Not to drum up an old debate, but: 7.3 or 6.0?

I am about to purchase a used X diesel. Thought I had an '02 7.3, but it just sold. Started looking at newer ones. Now trying to decide between an '04 X w/ 4k miles, or an '03 w/ 10 or 15k.

I have read many threads on the 6.0's. Would likely stay away from an '03 X w/ 6.0 as a result. Is there a definitive production date that fmc fixed the injector and tranny tow shift issues?

I don't mind about a louder idle, but I do want the power & decent mpg. Any opinions out there on if I should stick w/ the 7.3, or go for the guns w/ a 6.0 (&, if so, what production dates)?

Any other issues to look out for?

Thanks - I'm new to this forum - just stayed up way too late reading alot of posts - interesting stuff...

 

The date I most hear is May 03 build dates on the engine drivers side valve cover near the rear of the engine - that's when they changed some of the early 6-oh's....

Even that date may have some variance since I have an April 03 build date that has been a HORSE
But, how many miles is enough to KNOW you ave a good one??? Not sure... but I got this one as a replacement truck and can do it again if I have problems with this one !

I've put a 4" turbo-back and use a Diablo Predator to boost the 325-560 rated HP-torque to 425-780 rated figures and have had 22k miles in my first 11 months...
and this 7k+ lb truck has low 14's, maybe 13 1/4's in it I think...
(know it has low 9's maybe even 8's in the 1/8th)

I drive it hard around town, drive it fast on long trips, and enjoy everything about the vehicle...

but YRMV... (your results may vary) as they say

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Jump in there.... it's a lot like the old pc purchase thing...
if you wait until the "best" one comes out, you'll never get one..

 

I have read May '03 also as the date fmc updated all production on the 6.0's w/ the redesigned injectors. Somer were put out before that date, but maybe not all production. This was a helpful update @: http://www.blueovalnews.com/2003/pow..._injectors.htm

Wow, I like your mods. Amazing you can go sub 14 w/ that GVW. Did you do any tranny mods to go w/ the power? Also, how does the pricing/performance of your package compare to the Banks system?

Another off topic question: How do you find the paint durability on your body colored front bumper? The all black is bad-*** looking, and I've just wondered if the bumper is prone to chipping? (I plan on keeping mine a long time - just retiring an '89 GMC 2500 Suburban).

Did you get it as a replacement to another X 6.0?

Thanks for your replies.

 

As much as it hurts me to say this, you're probably better off with the 6.0. It will get you better mileage around town and on the freeway. In addition to that, you're getting more from less. The 6.0 (if you didn't already know) is 364 or 365 cu. in. big with a 5-speed tranny and plenty of power. The 7.3 is 444 cu. in. big with a 4-speed tranny. It too has plenty of power to go around, but not as much as the 6.0, however; with a few mods it is. So go figure. If I were you, I'd save myself the trouble, worry, and any other feeling that relates and get an '04. BUT, this is all about preference. 2002 and 2003 were great years for the 7.3, so if you want to pickup a 7.3 X, those years are your best bets.

 

Thanks for the kudos - the black on black JUMPED out at me and the wife when it came off the truck - even dirty as all get out... I said that was the one I wanted...
It was a replacement for an 02 7.3L 4x2 Ex that ad a turbo and tranny problem... the 02 would have probably been fine, but I saw the new 6.0 4x4 and said what the hey, I'll try... and ended up getting it
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I didn't say I've gone sub 14's... but others have...
I just did two virgin runs on the 1/8th trying to learn what this beast could do...

compared to some of the other cars there, mine was slow...
but it did scare a trailered little sunfire ? wth a big block and large tires and scoop... when I did a 2.3 60' and 9.6 1/8th even when i didn't know what I was doing !

AS far as tranny... nothing done except the tuning in the Diablo Predator upgraded program to make it shift firmer at higher power settings...
and it does SNAP thru the shifts - I couldn't power shift a manual as fast as it bumped thru the gears..

I do have a turbo back system that replaced the straight piping I had done (but was too loud for me)...


AS far as paint on the front... havent noticed any chipping in a year of following too closely around the DFW area... but heck, it doesn't matter to me... that could happen at any time and can be repaired...

 

Toreador - I think you're right - maybe just go w/ the 6.0 and call it good. I've got a pretty good line on an '04 right now just shy of $40k, but only 4k miles on it (4x4, EB) . Basically new for a lot less, and I am pretty encourage by the feedback on the newer 6.0's. The 7.3 is definitely solid (& reliable), but most of the '03's I'm seeing are mid-30's anyway.

jdadamsjr - I do wish it were a blk version, but it's white (2nd choice beside green). I'll just have to be the good X, & you'll be the evil X.

