Hi. I'm real newbie here. I have a 2000 Excursion with the 5.4 V8 gas motor, but since I tow nearly 6k pound of trailer and contents for camping (toy hauler), I've REALLY been thinking about moving up a few years to a diesel, but found they last offered the 7.3 in 2003 in an Excursion, while introducing the 6.0 in 2003. So when I found THIS from a Ford site:

NOT being mechanically inclined, I'm completely baffled by WHY a 6.0 powerstroke would or even COULD "provide increased power" over a 7.3 powerstroke? Or was this just an over generalization of the 6.0 being a "generally better motor" than the 7.3 due to better emissions or something?

I REALLY want to stay in an Excursion... I love my SUV, but really? Can a 2003 to 2005 in a 6.0 give me better towing than a 2000 to 2003 7.3L could? I'd really appreciate someone's advice on why one over the other.

Thanks.

 

I dont have an Ex but I love my 6.0L,Gerry

 

get a v 10. The 6.0 is not for soccer moms!(not that you are a soccer mom) and if you are not a "wrencher" stay away from the 6.0. If you really have to have an oil burner, then get the 7.3. Good luck finding a low mile one. I'm liking the 6.0 more now after many hours on this site, but I still think you have to be the right kind of guy to own a 6.0. If you don't mind alot of up keep, then they can be a good truck. and with all the bad talk about them, you can find them for cheep! but for going to the store and the the school, the 6.0 will kick you when you are down!

 

the 7.3 is indestructible. the 6.0 has more power, and also comes with a MUCH better transmission. the v10 is very thirsty, needs to spin fast to make its power, and is pretty reliable.

 

The 6.0l most definatly has increased power over the 7.3. Power is not all about engine displacement. I've driven both. Not even comparable IMO. The 6.0l is like a rocket compared to a 7.3. But like stated, with a 6.0l you need to either be able to wrench on her, or have lots of money to throw at her. Preferably both.

 

the 6.0 later model is a much more refined enigne and better "oporational" efficiency, not just talking about mpg, I am talking about everything that is done to build a much more acurate injection system, and how the engine functions. And it has a better trans.

For the 6.0 to beat the 7.3, it will need head studs and egr delete or block. That is when I can completely say get the (2005-2007) 6.0 over the 7.3

 

Nope, nope, nope.

508HP I would think would beat at 7.3 for awhile and not only do I have a fully operational EGR system, but I have my original fully operational EGR system.

Other then one possible issue with the oil cooler that could cause EGR issues, the rest are most often associated with how the driver works the truck.

 

Ditto Tex's sentiment.

The current general consensus is that plugged oil coolers caused most of the infamous EGR issues.

Keep your coolant clean to keep your oil cooler unplugged, and your EGR system stays happy.

 

Well said! This theme is repeated numerous times everyday in the
forums here.

 

keep the oil cooler unplugged?

 

clean and free of blockage

 

How do you unplug it?

 

Im not a big "wrencher" basic stuff to save a little money and lots of free info from this site on what NOT to do(THANKS). I have an 05 250cc drove it for 30k now I rarely tow but oh my god 6k you hardly know its there. Ive spent 1200 so far on a ficm at 120k seems to be standard. My pops has the ex in a v10 he loves it but the miliage he gets vs. my 6.0 Ill take mine and over a few years with some expenses with mine I will come out ahead not to mention the 6.0 will be worth more with 200k on it than the v10.

 

I was just pointing out this variable for stock trucks

 

Thing is, there is really a misperception with regard to the EGR system. It isn't the issue like what people think. I blame the early years when all the people working on the trucks didn't know what they were doing that led to repeat replacements which led to a false believe that it was the EGR system. That and most people(atleast on here) really hate EPA mandated equipment, even though ironically they aren't the troublesome components that the were when they started out when my parents were first driving.

Even in stock form the 6.0 can be quite good, however, due to tight specs, in totally stock form really requires an owner that has more then just a basic knowledge of how to operate a vehicle in general, which is what puts a lot of people off on the 6.0.

I've had both the 7.3, 6.0, and even the other most worshipped engine out there the 5.9 and I would still take the 6.0 over the other two.