I've been doing my share of research about the 94.5-97 powerstrokes and have finally found a truck I really like.


Going to look into it next weekend in Belding and was just wondering if any local PSD "experts" had any advice on regards to the powertrain since I'm fairly new to them.


Thanks in advance all!

 

What year is the truck. In my honest opinion the 2 very best years of any powerstroke was 96 & 97. I had a 96 that I bought brand new and had it for a long long time with no issues ever.

 

It's a '97 with 126k on it. I was told the best year was '99/'00 because it had forged rods not powdered rods.

 

That only matters if you plan on going crazy with your mods.

 

The most horsepower stock was the early 99's. They were turned up and the torque was breaking input shafts on the transmissions. They were detuned in 2000.

The most reliable and trouble free were the 96-97. For stock engines.

Anytime you modify you better plan on more money for maintenance. Nature of the beast.

 

The only mods I plan on doing are the "basic" ones that seem to be talked about frequently in the PSD section. E-fuel, the intake upgrade, some tunes (all after the truck is paid for.) Then maybe a bigger turbo and a manual trans, nothing major since my bronco will still be the main project truck.

 

To clarify theres a E99 and a L99 Both have split shot injectors which are quieter and are intercooled.
E is early, less powerful smaller turbo, injectors intercooler piping and a 15 degree HPOP.
L is late, everything is better power wise and have a 17 degree HPOP. .
L99= same thing as 2000-2003
OBSs are not intercooled

 

I know the OBS is not intercooled and that is why I believe I see a lot for sale saying that is has the 6.0 intercooler upgrade.