7.3 internals build up
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Junior User
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 97
Likes: 0
7.3 internals build up
Looking for some info on the 7.3 motor my truck is a 2003 7.3 later down the road I plan on pulling the motor and doing 1 of 2 things. <?xml:namespace prefix = o ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com
fficeffice" /><o
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1. Pay to have someone build a motor for me.<o></o>
2. Build up what I have.<o></o>
I would rather build up what I have on my own and save some cash. But I have no idea what internals I would need to upgrade to take 400 plus HP. Granted this is in no way in my near future but if I can plan ahead I can save the cash and prepare for it.<o></o>
fficeffice" /><o></o>1. Pay to have someone build a motor for me.<o
></o>2. Build up what I have.<o
></o>I would rather build up what I have on my own and save some cash. But I have no idea what internals I would need to upgrade to take 400 plus HP. Granted this is in no way in my near future but if I can plan ahead I can save the cash and prepare for it.<o
></o>
Elder User
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 852
Likes: 0
From: ARIZONA
well, here is pretty much all you will need at a one stop shop, though spendy compared stock, this stuff should hold big horse power.
WOP....................
http://www.wideopenperformance.net/V...ucts.aspx?ID=1
WOP....................
http://www.wideopenperformance.net/V...ucts.aspx?ID=1
Post Fiend
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 14,582
Likes: 12
From: 21791
Yes at 400ish HP on a 2001 or newer (most 2001's), you need to upgrade the connecting rods. If all you want is less than 525ish hp , then stock forged rods from an earlier model will work. Swap the whole engine from a earlier truck if you don't want to dig in, add head studs etc while the engine is out, very easy. Diesel Innovations sells stock rods for $480 or something i believe.
Elder User
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 635
Likes: 0
From: New York
Originally Posted by 4EXTRDR
As I am new to the 7.3's (Old Cummins guy, great motor...not great truck) Do you really need to start changing internals for 400 HP on these engines? Just a bit shocked by that, Do they have weak rods?
So many people(including myself) focus on peak hp numbers, when that really couldn't be further from the truth. TQ and HP curves are far more important. And they are much wider on a 7.3 due to the extra displacement. So, all else being the same, a 400hp 7.3 will outrun a 400 cummins all day long. Not tyring to make excuses, that is just simply displacement at work. However, you can't build a 800hp PSD on stock rods, like in a Cummins
So, the generally accepted safe power levels are about 400hp on Powdered rods(01-03) and 500hp on stock forged rods(94-97). Anything over 40psi you really need head studs, anything over 55 you should look at head rings or Cometics. If you plan to push 600hp regularly, then best be for getting a main girdle. Welcome to the Ford side of the house.
. As you will no doubt find out, the PSD just can't compete side by side with the cummins on the track, but there is a LOT more to being happy with a daily driven truck then simply how it does in the 1/4.
Senior User
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 353
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OK, Gotcha, I guess im lucky w/ my 00' and forged rods....why in the world did Ford/Intl go to Powdered rods? must have been cost....As for daily driving, you are quite right, I had my 1st Cummins (96) all done, turbo, injectors, blah, blah and it was very powerful (like if You had to pull a stump out?!? useless for the average driver like me) but I agree these 7.3's are better drivers all day long and much better top-end which in my opinion is where I always felt the cummins lacked. I also hear You guys sometimes not happy w/ your Auto trannys...go take an auto/cummins for a ride and you will LOVE the Ford trans, i actually got rid of an 06' cummins/auto and the trans in this 00' Ford will walk circles around it and I had a VB in the dodge box! Don't get me wrong, I wasn't knocking the 7.3's in my earlier post, I was just sincerely surprised about the connecting rods not being strong enough for mods but if they aren't forged I can understand as with any engine, being diesel, gas, etc....If You want big power You always need forged in the bottom-end. Just got done building a 500" stroker for my 69' Superbee and forged was just a given. Thanks for the explanation 
Elder User
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 635
Likes: 0
From: New York
500hp on stock forged rods(94-97).
Oops!! Just realized my own typo.
. That is supposed to read "hp on stock forged rods(94-00)
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Senior User
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 123
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From: altoona wi
So i'm new here, the 99 7.3L is and great build up engine. Thanks for all your help. You guys really know this stuff to the max.
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