7.3L vs 6.0L
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7.3L vs 6.0L
We have been looking to purchase a 99 thru 03 F-350 with the 7.3L diesel. Have found a lot of trucks with the 6.0L engine. We will be towing a car trailer, total load somewheres around 11,000#.
I have heard that the 7.3 is the motor to get, but what about the 6.0? Can I please get some feedback about one vs the other.
Thanks.
I have heard that the 7.3 is the motor to get, but what about the 6.0? Can I please get some feedback about one vs the other.
Thanks.
Postmaster
Joined: Jul 2006
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From: Indianapolis
Uh-Oh- bad question to ask LOL. Everyone knows the first 1-2 years of 6.0 production was plagued with issues, but i would imagine by now that any problems with the '04/05 models have been corrected in a truck you could buy. I have a 7.3 and love it, but they are getting harder to find. As long as you don't try to make over IIRC 400 hp on a '01 and newer 7.3 you'll be fine. The '01 and older have forged rods, the newer ones had PMR's- powdered metal rods which is basically a steel dust that is compressed int othe shape of a rod and heated to "weld" the particles together. Good for a daily driver, not high performance. In a nutshell, as long as you're going FORD you can't go wrong.
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Everything Ive heard is to stay away from the 03-04 6.0's. Thats why so many are on the lots for sale. The 05's and later were alot better.
7.3's are great motors...early 99's had a smaller Hpop and Turbo along with some other stuff. Best in my humble opinion is a late 99 through early 01.
In late 01 and 02 they switched from forged rods to powdered metal and werent as strong. If you keep it under 400 horses they are just fine and the 02's also got a Dana 60 new up front rather than the smaller Dana 50
All depends and your taste and what you plan to do with the truck.
7.3's are great motors...early 99's had a smaller Hpop and Turbo along with some other stuff. Best in my humble opinion is a late 99 through early 01.
In late 01 and 02 they switched from forged rods to powdered metal and werent as strong. If you keep it under 400 horses they are just fine and the 02's also got a Dana 60 new up front rather than the smaller Dana 50
All depends and your taste and what you plan to do with the truck.
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Thanks for the information. Like I said we intend to use the truck for towing. I don't plan to add any sort of performance items to the engine. I think I am locked into a 99 thru 02.
Do you have any idea what the load capacity is for the early 6.0 engines.
I would also like to get a 2 wheel drive instead of the 4 wheel drive.
I have been told that you should be able to get 500,000 miles on the 7.3.
Do you have any idea what the load capacity is for the early 6.0 engines.
I would also like to get a 2 wheel drive instead of the 4 wheel drive.
I have been told that you should be able to get 500,000 miles on the 7.3.
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Feb 2007
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Originally Posted by white dually
Thanks for the information. Like I said we intend to use the truck for towing. I don't plan to add any sort of performance items to the engine. I think I am locked into a 99 thru 02.
I have friends with 6.0s, and they are significantly more powerful.
What I am getting at is that if you get a 7.3, you might want to plan on modding it a little, like intake and exhaust and a DP tuner.
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Post Fiend
Joined: Oct 2005
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From: Plano TX and Brentwood TN
Originally Posted by KelVarnson
I have an '02 7.3. I think it depends on what you're going to tow. I was a little disappointed in my 7.3, towing on grades. It is only 250 HP. The 6.0's are 100 more, I think.
Originally Posted by KelVarnson
What I am getting at is that if you get a 7.3, you might want to plan on modding it a little, like intake and exhaust and a DP tuner.
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Fleet Mechanic
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Originally Posted by tex25025
Torque is actually more important when towing then horsepower
Post Fiend
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From: Plano TX and Brentwood TN
Originally Posted by KelVarnson
High engine torque numbers make for a better towing experience, but overall capability is ultimately determined by horsepower.
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Feb 2007
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Originally Posted by tex25025
I was talking only about towing not overall capability.
Higher horsepower = higher speed for a given load, or higher load for a given speed.
Post Fiend
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From: Plano TX and Brentwood TN
Originally Posted by KelVarnson
Sorry if I was unclear, I should have said "overall towing capability".
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Feb 2007
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Originally Posted by tex25025
That does make a significant difference
(I know it's nitpicking, something I'm famous for around here).
Mountain Pass
Joined: Dec 2007
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From: Queen Creek, AZ
I have an early 03 F 250 with a 6.0. I did have a few issues with it. Two turbos and a EGR problem that were covered by the warranty and two injectors that were changed also. I am at 80K miles now and not having any problems with it at this point. I pull a 32' boat at about 9500# with no problems at all. Very strong.... everything is still stock. I haven't upgraded anything performance wise as of yet. I would think that most problems with the 6.0's would have been taken care of by warranty by now. Just my thoughts on 6.0 
Dan
Dan
Post Fiend
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From: Plano TX and Brentwood TN
Originally Posted by KelVarnson
You're kidding, you actually agree with me? I usually get beat up around here for stating this position.