7.3 vs 6.0 Excursion
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New User
Joined: May 2015
Posts: 11
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From: Shawnee, KS
I am a little curious about what it is with the V-10 you don't want to "deal with" If you want a diesel just because it's a diesel, I perfectly understand. Based on your planned usage I agree with Tom about the V-10. I had a V-10 2001 Limited..got it with 13k miles on it and drove it over 150k miles--never had a problem. I would still have it but it was 2WD and I'm in MT now. I've got a V-10 now with 87K miles on it of which I have put on 5k--knock on wood-no trouble. I hauled 8 people 625 miles one way to FL every summer for 10 years with the first one.
Like you I debated the diesel route. I do not tow anything big (except a Bobcat several times)so that wasn't an issue. I got turned off by the need to "bullet proof" the diesel for thousands of dollars but I do understand people loving the diesel. I just didn't want a big unexpected repair bill and as Tom said, I can work on it. Also-it's not noisy, doesn't smell and you usually don't have to plug it in even in MT winters.
Like you I debated the diesel route. I do not tow anything big (except a Bobcat several times)so that wasn't an issue. I got turned off by the need to "bullet proof" the diesel for thousands of dollars but I do understand people loving the diesel. I just didn't want a big unexpected repair bill and as Tom said, I can work on it. Also-it's not noisy, doesn't smell and you usually don't have to plug it in even in MT winters.
I DO love a diesel but not enough to have to drop tons of money into one when I get a comparable gasser. After checking around online it does look like the gas engines are still a good bit cheaper than diesel (at first it seemed as if they were around the same price) so that would offset it a bit too.
As you said, I REALLY don't want/can't handle a large, unexpected repair bill at the wrong time. I don't mind the noise/smell but I bet my wife would...
I'm in Kansas so I doubt I'd have to plug in the diesel in the wintertime, BUT I do plenty of short trips which the gas engine is better suited for.
How common is the exhaust manifold issue with the V10s, and how hard is the fix? I'm researching it now but would like input from you all.
Also - can someone give me an idea of maintenance costs on the diesel for standard stuff like oil changes, etc? I'm familiar with the 5.4 V8 and I assume it's minimally different than the V10 so I'm not walking into that engine blind...but I know nothing about the diesels other than you can't skimp on maintenance at all.
Lead Driver
Joined: Jul 2013
Posts: 9,263
Likes: 149
From: In the field...
Pretty much impossible to get people that have purchased a particular option to not defend that decision. All objectivity goes out the window.
Good luck on your decision.
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New User
Joined: May 2015
Posts: 11
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From: Shawnee, KS
I'm a V-0 guy who doesn't do much daily driving but does work it very hard for several thousand miles every year pulling an 11k travel trailer all over the place. I have much respect for both diesel engines but when I was buying it came down to getting a power plant that I was more familiar with and needed less time for care, I have very little free time. There are plenty of very sharp diesel guys here to give you excellent advice on those choices but I'm going to say a few words on the V-10. 
The later ('03+) model V-10s have more threads in the spark plug holes and when properly installed plug blowouts on these newer motors is extremely rare. The V-10 makes a little less power and torque than the diesels but it can do anything they can do, towing ratings were the same for both (properly equipped) V-10s and diesels. The V-10 is insanely reliable and it is not uncommon to see them still running well at 250-300k miles. The V-10 shares the same trans (4R100) as the 7.3 and there is nothing wrong with that trans, it's just not as sweet as the 5R110 behind the 6.0. V-10 maintenance is very cheap and easy, over the past 40k+ miles my EX has needed a fuel pump, air filter and regular oil changes and it's now time for a plug/boot change and trans flush as soon as I have time.
Towing that 4k motorcycle trailer and hauling 5 people will not even begin to challenge a V-10 even with the more common 3.73 gears, and with deeper gears (4.30 were a factory option) heavier loads become easy work.
The V-10's performance can be upgraded with headers, gears and tunes. I run all 3 and it has made the EX feel like a totally different beast than it did in stock trim.
