I've never been in the diesel market, and I'm now looking for something to haul a boat and my camper.

As far as the mechanics, which years of the 7.3 are best. Pre-1994, or after 1994. Keeping in mind I don't think I'll be buying anything newer than a '97.

The truck will pretty much only be used to tow/camp, otherwise it will mostly just sit around as I have a commuter vehicle for work.

 

In my mechanical opinion, 96 and 97 are the best years. You definatly don't want to go pre 94.5. Those are not Powerstrokes. The only reason I don't like the 94.5 and 95's is because if you upgrade the HPOP you run into drain down problems which means no start. Other than that they are fine. But trust me, you will get the itch for more power and fuel mileage. When that happens, here comes the chip, then the injectors, then the HPOP to keep up with the injectors, etc. But that's just my opinion. For me I would get a 96 or 97. Hope that helps.

 

The PSD will give you more power, the 94 and older IDIs will give you simplicity and cheaper parts. If you want to make more power with the IDI it will cost more than chipping a PSD, and still wont make the same amount of power....when you break something 99.9% of the time it will be cheaper to fix the IDI, than it would for the PSD. Its like comparing a carbed old ford engine, to a newer EFI version. To tow I would definately pick up a Powerstroke.

 

Does anyone know the power difference between the 2?

You have to keep in mind that I'm used to pulling my boat w/my 1994 chevy Z71, which is a 5.7L w/3.73 rear end. I think anything diesel will probably be a signifigant improvement.

 

IIRC...the 94 and older IDIs non turbo were 185hp and 3xx ft.lbs. The PSD is 215/425, no idea what a turbo IDI made.

 

Thanks for the info.

 

97 PSD 225hp/480torque

 

you want a 94.5 -97 psd. get a 4.10 rear and mod it you will have enough power then to haul 5 of your boats!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

96-97 and 97 is the better of the 2. they have the most upgraded pcm and parts and would theoretically have fewer miles. they also have the most horsepower/tq compared to all other OBS trucks

-cutts-