Hey guys

I have a 1997 F-350 4wd automatic crew cab long bed in great shape for 240K miles. But it's time for a new engine. Wondering if I must use a 1997 7.3l engine or if I can upgrade to newer Powerstrokes without extensive adaptation--and if that's even a good idea? If so, which newer model engines will work?

Thanks from Colorado!

 

The 99 on 7.3s will bolt right in to the 97. But the 99 on run electric fuel pumps, and the cam has no lobe to run a mechanical fuel pump. Also the later ones have compressed powder metal rods IIRR.

 

Thanks!

Are the compressed powder metal rods a problem? And do the 99+ 7.3s have more/less power? What's wrong with electrical fuel pumps?

Really appreciate the response!

 

Your 97 has the stronger rods but the 99's are fine unless you go for real big power. The 99 and up have electric fuel pumps which are better then the 97's mechanical pump. Just a few minor changes, nothing that can't be done.

 

PMR rods aren't a problem unless you're pushing crazy power. People just prefer the forged rods. Lots of guys with newer 7.3's and mild mods that have never had any problems.

The 99+ was rated slightly higher. No problem with the electric fuel pumps but it would take some work to add to your truck.

Edit: Glenn is faster than I am!

 

I believe the 99's and part of the 2000 models came with forged rods in their motors.

 

I didnt specify because I dont remember for sure but I think 2001 was the switch over year between forged and powder metal rods.

 

Wo, a 99 will bolt in to my 97 plus some fuel pump work. What is the latest model 7.3 that will bolt right in? 2003?

 

2003 was the last year of the 7.3 in the F Series.

 

A little more info I just remembered, The engine wiring harness is different on the 99 and later engines. The 97 harness will have to be modified if you use the 99 on valve cover gaskets, which most say are better than the 97 and earlier ones. And I don't believe the 99 and later harness will plug into the 97 truck.

 

A little more on this. Sometime in 2001 international switched to pmr rods. Not as strong as the earlier forged rods. There is a peep hole in the side of the block to check.

 

Don't forget about the splitshot injectors. They won't work with the '97 PCM without tuning, right?

 

You'd also need the turbo to come with the motor. Your turbo wont mount up with the newer motors without some work.

 

^^^^^^ Simplest approach would be for the OP to replace the _engine_, meaning the _mechanical_ assembly. All the existing electricals / electronics, including engine harness, sensors, injectors, IPR, etc. could be retained. There's the option of using the SD-style UVCH connectors, but the rest of the wiring could/should be what's in the truck now. That leaves the fuel pump as the only challenge.

 

The simplest approach is to find a complete OBS engine and avoid all the headaches. A SD 7.3 swap is doable but I don't see the advantage.