Gas mileage isn't as good as either diesel, but try to only compare mileage reports that are realistic to your typical situation. Cold motors of either type get poor mileage but gassers warm up much faster, something to consider if your typical daily use involves short drives. Back when my EX was still all stock the best tank MPG I ever saw was 15.7 MPG with approx. 70% highway 30% in towns with 6 adults on board. Typical solo tanks averaged about 13 to 14 MPG. Currently with my 4.88 gears I'm seeing solo tanks at about 12.5 MPG, and towing mileage of 8.5 to 9.25 MPG. That's horrific compared to my Metro's 56 MPG but not too bad considering it's a 7k+ lb truck and as high as 19k combined! I'm not sure what guys here are seeing with the 7.3 and 6.0 for typical daily driving mileage, I'm sure it's better but weigh how much better against fuel costs and initial purchase prices.
Good luck shopping, you are doing your homework which is great! You really can't go wrong with whatever motor you choose, just get the one that seems like the best fit for you.
The later ('03+) model V-10s have more threads in the spark plug holes and when properly installed plug blowouts on these newer motors is extremely rare. The V-10 makes a little less power and torque than the diesels but it can do anything they can do, towing ratings were the same for both (properly equipped) V-10s and diesels. The V-10 is insanely reliable and it is not uncommon to see them still running well at 250-300k miles. The V-10 shares the same trans (4R100) as the 7.3 and there is nothing wrong with that trans, it's just not as sweet as the 5R110 behind the 6.0. V-10 maintenance is very cheap and easy, over the past 40k+ miles my EX has needed a fuel pump, air filter and regular oil changes and it's now time for a plug/boot change and trans flush as soon as I have time.
Towing that 4k motorcycle trailer and hauling 5 people will not even begin to challenge a V-10 even with the more common 3.73 gears, and with deeper gears (4.30 were a factory option) heavier loads become easy work.
The V-10's performance can be upgraded with headers, gears and tunes. I run all 3 and it has made the EX feel like a totally different beast than it did in stock trim.
Gas mileage isn't as good as either diesel, but try to only compare mileage reports that are realistic to your typical situation. Cold motors of either type get poor mileage but gassers warm up much faster, something to consider if your typical daily use involves short drives. Back when my EX was still all stock the best tank MPG I ever saw was 15.7 MPG with approx. 70% highway 30% in towns with 6 adults on board. Typical solo tanks averaged about 13 to 14 MPG. Currently with my 4.88 gears I'm seeing solo tanks at about 12.5 MPG, and towing mileage of 8.5 to 9.25 MPG. That's horrific compared to my Metro's 56 MPG but not too bad considering it's a 7k+ lb truck and as high as 19k combined! I'm not sure what guys here are seeing with the 7.3 and 6.0 for typical daily driving mileage, I'm sure it's better but weigh how much better against fuel costs and initial purchase prices.
Good luck shopping, you are doing your homework which is great! You really can't go wrong with whatever motor you choose, just get the one that seems like the best fit for you.
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New User
Joined: May 2015
Posts: 11
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From: Shawnee, KS
Thanks...still have plenty of time to look and I'm in no rush, but I do greatly appreciate everyone weighing in. I was very happy to find such an active community for a truck that hasn't been made in 10 years.
Laughing Gas
Joined: Nov 2014
Posts: 1,118
Likes: 4
From: Idaho
I'm glad you know what you want in a vehicle! Diesels have many strengths over a gas motor in some situations. Great towing power and an awesome sound/feel.
If money isn't an issue, do it! Get yourself the 6.0 or the 7.3. I like the 7.3 (Dad has one) but I've been seeing a lot of options for the 6.0 here.
Don't rule out the V-10 though. It likes the fuel and loves to sip the oil, but the V-10 guys (myself included) love them.
The V-10's that were spitting plugs was usually due to people over doing it with the spark plug change (torquing them down like you can do with the 302), and the issue was resolved in 2003 when they gave them more threads.
If you are looking at buying a nearly 8000 lb vehicle, and you are worried about the MPG, you might need to go a little smaller. The difference in price in petrol and diesel hit a point in the last couple of years a couple of times that you would have almost have doubled your diesel economy to break even with the gassers. The cost of owning either vehicles evens out, it's the economics of it, so don't get into a diesel or a gasser thinking you are going to save any money over the other.
Seriously though, a vehicle is only as good as the maintenance you put into it. Which ever vehicle you choose if you take care of it, it will take care of you. Pick the engine and vehicle YOU want. It's your vehicle, who cares what anyone else thinks.
