1989 7.3 question
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Senior User
Joined: Dec 2007
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From: Blue Ridge Mtn Va
1989 7.3 question
I currently have a 1990 250 auto. , I am looking at a good 1989 7.3 diesel, with a 5 spd. My question is will I feel I've gained power with the 7.3 without a turbo, over the 351??? I pull a goose neck on the farm.
i ain't rite
Joined: Mar 2005
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From: Marlboro Mental Hospital.
the non turbo 7.3 is a powerhouse, but not a drag racer. it will pull anything anywhere any day of the week. it will just take forever to get there.
i would say the 7.3 is slightly better than the 351 in pull out into traffic power, much better in overall towing power, and much better in fuel economy.
i would say the 7.3 is slightly better than the 351 in pull out into traffic power, much better in overall towing power, and much better in fuel economy.
Logistics Pro
Joined: Mar 2011
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From: Central Wisconsin
I agree with Tom, as much as I love the 351, the 7.3 has it beat for towing ability any day of the week. The added fuel economy is a plus. The N/A 7.3 motors are known to last 400k - 500k miles to boot.
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Joined: Dec 2003
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664x4drvr,
I bought a '89 F250 4x4 7.3 about 8 years ago to pull a lite 5th wheel. The 460 I used previously would run circles around the 7.3 on the highway, but the 7.3 was definitely more economical. The '89 had no power for passing - you had to wait for the downhill stretch.
I learned the hard way why the factory switched to turbochargers. I now use a '99 F250 SD 7.3 for towing and would never go back to the '89. The '99 has power and economy, not to mention better ride quality. I think your money would be better spent looking for a '94-up powerstroke.
I bought a '89 F250 4x4 7.3 about 8 years ago to pull a lite 5th wheel. The 460 I used previously would run circles around the 7.3 on the highway, but the 7.3 was definitely more economical. The '89 had no power for passing - you had to wait for the downhill stretch.
I learned the hard way why the factory switched to turbochargers. I now use a '99 F250 SD 7.3 for towing and would never go back to the '89. The '99 has power and economy, not to mention better ride quality. I think your money would be better spent looking for a '94-up powerstroke.
Logistics Pro
Joined: Mar 2011
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From: Central Wisconsin
It won't be equal to stock...If you put a turbo on a non-turbo IDI, its going to jack the compression ratio up and the motor is going to beat itself up, much like the Duramax motor does. And I don't know about you, but I like motors that last.
i ain't rite
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 65,631
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From: Marlboro Mental Hospital.
my 88 has 493,000 miles on it, and 490,000 of those has been with a turbo.
the only thing a turbo does to an IDI engine is make it run better.
and 91 is correct. with minor exterior modifications like turbo, increased fuel , better air intake and open exhaust, an IDI will make more power than a stock powerstroke.
and you can buy a set of 8 IDI injectors for what one powerstroke injector costs.
the only thing a turbo does to an IDI engine is make it run better.
and 91 is correct. with minor exterior modifications like turbo, increased fuel , better air intake and open exhaust, an IDI will make more power than a stock powerstroke.
and you can buy a set of 8 IDI injectors for what one powerstroke injector costs.
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