All,
I was working to do all the research and line up my plan myself. I think I am ready to go. Just looking for final input and validation to execute.

Truck:
2003 F350 2WD, CC, DRW, 7.3 230k miles. Is a Florida, Arizona truck so body and frame are in great shape.

Intended Use:
Wife and I are retired and will be traveling the US and Canada for months at a time. We are older and have physical issues that now prevent me from easily working on the truck on the side of the road.
Towing 40ft Raptor Toy Hauler maxed out is about 17k lbs.
We live in AZ and regularly tow the Rockies, Cali mountains, and AZ/NM Mountains.

Issue / Background:
Have spent 5 months chasing coolant in the oil pan, and pressurization of coolant system, and Hydrolock. Have changed cups to Riffraff Stainless Steel on all eight, and reringed all injectors (Alliant orings), changed water pump, installed Mishimoto radiator and new overflow bottle.

At this point 90% sure I have pinhole/crack in block (could be head gasket, could be cracked head) but betting on block.

Mechanic just yanked engine today. Haven't taken the heads off yet.

My Plan and Feedback I Am Looking For:

I am looking at pulling the trigger on a J&K reman long block with forged rods, studded head, all 8 sleaved, Smith Brothers Pushrods, Comp 910 Valve Springs (does anyone have experience with J&K? They look like a tight ship and say everything right)

Looking at either NEW, stock Alliant AC code 160's from Riffraff...or...J&K pointed me to Holders and said they offer the NEW AC codes where they change one of the springs out that are more prone to failure as well as flow test and match the set. (Has anyone bought from Holder? Their website is confusing and appear to be REMAN AC codes, not re-springed new. They are closed (FRI) so I can't contact them directly.) I like the idea of new with upgraded spring and flow tested. Can get a 30% nozzle as well.)

Finally, I plan on making this as close to a "new" engine as possible by buying all new parts, and sensors, oil cooler, and other direct engine pieces (not AC, Alt, etc) So I will be placing a huge order with Riffraff (about $6K) for all the new parts.
Is a KC Stage 1 with new Alliant AC (maybe spring modified, 30% and flow tested) the right combination for the primary heavy tow, mountains, and desert to get the maximum reliability and longevity, while still upping the tow capability?

Oh, additionally, will be putting in a BTS tranny at the same time.

Thanks in advance!

 

Wow you have some BIG plans! Nice!

I’ve never heard of J&K or Holder.

CNCFab builds engines and have also started building injectors. They’re a well respected company around here. I’d recommend giving them a call.
https://cncfab.us/i-30499228-94-5-03...rs-422037.html


If not going that route I would talk to Jim at Rosewood about injectors.

 

Thanks Jason. Not what I wanted to do, but my hand was forced. If I am going to do it, I am going to do it as right as I can.

Nice Falcon BTW!!

 

Thank you.

I thought about it a bit more and figured I’d float another idea past you. For the money you’ll have in this including engine, trans, and the extras… why not put that towards a new/newer truck? I know they’re crazy money but nothing will replace that 10 speed transmission.

My uncle went from a 7.3 (mildly tuned) to a 6.7 (8 speed?) and there was no comparison. It towed his enclosed car trailer effortlessly. He has since sold it during the crazy market and ended up with a 7.3 gas 10 speed. It doesn’t pull like the 6.7 diesel but still works well for him and out tows the 7.3 Powerstroke with the 4 speed.

Just food for thought since you’ll be pretty deep into it by the time the VISA settles. And those new ones come with lots of comfort, all the bells and whistles, plus a factory warranty.

edit: yes, I’d want to stay with a stage 1 size turbo if using injector nozzles of stock or 30%. You could also consider going to a T4 kit with a 363/68 Borg Warner turbo. More money but slightly better (wider) performance and it seems the bank account is of no consideration here.

 

Agree with Jason, Rosewood all the way, never heard of Holders, vs Rosewood started doing 7.3 injectors 20 years ago and has a rock solid history of satisfied customers

As far as your plans 17k is quite a bit past any 7.3s ratings. I'd recommend a few other things to help with this route.

1st up would be gears. 4.10 or most likely 4.30s for that weight and mountainous terrains you mentioned traversing. 3.73s are right on the edge of too little for our 5th wheel @ 12.7k

Next I'd definitely recommend traction bars, and airbags. Both help with expansion joints in the road and on bridges, bars help a lot with accel and axle wrap once you cross into the 12k+ territory, obviously bags help smooth out the ride

For full time towing that weight an exhaust break might be needed as well. The brakes aren't rated for that high above the trucks rating. Hopefully your 5th wheel has disk breaks

 

Yeah thought about this before I bought this truck. This is my 4th 7.3. I am aware of the towing prowess of the 6.7. That and the updated electronic, interiors, and suspension is enticing. However, I am a 7.3 guy. I love the simplicity and reliability...particularly the complete lack of GOV emission BS! No DEF, no catalytic converter, not even a muffler (unless you want one).

Even doing this build as I listed, I will be spending less then half the price of a reasonable 6.7.

If the fuel system on 6.7 takes a dump it is $13k, If you blow an engine, they are on nation wide back order for (I believe) 2 yrs.

Thanks Guys!

 

I like your plan of attack. I'm holding on to my 7.3 for many of the same reasons.

Can you please post links to the builders you mention so we can take a look?

Anything other than OEM injectors (like 30%) should get customs tunes, so a Hydra or similar should factor into your plans.

If I was to buy injectors today it would be Rosewood or Bitterroot Diesel.

KC Stage 1 is a great choice for stock or near stock injectors.

 

I hear ya! Carry on.

 

I will add to the many voices here that plan on keeping with the 7.3 for as long as possible. What give me the greatest motivation is the lack of electronics compared to the newer trucks. K.I.S.S.!!!

 

Thanks! I have a Hydra already running PHP regular tunes. Will get new tunes to match build. Don't know from who quite yet.

Here is the Engine Builder: (has a lot of state and federal orgs as customers) Make sure to look at the pics section to see the shop and the builds. Also, make sure to check out their bored and stroked 6.3 (383) version of the 6.0. Impressive!!

https://jandkengineremanufacturing.c...diesel-engines

Here is Holder's the Fuel Injector folks J&K pointed me towards. The quote from J&K was that they take the stock Alliant sticks and change out one of the springs that tend to wear by about 200k, then flow test and match the set.

https://holdersdiesel.com/collection...Fuel-Injectors

Of course EVERYONE already knows Brian's Truck Shop (BTS) transmissions, and Riffraff

 

SENT!
Engine ordered from J&K.
All new supporting parts to go on/in engine from Riffraff.
Decided to go with NEW stock Alliant AC code (160/stock nozzle, single shot) injectors and a new Bosch HPOP from Riffraff. Also went with Riffraff's all SS braided fuel lines including an FRx. Retaining the stock fuel bowl with a new 60psi spring. That should take care of the fuel delivery for my config and use.

I will update as we start assembly and install, then again once we are running. I will also provide feedback on the build at mileage milestones and towing.

 

Hello! I have nothing to add except to say that I am in awe of your plans for your truck. It sounds like it is going to rock.

 

Nice!!!

What did you decide for turbo? KC Stage 1?

Don’t forget the bellowed uppipes, plenum inserts, and good boots/clamps.

 

Wow! That is a big commitment and many of us are envious of the journey you are about to take. Literally and figuratively...

We look forward to updates during the transplant and journey!

 

Thanks Noob, but looking at your sig line, it looks like you have done a similar build!