If money isn't an issue, do it! Get yourself the 6.0 or the 7.3. I like the 7.3 (Dad has one) but I've been seeing a lot of options for the 6.0 here.
Don't rule out the V-10 though. It likes the fuel and loves to sip the oil, but the V-10 guys (myself included) love them.
The V-10's that were spitting plugs was usually due to people over doing it with the spark plug change (torquing them down like you can do with the 302), and the issue was resolved in 2003 when they gave them more threads.
If you are looking at buying a nearly 8000 lb vehicle, and you are worried about the MPG, you might need to go a little smaller. The difference in price in petrol and diesel hit a point in the last couple of years a couple of times that you would have almost have doubled your diesel economy to break even with the gassers. The cost of owning either vehicles evens out, it's the economics of it, so don't get into a diesel or a gasser thinking you are going to save any money over the other.
Seriously though, a vehicle is only as good as the maintenance you put into it. Which ever vehicle you choose if you take care of it, it will take care of you. Pick the engine and vehicle YOU want. It's your vehicle, who cares what anyone else thinks.
More Turbo
Joined: Sep 2014
Posts: 620
Likes: 0
From: Waco, Texas
You asked about maintenance costs in the diesel. I have a 7.3 btw and love it! Oil changes: I get my Rotella at Sam's Club. Usually I spend about $60. Remember that the 7.3 takes almost 4 gallons of oil. Then I get a Motorcraft filter at Advance Auto or whatever for, heck I don't know how much lol. But it's a bit more expensive.
Fuel Filter: this is a must and I plan to change mine every 15k miles. They are around $30 IIRC.
Air Filter: I have a 6637 Filter. It's just a huge open element filter that replaces the stock air box. I got it off Amazon for like $40. I'll do it every year.
All other stuff is pretty much the same as the gasser.
I had never owned a diesel before I bought this last October. I knew nothing about them. Thanks to this site I've learned a ton. I like the 7.3 for all the reasons everyone else does, reliability, blah blah, but it's also simple. Since I was new to diesels I wanted something that I could learn on so the 7.3 was a great choice for that. I tow a horse trailer sometimes but not enough to warrant owning a diesel. (Don't tell my wife that though!) But I really got a diesel cuz I wanted one. I had learned all I could about gas engines, well enough anyway, and wanted to try something and learn something new. The 7.3 is forgiving that way. I don't think I've ever been happier with a vehicle than I am with Ox.
Fuel Filter: this is a must and I plan to change mine every 15k miles. They are around $30 IIRC.
Air Filter: I have a 6637 Filter. It's just a huge open element filter that replaces the stock air box. I got it off Amazon for like $40. I'll do it every year.
All other stuff is pretty much the same as the gasser.
I had never owned a diesel before I bought this last October. I knew nothing about them. Thanks to this site I've learned a ton. I like the 7.3 for all the reasons everyone else does, reliability, blah blah, but it's also simple. Since I was new to diesels I wanted something that I could learn on so the 7.3 was a great choice for that. I tow a horse trailer sometimes but not enough to warrant owning a diesel. (Don't tell my wife that though!) But I really got a diesel cuz I wanted one. I had learned all I could about gas engines, well enough anyway, and wanted to try something and learn something new. The 7.3 is forgiving that way. I don't think I've ever been happier with a vehicle than I am with Ox.
Posting Guru
Joined: Feb 2015
Posts: 1,394
Likes: 1
From: Loveland,CO
You asked about maintenance costs in the diesel. I have a 7.3 btw and love it! Oil changes: I get my Rotella at Sam's Club. Usually I spend about $60. Remember that the 7.3 takes almost 4 gallons of oil. Then I get a Motorcraft filter at Advance Auto or whatever for, heck I don't know how much lol. But it's a bit more expensive.
Fuel Filter: this is a must and I plan to change mine every 15k miles. They are around $30 IIRC.
Air Filter: I have a 6637 Filter. It's just a huge open element filter that replaces the stock air box. I got it off Amazon for like $40. I'll do it every year.
All other stuff is pretty much the same as the gasser.
