hey y'all, could somebody please give me some information on the pre-powerstroke 7.3 in terms of how it compares to the powerstroke? Is it not very good? certain problems? I am looking at a '94. Or if this information is all over the internet, might you direct me to the right place? Thanks, David

 

Personally , I perfer the pre-powerstroke . No computer running my trucks .Set up right it will perform just about as well .

 

Thanks for the quick reply wh. What exactly do you mean by "set up right"?
Thanks again, David

 

Does the truck you are looking at have a turbo?
The pre power stroke motor was a very dependable engine.
No sensors to go bad and leave you sitting.
No computer.
No glow plugs under the rocker covers, you can see and change them in an IDI easily.
No electronically controlled oil fired injectors to go bad.

No it won't make as much power easily, but it will get you where you are going for many years to come.

As far as information about it, you are in the best place on the internet to find out everything there is to know about the IDI (pre power stroke) diesel engine.

 

Yep, what they said. They are great engines, but if it's an automatic beware of that tranny!

 

Ditto for me on the IDI Pre Powerstrokes.

The 7.3l IDI turbo with a 5 speed manual OD has been an increadibly dependable truck for me, got 208 kkm on mine. Dad's got a 92' with about 400kkm (original everything). Watch your fluids and filters, don't abuse it and you got a truck that should run to 500kkm without ever looking at the engine or tranny. Also the 7.3l IDI will rile the modern day powerstrokes on fuel economy with the right gearing and if driven sensibly.

Perhaps the biggest benefit of the IDI is that it is very low in electronics which makes it one of the few vehicle on the road today that you can work on like they used to in the olden days without needing a degree in computer science.

This web site will let teach you about the little things you might run into with owning one of these trucks.

 

Excellent engine, love mine. I have a 92, but thanks to the guys on this forum I have installed a ATS turbo system. WHAT A DIFFERENCE!! 3" downpipe and exhaust, pump and timing turned up, (air intake modification to come), A stock Powerstroke has nothing on me. Best part, I can still work on it myself.

 

if u want power stick on an bank sidewinder turbo it gives 500 plus ft lbs

 

I have a 90 IDI, and a 96 powerstroke. The 90 is better. Less to go wrong and easier to fix.

 

Thanks again for all the answers. I have been trying to do a bit of additional resaerch, but it is hard to wade through so much information. I really want a diesel, but want the best possible deal. I like the thought of the IDI, because I don't want a lot of maintenence costs. My one concern is a lack of power and towing capacity. I have a 14k gooseneck trailer, and I would like to pull it fully loaded with logs, lumber, and other heavy stuff. I am looking at this engine in trucks from the F-250 to the F-superduty. I want a 5 speed, regular cab, nothing fancy, this will be a work truck. I don't really want to spend much money pumping it up, but I can If I have to to get it up to power. Also, I got the impression from another post here that the 5 speed is the limiting factor on towing in this truck? <ost trucks in my price range are 150k plus miles.

I would really like the 350/450 DRW flatbed, although as I said, the 250 is also a possibility. Something I could tow heavy loads with on moderate hills(Middle Tennessee), and would be dependable and get "decent" gas mileage on long trips. Sorry to ramble, but I am getting confused. I thought I knew what I wanted, but the more research I do, the less confident I become. Just looking for a little guidence...

thanks, David

 

If you are going to tow that heavy you need some very low gears as well. 4.30's minimum. My truck has 4.88's and I hardly ever have to shift down 24k GVW.