Interesting information. I did not know that. More proof that I learn something new every day. I've got 183K right now, and only 167K left to find out which 50% I'm in. I'm over the hump and it's all downhill from here...

 

I'm in love with my 7.3. At a little over 100k miles, it's just getting broken in, the mileage isn't bad for a truck this size and it tows well even in stock form... which it won't be for long. I'm biased though, I plan on modding whenever my parts get here. (see below)

I will admit that I like the interiors in the newest generation, but that's a little outside the realm of this thread - and the most of the interior parts seem pretty interchangeable.

I'll probably drive my 7.3 until it needs to be rebuilt and just make a pet project out of building the engine when it gets to that point. :-)

Again, I'm biased.

 

Your earlier point still stands, though. The engine will outlast the rest of the truck, by a good margin. I wasn't trying to dispute that, just that I hear lots of people trying to insinuate that the 7.3 will last as long as a heavy duty diesel...which it's not. Great motor though, and I wish they still made 'em, as that would be about perfect for what I have to tow.

 

I'm already living the "dream" of age and use. Ball joints, spring packs, new creaks and moans.

I think some of the longevity of the 7.3 is a combination of negligible emissions standards (although I have the CA emissions package?) and that the engine came from the medium duty market.

 

You have a choice deal with a high mileage truck and its squeeks rattles and nickle diming with 7.3 power or take a chance on a low mileage truck with a 6.0.

It is what I did the 03 has been okay had the turbo replaced.

I was looking for a 7.3 but after a year I decided time to take a chance.

My brother has a 2000 7.3 you put it beside my 03 6.0 the 7.3 over powers it in engine noise. The 6.4 is really quiet but open the hood and look at the mess under it. Open the hood of a 7.3 or 6.0 you can see the engine.

In todays market buy a gas pot its cheaper and you don't need the roid cushion and personal lubricant when it comes to fixing the diesel trucks.

 

I read recently that the fuel rail crossover that Riffriaff just came out with helps the 7.3 idle a little quieter, but haven't heard it in person. I'll get a sound byte from before and after when I eventually make room in the budget, especially since it's a relatively inexpensive mod.

I haven't heard the different engines parked side by side at idle. How noticeable is the noise difference? Any different at highway speeds? (modified trucks aside, since a 4" exhaust and turbo kinda negate bringing up this particular point)