I had never owned a diesel before I bought this last October. I knew nothing about them. Thanks to this site I've learned a ton. I like the 7.3 for all the reasons everyone else does, reliability, blah blah, but it's also simple. Since I was new to diesels I wanted something that I could learn on so the 7.3 was a great choice for that. I tow a horse trailer sometimes but not enough to warrant owning a diesel. (Don't tell my wife that though!) But I really got a diesel cuz I wanted one. I had learned all I could about gas engines, well enough anyway, and wanted to try something and learn something new. The 7.3 is forgiving that way. I don't think I've ever been happier with a vehicle than I am with Ox.
Fuel Filter: this is a must and I plan to change mine every 15k miles. They are around $30 IIRC.
Air Filter: I have a 6637 Filter. It's just a huge open element filter that replaces the stock air box. I got it off Amazon for like $40. I'll do it every year.
All other stuff is pretty much the same as the gasser.
I had never owned a diesel before I bought this last October. I knew nothing about them. Thanks to this site I've learned a ton. I like the 7.3 for all the reasons everyone else does, reliability, blah blah, but it's also simple. Since I was new to diesels I wanted something that I could learn on so the 7.3 was a great choice for that. I tow a horse trailer sometimes but not enough to warrant owning a diesel. (Don't tell my wife that though!) But I really got a diesel cuz I wanted one. I had learned all I could about gas engines, well enough anyway, and wanted to try something and learn something new. The 7.3 is forgiving that way. I don't think I've ever been happier with a vehicle than I am with Ox.
. Still wouldn't take 6.0 or 6.8...just my preference. I don't haul anything yet! So far a lot of preventative maintenance, one bad unit hub and steering box. Rest is all for the bling!!
-Art
Senior User
Joined: May 2014
Posts: 281
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From: SoMD
When I talk about cost of ownership of a diesel, it's not necessarily the oil changes. Yeah, they are 3x as much as a gasser. More it's the complexity of the entire system. You have oil pressure driven fuel injectors with dozens of leaky O-rings in the mix. Injectors that cost several hundred dollars. I believe I have leaky up-pipes. Fuel system that has a number of regular leak spots and places to get clogged up. More than half a dozen turbo pipe connections that can leak and require new boots. Heck, if it was just change the oil and go I'd have no argument. Someday I'll have replaced all that stuff with better aftermarket parts and maybe I'll get to the promised land of only dealing with more expensive oil changes.
When you add in fixing suspension/steering wander and the other stuff gassers also have to deal with. Not a cheap vehicle to own and operate by a long shot.
When you add in fixing suspension/steering wander and the other stuff gassers also have to deal with. Not a cheap vehicle to own and operate by a long shot.
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Joe Kucinski
Senior User
Joined: Mar 2015
Posts: 126
Likes: 0
From: Loganville, GA
If that's the case, buy a 7.3 and be done with it.
The 6.0, will most likely need oil cooler, EGR will need to be addressed and at that point head gaskets and studs should be done. Reason I suggested a late build 05' was because of a few updates that came with it like updated wire harnesses that was proven to be a problem pre 05'.
I'm sure you will be happy with the 7.3, to me they are turtles even when chipped. That being said I could never go from what I have now to a 7.3, but if you start there you'll never know the difference.
My guess would be half that money in parts.
Welcome to FTE, I'm sure you will get a ton of replies to this thread.
The 6.0, will most likely need oil cooler, EGR will need to be addressed and at that point head gaskets and studs should be done. Reason I suggested a late build 05' was because of a few updates that came with it like updated wire harnesses that was proven to be a problem pre 05'.
I'm sure you will be happy with the 7.3, to me they are turtles even when chipped. That being said I could never go from what I have now to a 7.3, but if you start there you'll never know the difference.
My guess would be half that money in parts.
Welcome to FTE, I'm sure you will get a ton of replies to this thread.
OP, if you've done the research to know the quirks with a 6.0 and you're leaning towards a 7.3 and diesel......There ya go! Problem solved.
Cargo Master
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 2,845
Likes: 927
From: Kaufman TX
Also where do you find the build date?
I'm also in the market right now and leaning towards the 6.0 over the 7.3
Thanks.
Post Fiend
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 26,410
Likes: 6
From: Ft. Lauderdale, FL
Passenger side of motor will have a decal with year look for 2005...
Date built will be on door jam drivers side, that shows you month and year of build.
Early 2005's built used 2004 motor... Many small upgrades were done to the 05' motors, that's why I recommend you find one.
Date built will be on door jam drivers side, that shows you month and year of build.
