anyhow,goodluck

[trevor95f350]

What are you putting the motor in and what kinda power are you looking for cause I completely agree 97powerstroker but like he said if your looking to make alot of power the forged rods from the older powerstrokes will hold together alot better

[browka14]

I am restoring a 1970 f250 crew cab that i want to put a diesel in. I am not looking to drag race every day, it will be my daily driver so thats where i want reliability but i want something that has a little kick when i want it. i will be using it for towing a mud truck a little. i would post pics up but i can never figure out how to post on the internet, i always have to get help. but you can go to Old Ford Crew Cab Community, Pre 1980 Ford Crew Cab owners community and information source. to see what it looks like.

[suva]

I would go with whatever I got the best deal on. If you're planning on buying a complete truck you'll be able to part out the rest of the newer truck for a lot more than the obs, but it will probably cost more to start out with too. I prefer the automatic trannies in the older trucks, but that may not matter to you.

[Dave]

Go with a 99.5-late 2000. You get the larger injectors and turbo. Plus the forged rods that you would from the OBS

[mean97]

there all good trucks. but id go with 99-03 cuz you can get more parts for them