After reading thru the past 6 pages on this forum I had decided to order a 2003 F350 7.3L PSD 4x4 super cab. I stopped by my friedndly dealer with my downloaded 2003 Ford Order list and asked when they would be delivering the 2003's. He said probably the first or second week of August. But , he said if I could wait until November, the International 6.0L would be on all future trucks and the 7.3L would be history. New would be about 350 Hp and 800lbs Torque. These engines have been used on the International trucks for years and will be regeared for the Fpickups. The only kicker is $1000-1200 increase in cost. My question is, Would it be worth the extra $ and time or just get the old standard and a MicroTuner to increase the power??

 

If it were me, I'd wait for the new engine but keep this in mind:

The hp and torque figures you quote for the new engine are high. It sounds like the salesman was exagerating by about 40hp and 250lb-ft.

The 6 litre isn't a proven design in this application so you'll be experiencing the usual new vehicle teething problems.

This probably made your decision a little tougher but the bottom line is that either engine will most likely perform well for you.

 

Yup, expect 325 hp and 555 of torque. The new engine is the same as the International VT365 which has been out all of a couple months. There is no pricing yet and I doubt the would be able to charge much more than they already do for a diesel. Unless the additional price includes that of the new 5-spd automatic tranny.

Job 1 for the 2003 SD is July 15, expect at least 6 weeks after that before delivery of the first models.

 

Thanks for the quick reply. Yes, it does make my decision a little harder. I guess it boils down to how long I can wait! I would think that the International would not really be new to the ford and therefore would not have to cut it's teeth all over again.

 

I don't have any facts handy but I thought the 6.0L was rated at 305hp and 555tq.

Les

 

[updated:LAST EDITED ON 10-May-02 AT 10:04 PM (EST)]If you will take the time to research, The Diesel Dude answered the 6.0L engine statistics question. It is titled "2003" in the discussion topics header. In his reply #11, he indicates what the engine is rated.

 

There are a lot of numbers flying around on the 6.0. I have 350 from my Ford rep, but they are not always the most accurate. Since there are no official numbers and the new engine is not even mentioned in the Ordering Guides everything is just speculative at this point. I can't believe Ford would give up HP to GM and Torque to Dodge when they clearly have the capability to beat them both in one fell swoop. We'll find out soon enough. I'm hoping they go with the original 350/600 numbers.


We had Navistar guys in for training yesterday and they said the new engine is being tested for severe duty towing/high altitude in Montana and Idaho right now in Ford trucks.

 

Here is the pdf brochure for the VT365. It has ratings of 175 to 230 and up to 600+ lb torque. Not sure which if any of these will be in Fords.http://www.navistar.com/engine/PDFs/VT_365_Brochure1.pdf

 

[updated:LAST EDITED ON 13-May-02 AT 02:55 PM (EST)]The latest word I have is the 2003 6.0L Power Stroke (not to be confused with the Navistar version of this engine, which, as I understand it has a slightly lower compression ratio and makes its power at a lower RPM, hence lower horse power) will be introduced with an advertised rating of 325 HP and 550 ft.lb. of torque. I have heard this engine run on the dyno and it is QUIET -- I was impressed!
Those of you who like to hear that turbo whine will like this engine -- it really sings a song!

 

was in the same delima today, ordered my 2003 today with the 7.3. could not find out "exactly" when the 6.0 will be out? (unless any out there really knows). would liked to tried out the new engine, but guess i will let someone else work out the bugs and get one next time around. did see in the new 2003 specs the upped the torque to 525 so they could have bragging rights for most torque this year.

 

The build schedule (as of now) is, the 7.3L power stroke will be built in the 2003 models until the end of October at which time Ford will change over to the 6.0L engine on the first of November, 2002. (So I've been told.) All plans are subject (and likely) to change.

 

International is building PSD's until the last week of September. The 6.0 line is almost finished. Superduties with the 6.0 will start production November 4 as 2003.25 models.

The torque on the auto's was increased to 525 beginning January 7th of this year. If you look close, those trucks with the upgraded torque have a red 525 sticker on the rear window, driver's side.

 

is there going to be any change in body style, etc...??

 

I don't know. You might check with www.blueovalnews.com.

 

no body change, only a very few changes. they offer a xlt sport now is the bigest thing i saw