7.3 IDI - take two
Thread Starter
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Mountain Pass
Joined: Aug 2020
Posts: 143
Likes: 22
From: USA
7.3 IDI - take two
After selling my trusty but pretty crusty '96 7.3 Powerstroke I've been searching for its replacement. Not particular to having a Powerstroke under the hood though it would be nice but rather particular on getting a clean OBS 7.3 diesel. Initially found a '93 f250 turbo but couldn't reach a deal. Another 7.3 popped up but w/o the turbo. It's much cleaner than the previous IDI.
If I would get the n/a IDI I'd definitely like to install the turbo.
- Does a 4" exhaust make sense on an IDI and will it require modifications to the cab firewall like it does on the 95-97 models?
- What would a professionally installed turbo cost approximately?
- What turbo kit is the best bang for the buck for the IDI?
- Looking for recommendations on a diesel specialist to handle turbo install in Southern California.
This would be my daily driver. I don't tow much except a bike or two but have several grades to overcome in the daily commute to work.
If I would get the n/a IDI I'd definitely like to install the turbo.
- Does a 4" exhaust make sense on an IDI and will it require modifications to the cab firewall like it does on the 95-97 models?
- What would a professionally installed turbo cost approximately?
- What turbo kit is the best bang for the buck for the IDI?
- Looking for recommendations on a diesel specialist to handle turbo install in Southern California.
This would be my daily driver. I don't tow much except a bike or two but have several grades to overcome in the daily commute to work.
Thread Starter
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Mountain Pass
Joined: Aug 2020
Posts: 143
Likes: 22
From: USA
Just came back from a test drive. Loved everything except for how heavy the clutch is. Frankly, wasn't expecting to get a leg press workout. I get that that's how they are but it's slated to be a daily driver and the clutch feel is a major factor. Is there a solution? I'm leaning towards getting the truck...
Thread Starter
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Mountain Pass
Joined: Aug 2020
Posts: 143
Likes: 22
From: USA
California does not require smog for pre'98 diesel vehicles, making the OBS diesel that much more attractive. However, I'm afraid you may right about the OBS not too suitable for daily. Will need to broaden the horizons...perhaps 7.3 Powerstroke Super Duty or...?
i ain't rite
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 65,586
Likes: 5,616
From: Marlboro Mental Hospital.
7.3 idi is a great engine. turbo can be put on in one day by two people with mechanical knowledge.
used kits are usually around $1000. new kit is closer to $3500.
a turbocharged IDI with 3 inch free flowing exhaust is about equal to a first get powerstroke
4 inch exhaust is a waste of money, 3 inch is all you need.
used kits are usually around $1000. new kit is closer to $3500.
a turbocharged IDI with 3 inch free flowing exhaust is about equal to a first get powerstroke
4 inch exhaust is a waste of money, 3 inch is all you need.
Logistics Pro
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 3,739
Likes: 181
From: Western Mass
Just came back from a test drive. Loved everything except for how heavy the clutch is. Frankly, wasn't expecting to get a leg press workout. I get that that's how they are but it's slated to be a daily driver and the clutch feel is a major factor. Is there a solution? I'm leaning towards getting the truck...
When my '88 started ejecting springs from its 2nd DMF, I bought the Luk SMF kit to ditch the DMF. Had no idea it would transform driving experience the way it did.
My '93 had a Southbend SMF &clutch when I bought it. Same *****ty feel as the factory DMF in the '88, hated it! When I swapped the ZF6 in, I was able to use a Luk clutch for a Powerstroke with ZF6, and it luckily bolted to the Southbend flywheel with the same holes. Transformed that truck too, and my wife will even drive it when she has to.
You'll want the turbo for sure, what turbo depends on your budget and mechanical abilities. 3" is plenty for exhaust.
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Thread Starter
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Mountain Pass
Joined: Aug 2020
Posts: 143
Likes: 22
From: USA
Luk kit is not expensive. I have a feeling the most expensive part of this operation is the installation. Is there a reputable mechanic/shop in the LosAngeles area that can do an install? After driving the truck and seeing how easily it gets up to 75 mph cruising speed I'd consider doing the clutch first and then the turbo at a later time...
