7.3 or 6.0 Excursion?

cb2004mj · #1 (**permalink**) 04-03-2008, 04:40 PM

Hey my names matt, im brand new to this forum and first id like to say you guys are awesome, there is a lot of info here and it looks great. anywho....

I know these questions have probably been asked but i wanted to source it from the people that know the most on this truck, thats u guys, so im looking to buy a X and ive read all the stuff on here about the 7.3 vs the 6.0 turd.
so the question is this... what have u guys seen for the life expectancy of the 7.3 as far as miles before the motor craps the bed, and what is the best mods to get to increase my MPG?
so far ive found several 01-early 03 X's for decent price but have anywhere from 95k-145k miles, i know this isnt a ton for a diesel but how long can i expect this truck to last and what should i be looking for on this truck for as far as common problems to look for and signs of things to stay away from?
i know this was long but i need a lot of intel. thanks guys

cb2004mj · #2 (**permalink**) 04-03-2008, 04:44 PM

also... i know the basics ive been tuning cars, trucks, bikes for almost 10yrs. so as far as the MPG mods i know
-exhaust
-tuner...DP seems to be the way to go on here
-rim and tire size
but what about..
-intake....Which brand/model is best?
-what else?

Sanchez_315er · #3 (**permalink**) 04-03-2008, 04:45 PM

Start with the search feature of this forum... these have been addressed over and over here.

eatfish · #4 (**permalink**) 04-03-2008, 04:49 PM

Definately start with a search and I would do it in the 7.3L forum for more specific info.

mcallister · #5 (**permalink**) 04-03-2008, 05:17 PM

I would personally go with the 7.3 PSD. I personally have a 2002 Ford Excursion w/ the 7. 3, and love it. The mods are almost endless. I have a banks big hoss, six gun tuner, big head wastegate, compressor wheel, power elbow, exhaust, transcommand, billett torque converter.....and the best of all, a banks intercooler. I noticed a HUGE difference after installing the intercooler. My mileage went way up and runs very cool. I also have a 6.0 PSD in a truck. I have 170,000 miles on it now. I work the crap out of it. I pull 15,000 lb. trailers every other day. I have had a string of problems though. I am on my 2nd turbo, fuel thickem, (brain for the fuel system), new head gasket, etc. Although, I would say that my problems root from a bully dog chip we installed when new. I would strongly encourage anyone that buys a 6.0 PSD NOT TO CHIP IT! The 6.0 PSD comes from factory at 95% of it's potential. The 7.3 PSD comes from factory at 65% of it's potential.

2002 Ford Excursion Limited, 7.3 PSD
mcallister

stangclassic66 · #6 (**permalink**) 04-03-2008, 07:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mcallister

The 6.0 PSD comes from factory at 95% of it's potential. The 7.3 PSD comes from factory at 65% of it's potential.

2002 Ford Excursion Limited, 7.3 PSD
mcallister

Where did you get this info? Not trying to stir dog poop, but curious.

mcallister · #7 (**permalink**) 04-03-2008, 08:38 PM

Chuck Colvin Ford mechanics, Doherty Ford Mechanics.

mcallister

maverick1701 · #8 (**permalink**) 04-03-2008, 09:22 PM

what have u guys seen for the life expectancy of the 7.3 as far as miles before the motor craps the bed, and what is the best mods to get to increase my MPG?

My 7.3 has lasted forever...just turned over to 316000 miles and going strong. I have a 6637 (air filer) mod and am running 2-stroke oil through my fuel right now...it should squeeze a few more mpgs out of her

BobBarry · #9 (**permalink**) 04-03-2008, 09:52 PM

The mechanic at work rattled off 350,000-400,000 miles as the ordinary life-expectancy of the 7.3L.

mcallister · #10 (**permalink**) 04-03-2008, 11:13 PM

Wow, beautiful truck & 316,000! Way to go! 2-stroke oil? Huh, well, I use (in every tank) Essential Lube, Power Service (cetane), and transmission oil. I have a 2002 Ford Excursion Limited, 7.3 PSD. I have a Banks Big Hoss chip, six gun tuner, banks intercooler (a must have!!, mpg increases, EGT drops, best mod to compliment chips and all other mods), S & B air box, big head wastegate, compressor wheel, 4" power elbow from turbo all the way back, transcommand, billett torque converter. I get routinely 22-25 mpg! That is actually hand calculated. My lie-o-meter tells me different. I actually told people on this forum that I got better! We have 7.3 PSD work trucks and seem to hold up great. Some of them with over 200,000 trailer pulling miles. Great looking truck

mcallister

mudmaker · #11 (**permalink**) 04-04-2008, 12:42 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mcallister

The 6.0 PSD comes from factory at 95% of it's potential. The 7.3 PSD comes from factory at 65% of it's potential.

2002 Ford Excursion Limited, 7.3 PSD
mcallister

i dont like the 6.0, but I dont think you have accurate information. There are alot of a guys getting much more power out of 6.0's than stock w/o major issue. Dont believe everything a Ford tech tells ya. They are trained to discourage any mods! Believe me a friend of mine is a psd tech and it is engained in them "mod are bad!!!"

cb2004mj · #12 (**permalink**) 04-04-2008, 07:13 AM

thanks guys, yeah i went through the search and there is just soooo much info in there after 4.5 hours of reading on slow loading internet i figured id just ask. anyways thanks for the info. so far ive got...
-banks intercooler helps all mods and mpg
-reasured me that the 7.3 is the way to go
-and so far people have been able to see well over the 300k mark specially when its taken care of.

kool, thats what i wanted. so u guys know where the best links/sites are to source all these parts as far as best price, reliable service, etc.?
thanks again guys as soon as i get home and pick out my truck ill be posting pics of her

mudmaker · #13 (**permalink**) 04-04-2008, 11:31 AM

Go to the 7.3 forum when you are looking at mods. My advice is ask on that forum before you order anything. It can save you alot of money!!

Here are a couple pages to look at:

Welcome to guzzle's Modifications Web Page

Powerstroke Mods and Maintenance

maverick1701 · #14 (**permalink**) 04-04-2008, 12:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mcallister

Wow, beautiful truck & 316,000! Way to go! 2-stroke oil? Huh, well, I use (in every tank) Essential Lube, Power Service (cetane), and transmission oil. I have a 2002 Ford Excursion Limited, 7.3 PSD. I have a Banks Big Hoss chip, six gun tuner, banks intercooler (a must have!!, mpg increases, EGT drops, best mod to compliment chips and all other mods), S & B air box, big head wastegate, compressor wheel, 4" power elbow from turbo all the way back, transcommand, billett torque converter. I get routinely 22-25 mpg! That is actually hand calculated. My lie-o-meter tells me different. I actually told people on this forum that I got better! We have 7.3 PSD work trucks and seem to hold up great. Some of them with over 200,000 trailer pulling miles. Great looking truck

mcallister

Eventually I will be adding some more cool stuff (turbo DP, chip, some intercoolers)....all it takes it money
With paying for college and fuel prices I have to save up for a while.
oh and btw you should post some pictures... I would love to see your rig

Night Bird · #15 (**permalink**) 04-04-2008, 02:43 PM

Well I had a 03 with the 6.0 in it it crapped out at 107k, FICM, then HPOIP went out. I then traded it in on a 03 excursion with a 7.3 runs a lot better had a oil leak but other than that it is good to go.