7.3 n/a newbie
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7.3 n/a newbie
hay guys, i'm going to look at a 92 f250 4x4 5spd tonight. it has 184k and some change and the motor, radiator, clutch and both fuel tanks were replaced at 102k. i'm hearing mixed coments about the non turbo 7.3l. some people say it's slow some people say it does fine. i'm not looking to break 1/4 mile records but i would like to avoid being embarrased on the highway. i have a 93 f150 with a 300 I6 now. i'm thinking as long as its not slower than the I6 i'll be happy with it. can anyone offer their opinions?
Elder User
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 549
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From: Mississippi
i've got a '90 that has the 7.3 n/a that isn't really that bad on the road... well at least if i go through the gears and keep the engine speed up until i get to 5th gear. you can do some mods to improve the air in and exhaust out that will make it respectable on the road. just read a thread yesterday but can't remember the name of it where a guy outdid a powersmoke on five consecutive runs. so with all that said, they will perform to a degree, but they're not race vehicles by any respect. wouldn't trade mine!
BTW, welcome to FTE!
speedrdr
BTW, welcome to FTE!
speedrdr
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Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 113
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From: Ninilchik, Alaska
The 7.3's are great work trucks but no speed demons. I'd be wondering why the engine had to be changed out at 102K. They should last at least 300k with minimal maintanence.
Perhaps cavitation. I'd check the coolant with fleetguard test strips for anti-cavitation additive. If the owner didn't use it before it probably isn't being used now.
Both my trucks cruise at 60mph at get nearly 20mpg on the highway. I make a 1000 mile run every month to two months, going from sea level to 3000+ft, in all different kinds of road conditions and have no complaints. I pulled Thompson Pass going from sea level to 3,000 ft in just a few miles. 5th gear, 60 mph, and gaining speed. On the long straight streched between Glennallen and Eurika I've pegged her out just to see if she can do it.
Perhaps cavitation. I'd check the coolant with fleetguard test strips for anti-cavitation additive. If the owner didn't use it before it probably isn't being used now.
Both my trucks cruise at 60mph at get nearly 20mpg on the highway. I make a 1000 mile run every month to two months, going from sea level to 3000+ft, in all different kinds of road conditions and have no complaints. I pulled Thompson Pass going from sea level to 3,000 ft in just a few miles. 5th gear, 60 mph, and gaining speed. On the long straight streched between Glennallen and Eurika I've pegged her out just to see if she can do it.
More Turbo
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 534
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From: manson
I have a 1990 4door dually 7.3na...it doesn't get any bigger or heavier than that I don't think. Not towing, it runs down the highway great. Take off is a little slow...but with todays fuel prices, slow is good. And it will pull anything I wanna pull...slowly 
I wouldn't trade it for any gasser anymore...'cept maybe a similar ford with a 460. I have no complaints. I love the ol girl.
Before I bought it a buddy "warned me" it was gonna be a dog. LOL..after he rode in it, he had no complaints.
I wouldn't trade it for any gasser anymore...'cept maybe a similar ford with a 460. I have no complaints. I love the ol girl.Before I bought it a buddy "warned me" it was gonna be a dog. LOL..after he rode in it, he had no complaints.
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well, i went ahead and bought the truck last night. it's a 92 f250 7.3 n/a. i tried to get it for $2,500 then $2,800 but he held firm at $3,000. it has 185k on the body and 79 or 80k on the engine. the guy also replaced both fuel tanks, clutch, and replaced the radiator with a larger one. the engine was a complete engine from ford. it's rough, it doesn't look like much but i drove it home (kansas city) from southern nebraska. a 2 1/2 hour drive.
it ran like a champ. it doesn't have any problem getting up to speed. everyone that said it would be slow because it doesn't have a turbo quickly changed their minds. i have a hard time keeping it under 70mph. (i noticed i can almost watch the gas gauge drop above 65mph). only thing i don't care much for is the 4.10 gears. you can get out in first gear and walk next to it. at 65 it's turning 2,200.
what kind of gas milage is everyone getting? the guy i bought it from said 18-20.
where can i get a cheap set of black plastic fender flairs? i need to cover up some rust. lmc truck wants $475 for a set. i think that's insane charging almost $500 for 4 pieces of freaking plastic.
thanks in advance for the info!!
the best part is i paid with cash! (for those who listen to dave ramsey)
it ran like a champ. it doesn't have any problem getting up to speed. everyone that said it would be slow because it doesn't have a turbo quickly changed their minds. i have a hard time keeping it under 70mph. (i noticed i can almost watch the gas gauge drop above 65mph). only thing i don't care much for is the 4.10 gears. you can get out in first gear and walk next to it. at 65 it's turning 2,200.
what kind of gas milage is everyone getting? the guy i bought it from said 18-20.
where can i get a cheap set of black plastic fender flairs? i need to cover up some rust. lmc truck wants $475 for a set. i think that's insane charging almost $500 for 4 pieces of freaking plastic.
thanks in advance for the info!!
the best part is i paid with cash! (for those who listen to dave ramsey)
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Lead Driver
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 7,782
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From: Huntington Indiana
I would think 16-18 on a f250 while on the freeway keeping the speed down would be good, Your second question you might want to start another thread to get more people to respond.
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Elder User
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 549
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From: Mississippi
Originally Posted by tpolley
only thing i don't care much for is the 4.10 gears. you can get out in first gear and walk next to it. at 65 it's turning 2,200.
what kind of gas milage is everyone getting? the guy i bought it from said 18-20.
the best part is i paid with cash! (for those who listen to dave ramsey)
what kind of gas milage is everyone getting? the guy i bought it from said 18-20.
the best part is i paid with cash! (for those who listen to dave ramsey)
speedrdr
