6.0 or 7.3?

[2.2]

In a couple years i'll be buying an F-250 for my Road Trip and i was thinking of a late 2003 model with the 6.0, for fuel economy.

i've been reading about both engines on here, and it seem that the general feeling is that the 6.0s are riddled with issues, but the 7.3s are very reliable and are a much better motor. The problem is that in doing ~17,000 miles, fuel economy is a big issue, but so is reliability.

So i have a couple of questions, first and foremost, which engine do you guys think i should go with?

secondly, can the you post what engine you've got and your fuel economy please? (highway and in town, if possible)

Please state why you voted what you did, i want to gather as much info on this so i can choose. if you think 7.3, tell me why.

Thanks guys,
Chris.

[Patrick]

05 and up 6.0L if you can afford it. If not then get a 7.3L.

[jphelzer]

- The 03-04 6.0s seem to be hit or miss on reliability...

[Sawed Off]

Im really liking my 06 6.0. I have heard that the 03's had a few problems though. I think that the 7.3's were a pretty bulletproof motor too. Good luck on your choice!!

[Performance Oil Products]

I vote 7.3. I have both and like my 7.3 much better. All of the repairs that could incure on a 6.0 cost more than a drop in 7.3 engine.

If you want piece of mind you will need to head stud it. If not your flipping a coin on the road trip.

These are just my opinion many on here know I have no faith in the 6.0 03-07 they are still needing to head stud them. Changing the torque didn't fix shiot

[Dave]

my vote is 05 to 07 6.0 or any 7.3. IF you get an 03-04 6.0 head stud it and you will be fine

[Hawkins115]

I vote 7.3, I love mine, its never let me down on a road trip, and if I keep my foot out of my stock 7.3, I can get 14-16 mpg highway, but my average mpg city and highway is about 13 or 14 mpg

[2.2]

14-16 on the highway? yikes..

although i've worked out the budget for the truck to be getting 14mpg, i'd be more happy with something in the ~18mpg region.

i don't know if i'll be able to afford an '05 or later model, they '03s i'm looking at are in the $25,000 region. although, that'll drop a little in two years.

so a set of ARP studs should be put into a 6.0? are OEM stud failures common?

Thanks guys.

[Dave]

ive got an 01 7.3 14 to 15 mpg city 18-21 highway when i keep my foot out of it

[2.2]

Now that's more like it.

i think i'll lose a fair amount of fuel economy because the weight i'll be carrying, two spare wheels and 30 gallons of diesel in jerry cans.