6.0 or 7.3

[dmanlyr]

In our fleet usage, we have had no more or less problems with the 6.0 over the 7.3. The 6.0 is certainly quieter, and much more civilized. My drivers prefer them at a ratio of approx 3 to 1.

However, when it comes to transmissions, (or just the torque converters alone) the tranny behind the 7.3 is much more prone to failure. Ford did definatly improve things here.

While not directly a engine issue, it is no small chump change to change out a trans, and it bears thinking about more than just the engine in your purchase.

David

[knelleken]

ya, the torqueshift transmission is sweet. shifts way better then the old 4r100

[wafrederick]

The 7.3 is a piece of junk too.One of my father's friends has a 1999 super duty that he the engine rebuilt before 200,000 miles.You do not want the 2008 6.4 either,Ford has a recall on them.The recall is regarding flames coming out of the exhaust and this has been happening.My Uncle Steve took his in for the recall and it got worse.If you hear someone getting great MPG out of a powerstroke,full of BS.The get about 8 pulling a trailer.Keep the door open after one has ben running,phew.The exhaust smoke stinks and DO NOT LET THEM SIT IDLING IN PARK! The Ford powerstroke is not made for idling in park and shut them off for this reason.What Jasper does improvements on the 6.0 is 100% true and is not a lie.

[mitch_houser]

I'd go with the 5.9 cummins 24 valve if I had to chose

[pholmann09]

I have a 2000 F250 with a 7.3 and a 6 speed and I get about 21 mpg around town and 27 mpg on the interstate. I have had very little trouble with it, on the other hand I work on alot of both the 6.0 and the 7.3 and the 7.3 always have 200,000+ miles on them and the 6.0 are barely out of warranty and are no stranger to the inside of a shop. The 6.0 are a far cry from the 7.3 but if they are running right then they run good as long as you dont have a straight shift behind it. They werent designed to be with a straight shift, they dont make enough low end torque to pull out of its tracks with a loaded trailer.

[wafrederick]

If you want to get get rid of the 6.0/7.3,there is a conversion kit out there to put in a Cummins in and it goes for $16,000.00.I heard about this today from my local Snap On dealer which he got from a shop he stops by.A place did a test on the 6.0 and went through 4 engine blocks

[97warwagon]

I have a 97 350 with 320k
so it will last ,it still pulls well , but has had its issues
the 7.3 still has the original injectors
oil has been changed every 3k since new,all other fluids as well
ihave allways run lucas upper cyl lube
also no engine mods

[jyount]

Originally Posted by wafrederick

The powerstroke has the worst mpg.It goes like this in mpg:#1 is the Dodge Cummins,#2 is the Chevy/GMC Duramax and the Powerstroke is last.The 6.0 has injector problems too.Jasper does a a whole redo on the 6.0 including an improved turbocharger

I don't know what you are smoking, but it is some good stuff. You are totally wrong. Yes the 6.0 powerstroke doesn't do very good mileage wise as a general rule, there are exceptions, but for the most part not too good. I have had experience with all three and promise you that the cummins is dead last. Don't get me wrong, great engine and well proven in medium duty trucks, but wow. Duramax's aren't bad, and 7.3 Powerstrokes are just as good or better. I had a 97 Powerstroke and it was no trouble to get over 20 mpgs before I started modding it. It did have 3.55 gears and a 5 spd to help it, but no complaint. 8k and 20mpg was good. Even modded I still got 16 or better everyday and I had a lead foot from the word go in it. If you have more power, you do use it.....
I am a certified GM mechanic, so have experience with the dmaxes too, mileage was fine, the only problem I had was no offense to anyone specific, but they were junk shit. In my book they compare right up to the 6.0.....
I would take a 7.3 or a cummins anyday, not a dmax though.
If you are gonna keep a 7.3 stock, get whatever year you want, if you are gonna chip it, don't go any newer than 00, anything newer has powdered metal rods, fine for stock, but a weak point for chipped up....

[fordtrucksonly]

yeah he dosen't know too much about diesel i guess, we've had our arguments on powerstroke vs cummins before.. just ask he remembers me

[Brandon Archer]

6.0L are great motors, just when they first came out in 03 they were tund up to high and keep blowing there powerhead. but the 6.4L are bad ass except kids these days puting tunes in them and blowing the botom end out, if your going to put a tune in one rebuild the botom end

[fordtrucksonly]

6.4s make the power because they are common-rail injection with a CP4 fuel pump

[tbuckit1]

7.3s with acceptable mileage are becoming hard to find and will bring a premium if you do find one. Having said that, I'd hold out for a 7.3, if you HAVE TO have a Ford. Hell of an engine.

If you buy a 6.0L..........the up side is that you will be on a first name basis with the guys at the parts counter AND the head mechanic at your local Ford dealer.

You decide.