7.3 turbo vs. 7.3 PSD

[xjvince]

I'm looking to buy my first diesel. I'm looking at '92 to '97 Fords with manual trannies. the power strokes are more expensive when compared to pre-'94.5 with turbos of the same condition an mileage. would i be as happy with a early 7.3 thats got a turbo as i would be with spending the extra cash for the power stroke? economy, power, reliability and ease of maintenance are all concerns for me. on a different note is the power stroke as corn oil friendly as the early engines? thanks for any info, Vince

[Pocket]

There is a HUGE aftermarket for the Powerstrokes, and not much for the early turbo 7.3L. I haven't heard any real reliability complaints about the turbo 7.3L, but then again there aren't many of them around to begin with. If you want to be able to easily repair or upgrade down the road, there is a wealth of info, knowledge, and parts available for the Powerstroke.

As far as bio-diesel, the Powerstrokes seem to love it.

[pfogle]

The big problem with the turbo 7.3s is that it was an aftermarket bolt on. The factory did do a few to appease the customers. What happens is with age the main bearings in the engine start to get a little thinner, and the bearings in the turbo start to get bad, and then you have an oil pressure issue. My dad actually removed an ATS turbo from a 7.3 that was having problems with the oil pressure.. Pressure went from about 15psi to over 40 psi just by removing the turbo.. I think there were other things wrong as well, like the oil pump may have been getting a little weak. All in all, I think I'd use a higher volume pump with a turbo if you want to go that route. The PS also used a different computer than the turbo 7.3.

[xjvince]

could the powerstroke experience the same oiling issues with age or is it designed differently?

[Pocket]

Different design.