Early 2005's built used 2004 motor... Many small upgrades were done to the 05' motors, that's why I recommend you find one.
Cargo Master
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 2,845
Likes: 927
From: Kaufman TX
Thanks guys.
So if I check the valve cover and it reads 2005 it should be okay then? Or are the changes mid-2005?
I guess if I need to look at the door jamb for month and year, what month is the starting point of "okay" ?
Passenger side of motor will have a decal with year look for 2005...
Date built will be on door jam drivers side, that shows you month and year of build.
Early 2005's built used 2004 motor... Many small upgrades were done to the 05' motors, that's why I recommend you find one.
Date built will be on door jam drivers side, that shows you month and year of build.
Early 2005's built used 2004 motor... Many small upgrades were done to the 05' motors, that's why I recommend you find one.
I guess if I need to look at the door jamb for month and year, what month is the starting point of "okay" ?
Laughing Gas
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 751
Likes: 11
From: May Township, MN
According to warranty repairs from Ford the best 6.0 MY is the 2006. Since there are only a small handful of 06 Excursions with the 6.0 your best option going the 6.0 route would be like others have mentioned a true 05 6.0 motor. There was a 03 Excursion with a 07 6.0 on the local CL a while back which would have been a nice X.
As far as power a PHP Hydra in a 7.3 should have no problem at all keeping up with a stock 6.0 (if you need more power). Keep in mind the early year 7.3's had a little less power than later year 7.3's. The 2000 MY and early 01 MY had the forged rod motors. Early 99-00 7.3's were dyno'd around 180HP with later version 7.3's closer to 200HP. The 7.3 manual tranny was rated with higher HP but since no X's came with them it's irrelevant.
In terms of creature comforts. If you can find a 02 Limited Ultimate it will have every creature comfort an 05 would have. The Limited is the highest optioned and was the most expensive of all Excursions. The Eddie Bauer's have the two tone seats and only a few 02 Limited's had the two tone seats.
You can always swap out the front end if you really want the 05 look or get a modified grill and do a little modifying of the header and install 05 headlights too. Personally have zero desire to go with the 05-07 or even 08-10 front end. Now the 11-16 front end, whole different story...
There are a few short comings to the 7.3. They are famous for leaking oil... HPOP and oil cooler are typical culprits. In the rust belt oil pans are known to rust out too which means the motor must be pulled and flipped upside down. The auto tranny mated to the 7.3 is a weak link especially if chipped or towed a lot. All 3 of my X's have original tranny's and mileage is 120K, 280K and 320K. The 02 with 320K miles has bigger injectors, Hydra and intake and the tranny shifts fine. Keep in mind it's rarely on the high HP settings as I don't want it to drive like a race car.
As far as power a PHP Hydra in a 7.3 should have no problem at all keeping up with a stock 6.0 (if you need more power). Keep in mind the early year 7.3's had a little less power than later year 7.3's. The 2000 MY and early 01 MY had the forged rod motors. Early 99-00 7.3's were dyno'd around 180HP with later version 7.3's closer to 200HP. The 7.3 manual tranny was rated with higher HP but since no X's came with them it's irrelevant.
In terms of creature comforts. If you can find a 02 Limited Ultimate it will have every creature comfort an 05 would have. The Limited is the highest optioned and was the most expensive of all Excursions. The Eddie Bauer's have the two tone seats and only a few 02 Limited's had the two tone seats.
You can always swap out the front end if you really want the 05 look or get a modified grill and do a little modifying of the header and install 05 headlights too. Personally have zero desire to go with the 05-07 or even 08-10 front end. Now the 11-16 front end, whole different story...
There are a few short comings to the 7.3. They are famous for leaking oil... HPOP and oil cooler are typical culprits. In the rust belt oil pans are known to rust out too which means the motor must be pulled and flipped upside down. The auto tranny mated to the 7.3 is a weak link especially if chipped or towed a lot. All 3 of my X's have original tranny's and mileage is 120K, 280K and 320K. The 02 with 320K miles has bigger injectors, Hydra and intake and the tranny shifts fine. Keep in mind it's rarely on the high HP settings as I don't want it to drive like a race car.
Lead Driver
Joined: Jul 2013
Posts: 9,263
Likes: 149
From: In the field...
But hey, it's the interweb believe what you want.
