I'm looking at 3 different crew cab. 6 speed manual sd 7.3s this Saturday. I used to have one and I miss it.( I still have my obs though too ) just wondering what some things to look for are. ?
I pretty much know these motors well , but just wanted your guys thoughts.

 

WHY would you want a 7.3 SD? IF you are going to those fat pigs, get some motor like the 6.0 or 6.4

 

I just want something that's overall nicer inside and I'm more comfortable in. I don't trust my truck on long trips. Things vibrate. Pop. Make noises. Lol. I know the SDs ain't much newer. But I want something for when I have a family that's more suitable.

My truck must've been a project truck before I bought it. And I don't think things were done correct. I know every truck is gonna have it's quirks. But i wanna hopefully buy a nicer overall pickup. And if the right obs came along id look into it also.

 

No way you could convince me to buy a 6.0 SD.. Nicer trucks than my 2000, but no way I'm putting up with the issues of the 6.0... What's wrong with owning a 7.3 SD? I actually like mine. I'm used to a 500+hp regular cab OBS, so my SD is slow, but I'm not mad at it by any means. My SD is no different than having a mid 400hp 6.0, except mine is more reliable..

 

6.0s can be had for CHEAP because people are afraid of them(for some good reasons)

But the 6.0 is a VERY good platform once the bugs are worked out.

I for one will NEVER own another slow 7.3 SD. If I want a 7.3 it will come ins good looking OBS.

but if I want a SD, it will be FAST and have power. So a 6.0 or 6.4. It would get heads studs(which high HP 7.3s need), and EGR delete and upgraded oil cooler.

So for about 3500 you can have a pretty much bullet proof 6.0 that will BLOW THE DOORS OFF A 7.3 SD

 

I worked on enough of them for a lifetime when they were new.I would never own such a heap of mechanical misery

 

The op doesnt want the little quirks in his truck now. Why would you suggest a 6.0 with all its problems. You could always consider sd seats in your truck. That maybe a little more comfortable for you. Cheaper too.

 

Because there is nothing wrong with a 6.0 once the problems are addressed.


ICP, IPR, CPS all cause problems on the 7.3 and SUCK when they go bad. Then factor in the Crappy E4OD trans or 4R100, Terrible turning radius, etc.

Get an 05_ 6.0, have Awesome power nice ride(coils) and be able to turn the truck in more than a football field.

I am NOT knocking the 7.3. But if you are going to UPGRADE, you might as well do it

 

I carry a spare ICP, IPR and CPS and have a John Woods bullet proof E40D. I tow a Geo that can turn on a dime. Any more questions?

OP, do the seats, body mounts, soundproofing, ball joints, etc and you'll be OK. Now with all that said, there isn't anything wrong with a 7.3 SD. Its all in what you want.

 

3 issues with the 7.3.. let's go to the 6.0. ICP, IPR, spool valves, stuck VGTs, head bolts, EGR, oil cooler, FICM.... Anyways.. I know the 6.0 can be a good engine and they are strong runners. They definitely run harder than a 7.3. My uncles deleted 6.0 even made it to 250k before it turned into a whiney PITA that seemed to always need work, but I'm sorry... even a "bullet proofed" 6.0 just isn't as reliable as a 7.3. I've been around them and seen the carnage. If I had a lift and another vehicle or two, I'd probably own one...

Now a 6.4 on the other hand, I could get behind.. just still doesn't have the reliability IMO and when they break they are way more expensive to fix.

 

I respect your opinion Brad. I just think I'm gonna stick with the 7.3. I feel more comfortable with doing so. I'm not guaranteed to buy anything. Heck I may even decide I don't like the sd and search harder for an obs. We'll see. I'll let y'all know what happens.

 

When my first OBS was starting to become a problem for me I traded it for a 01 SD CC SRW 4x4. I thought I wanted one, I ended up hating it.. THO, the motor felt very strong w my programmer in it; a turd w/out. Just like our OBS trucks now.. I couldn't stand to drive one of these things stock. For a big guy 6'+ superduty interiors offer a tooooon more space but at my 5'8 altitude I felt like I was sitting in a fold up chair on the 50 yard line; the truck was too big for me + it drove like a limp noodle... I like the feel of a lifted OBS chassis, it just feels right...

 

Haha. Well I'm 6'4. And I'm gonna just take a gander. And if I get a good enough deal I may just take it. On the other hand I may just walk away.

My brother also had the 03 7.3. Thing was amazing. He just was young and not thinking when he got rid of it for a gsx10r and a dodge neon with cash. (He still gets upset even today thinking about that. lol )

 

Can I pull my ts6 chip from the obs and put it in tbd sd? They would Both be manuals.

 

You'd need new tuning. The obs has single shots and the sd has split shots injectors