I'll certainly explore mods when (if) my bank account recovers from the hit. I started out looking @ '00 V-10's for low 20's, and have gradually talked myself upto to 6.0 (no help from you guys in keeping the budget down either...).

Again, thanks for the feedback. This is a great resource site.

JC

 

My 02 was the Estate ? green...
looked black except in certain lights - so it was close !!!

and white is great to keep it cool (er) n the summer sun !

Good luck wth it !!!!

 

$40k?!? :-staun You've got yourself one heck of a deal! I know depreciation has alot to do with it, but I've seen an X like that run for about $50k if not slightly more (or less). I'd jump on that and see if I could talk them down a little bit seeing as its got some miles on it. But the best of luck to ya!

 

Doohhh. Made the call today to purchase it - the salesman says, "let me go outside and check a few things on it for you". Comes back all apologetic saying it was sold from when I talked to him @ 6:00 last night, and 7:00 when they closed. Ouch.

The good ones go fast for sure. 2nd time that has happened to me this week. I'm still in the hunt, and am looking for an '04 X. At least I am ready to spend the money for it now - just wasn't quite there when I talked to the guy last night. Reading up on the whole thing has helped alot. We plan on keeping it a long time (10-15 yrs), so it gets easier to justify spending the $$.

Hopefully, I will have something nailed down this month...

 

AM I way off base here...
but I got my new 52K+ MSRP 03 Ex for less than 42K...
and with cheap money like .9% or 2.9%, isn't it better to buy new when you would have to pay 9% or more for used ????
Unless you have a LOT of money to pay cash... then it's a moot point...

And if you have a business you can write off the whole purchase just about...

or have I been out in thsi hot sun too much already

 

Jdadamsjr you do make a very valid point. No, I don't think you've been in the sun too long. Those numbers do indeed add up and are accurate. But it can go either way, if you buy used, you have less car to pay off but a higher interest rate, if you buy new its more car but a smaller rate. Carmax gives you atleast a 4.95% interest rate provided you have good credit. For me thats a little high, so I financed through Ford and they gave me the advertised special of 2.9% (back in '01). But I had a waited just a little while longer I could have had an '02 at 0% for 60 and been better off. If you can find a good, slightly used '04, 5 to 1 the dealership may list it as "new" and be willing to go down a bit like I said earlier. They did that to a 2000 V10 X that I almost bought. But if your financial situation permits, save yourself some money you can invest elsewhere and buy new. It's truck month and they're willing to make some killer deals. Best o luck to ya'.

 

You guys are having the exact debate I'm having right now. After missing out on the used '04 X 6.0 for $39k today, I called a dealer who is active on this forum to get a best price on a new rig. We are talking in the low $40's right now w/ the extra fmc incentives thru month end. The rates are low (2.9 for 60 months or $2k cash back). My budget keeps getting stretched out further and further, but I am to the point now where it sounds really nice just to order up exactly what I want w/ no more chasing ads around...

I will at least sleep on it, and make some decisions this week. It almost goes against my grain to buy a new car b/c of the drive-away depreciation, but at the current prices vs re-sale, and keeping it a long time, it's looking more attractive.

Truth be told, I've never bought new, but what the heck, right??

Either that, or I go back to my original plan and find an '02 7.3 w/ low miles for @ $30k. We'll see.

 

My search is over - I just ordered a new X!

I just wanted to send out a quick thanks to the forum and you guys that replied to my posts. It was a huge decision for me, and it was great having the wealth of knowlegde here.

After just missing out on a number of used X's, I decided to go new. I thought I was going to Rochester NY and buy one from Jeff (1956MarkII) at Van Bortel Ford. He was really great to discuss buying new with, and they have a great March incentive, but they are also a 9 hr drive away. I shopped locally w/ a few dealers in MA, but got turned off either by higher prices, or the classic "hard-sell". Called a dealer 2 hrs away in my former home state of NH, and they (Grappone Ford) were also really nice to deal with. They quoted me a fair price (didn't even have to comparison shop them), guaranteed the March rebate, threw in a free powertrain 5yr/100k warranty, and were open to taking my '89 Suburban 2500 4x4 in trade (it's been a great vehicle by the way - but switching to Ford after 14 yrs w/ the 'burb).

It's being ordered from the factory as follows:
Eddie Bauer Estate Metallic Green
6.0 PSD
4x4 Trailer Tow Package
Ltd Slip
Skid Plate
Premier group

I decided to pass on the DVD w/ help from comments here, and save whatever $$ I could.

It's the 1st "new" vehicle I've ever purchased (never thought I would either), and I can't wait.

Reading this Forum helped a ton in figuring it all out - thanks.

Jonathan