International 7.3
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Joined: Mar 2012
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International 7.3
I just pulled a good running 7.3 out of an 1990 International bus chassis. I have an 88 F350 with a 7.3 and a 5 speed in it which is pretty weak for pulling and thought this engine might be a good replacement if necessary. Are there any differences other than the obvious manifold and exterior parts? Also as far as my 7.3 being a weak puller it's set up with 3.50 gears (or close to it, I just did the math theres no tag left) what would be a good gear set compromise for driving empty and pulling. I occasionally tow up to 14,000 pounds on a gooseneck but never very far or very fast but taking off with a load now isn't easy.
Posting Guru
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 1,840
Likes: 1
From: On the prairie
Those two motors are essentially the same. Before taking the time to swap engines you should first consider why your current one seems weak. If your injectors and injection pump have more than 150k miles on them they should be replaced. Do you have the factory muffler? They tend to plug up. New filters ect should make you run real nice. This motor aint a barnburner by any means but 10k lbs shouldnt feel to heavy behind it either...
Lead Driver
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 6,944
Likes: 13
The International engine from the bus may be different, but I for one do not know what that or those differences may be. All in all though, same engine. As far as gears... i like 3.55's best for all around in a diesel, but most people will recomend 3.73's or possibly 4.10s due to the 5spd. IMHO, gear reduction is crutches for lack of power. I would start with a turbo and some other upgrades, keep the 3.55s and enjoy the 18-20 mpgs.
Posting Guru
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 1,840
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From: On the prairie
the only difference that pops to mind would be accessory mounting due to the fact that the bus may have had air brakes. I've thought of searching one of these out and using the engine mounted air compressor to fill tanks and run air tools ect..
Post Fiend
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 8,005
Likes: 7
From: Ottawa, Ontario
The commercial chassis IDI's have a few little things different, one, the oil pan is on the wrong side for our truck. The deep part faces the front.
Depending on the application, the CDR valve is mounted on the passenger side or drivers side valve cover.
Governed at 2800RPM vs. our 3300RPM.
Here some pics
Depending on the application, the CDR valve is mounted on the passenger side or drivers side valve cover.
Governed at 2800RPM vs. our 3300RPM.
Here some pics
Postmaster
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 3,594
Likes: 2
From: Southern Oregon USA
Correct me if I'm wrong, but I think the flywheel housing is different between the pickups and the IH trucks. Its something that can be interchanged though.
You will just need to use the one from your engine.
Jason
You will just need to use the one from your engine.
Jason
Cargo Master
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 2,123
Likes: 5
From: Fort Worth, TX
The basic engine from the Bus chassis should be the same minus a few little differences. Theory says it should swap in without much difficulty.
The first thing I would do is evaluate my engine and figure out why it is not performing up to par. As said, new IP, injectors and a turbo can really wake these old engines up. If you are always pulling heavy loads, I suggest 4:10 gears and a gear vendors O/D unit if you do much highway driving. I am happy with my 3:55s because I don't pull anything real heavy but I do drive a lot unloaded, so it works out better for me.
The first thing I would do is evaluate my engine and figure out why it is not performing up to par. As said, new IP, injectors and a turbo can really wake these old engines up. If you are always pulling heavy loads, I suggest 4:10 gears and a gear vendors O/D unit if you do much highway driving. I am happy with my 3:55s because I don't pull anything real heavy but I do drive a lot unloaded, so it works out better for me.
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Hotshot
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 18,488
Likes: 22
From: The Big, Oregon
Got any pics of the bus oil pan? Is it a deep front sump or fairly flat?
Back to the OP, that engine might also be a lower HP, I think they could be 180 or 165hp and medium duty versions are often de-rated.
Back to the OP, that engine might also be a lower HP, I think they could be 180 or 165hp and medium duty versions are often de-rated.
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Senior User
Joined: Feb 2012
Posts: 445
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From: western Oregon
Odiie You still got the trans bell adaptor for the engine. I am doing a repower on my MH and need the bell adaptor,ring gear,spacer and bolts. the starter would be nice to. been told its different than a stock IDI. The engine is mechanicly the same. Just the stuff talked about already is different. This engine is likely to of had good care from the bus mechanics. PM me if you still have the parts maby we can make a deal.
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