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Tuned
Joined: Dec 2013
Posts: 363
Likes: 37
From: Corinth, TX
the fact that your asking about shops is a big reason to pass on this truck, not to mention you're looking for a daily driver, are you prepared for 13 mpg ?
an IDI is a get your hands dirty, constant state of diagnoses and repair, if you need a shop it had better be a friend,
We have heard to many times, "nobody wants to work on it", "they had it for months and it's still not fixed",
these are "relatively" simple engines but the fact you can't hook up a code scanner and have to use experience as your diagnostic tool eliminates a lot of mechanics, it's like trying to find someone with experience to adjust your carburetor, you're probably going to pay through the nose,
an IDI is a get your hands dirty, constant state of diagnoses and repair, if you need a shop it had better be a friend,
We have heard to many times, "nobody wants to work on it", "they had it for months and it's still not fixed",
these are "relatively" simple engines but the fact you can't hook up a code scanner and have to use experience as your diagnostic tool eliminates a lot of mechanics, it's like trying to find someone with experience to adjust your carburetor, you're probably going to pay through the nose,
Thread Starter
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Mountain Pass
Joined: Aug 2020
Posts: 143
Likes: 22
From: USA
I appreciate all the candid input. I almost called the seller with an offer, glad I went back to revisit this thread. Ruling out IDI for future considerations, I still hope to have a Ford parked in the driveway. Several options are 7.3 Powerstroke either in OBS or SD or a newer 4x4 crew cab. As for the mileage, 13-14 mpg is not bad, considering that my old f350 7.5 crew cab dually got 8 mph regardless of the driving conditions, the '89 f150 5.7 was 11 mpg maybe slightly better if driven downhill with a tailwind and feathering the throttle. I got the best mpg at around 14 from the '96 f250 4x4 7.3. Slowly coming around to the conclusion I may have jumped the gun selling it...
Cross-Country
Joined: Aug 2022
Posts: 75
Likes: 38
From: SE LA
If you decide to reconsider, I don't know what clutch I have, but my clutch is not heavy at all in my 93 turbo CCLB and with my ZF5 and 3.55s and all my fuel issues fixed I get just shy of 20 MPG on the highway unloaded and I am typically doing 70-80 MPH. I have also found my IDI to be one of my favorite trucks I have over owned or driven. It is fantastic and even at 300K+ miles it starts first click of the key and runs incredibly. The 7.3 IDIT would definitely be my top engine choice for an OBS. If I didn't work downtown it may very well be my daily.
As far as maintenance concerns a powerstroke will only be a couple of years newer and likely need all the same stuff with significantly more expensive parts, but if you can't do it yourself you will definitely have a much easier time finding someone to work on a powerstroke, but it seems getting someone to work on anything "classic" these days is getting to be an expensive and slow proposition.
As far as maintenance concerns a powerstroke will only be a couple of years newer and likely need all the same stuff with significantly more expensive parts, but if you can't do it yourself you will definitely have a much easier time finding someone to work on a powerstroke, but it seems getting someone to work on anything "classic" these days is getting to be an expensive and slow proposition.
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 1,312
Likes: 327
From: San Antonio, TX
the fact that your asking about shops is a big reason to pass on this truck, not to mention you're looking for a daily driver, are you prepared for 13 mpg ?
an IDI is a get your hands dirty, constant state of diagnoses and repair, if you need a shop it had better be a friend,
We have heard to many times, "nobody wants to work on it", "they had it for months and it's still not fixed",
these are "relatively" simple engines but the fact you can't hook up a code scanner and have to use experience as your diagnostic tool eliminates a lot of mechanics, it's like trying to find someone with experience to adjust your carburetor, you're probably going to pay through the nose,
an IDI is a get your hands dirty, constant state of diagnoses and repair, if you need a shop it had better be a friend,
We have heard to many times, "nobody wants to work on it", "they had it for months and it's still not fixed",
these are "relatively" simple engines but the fact you can't hook up a code scanner and have to use experience as your diagnostic tool eliminates a lot of mechanics, it's like trying to find someone with experience to adjust your carburetor, you're probably going to pay through the nose,
Mountain Pass
Joined: Feb 2022
Posts: 103
Likes: 14
the fact that your asking about shops is a big reason to pass on this truck, not to mention you're looking for a daily driver, are you prepared for 13 mpg ?
an IDI is a get your hands dirty, constant state of diagnoses and repair, if you need a shop it had better be a friend,
We have heard to many times, "nobody wants to work on it", "they had it for months and it's still not fixed",
these are "relatively" simple engines but the fact you can't hook up a code scanner and have to use experience as your diagnostic tool eliminates a lot of mechanics, it's like trying to find someone with experience to adjust your carburetor, you're probably going to pay through the nose,
an IDI is a get your hands dirty, constant state of diagnoses and repair, if you need a shop it had better be a friend,
We have heard to many times, "nobody wants to work on it", "they had it for months and it's still not fixed",
these are "relatively" simple engines but the fact you can't hook up a code scanner and have to use experience as your diagnostic tool eliminates a lot of mechanics, it's like trying to find someone with experience to adjust your carburetor, you're probably going to pay through the nose,