IDI or Powerstroke

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May 17, 2009 | 07:45 PM

japar

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IDI or Powerstroke

I have always run IDI almost always trouble free. I tow a 9k tag with a 94 IDI turbo CC dually 5 speed get 11-12 MPG towing. Great truck 270k miles still runs strong just a little black smoke under load, maybe timing. I will be towing a bigger 34' gooseneck maybe 11k - 12k and might need some more power. I have a spare low miles turbo engine I was going to put in but I have come across some decent powerstrokes at reasonable prices. Most are auto which I don't like for towing. I have seen many articles but on newer trucks but none on the older IDI. Stock for stock how does the 94 turbo compare to the 95-97 powerstroke. IDI are cheap and easy to fix. The powerstrokes are more expensive to fix and I have little experience with them. My dually is a great truck needs very little or should I be looking to upgrade

May 18, 2009 | 09:34 AM

cookie88

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From: Cabot, Arkansas

If you're happy with the truck you have and already have an engine for it...I think you should go ahead and repower that one. Stock for stock the turbo IDI and early PSD are pretty close, especially in the 94-95 MY trucks. If you build an intake, larger exhaust and turn the pump up a bit you'll be very comparably equipped....probably a little ahead of a stock early PSD.

May 18, 2009 | 11:21 AM

superduty4x4

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From: Newport, WA

Converting from the IDI to the Stroker will take a bit of work too, you'll have to pull all the electrical whizz-bangs for the PSD motor from the donor truck and find a way to mount them up. In your case, I think I would stick with the IDI.

May 18, 2009 | 04:21 PM

japar

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No I was not going to convert but by a Powerstroke cab and chassie. Which I come across from time to time. Like a rescue truck. Sum E350 sum F350. I have a spare dually bed plus an extra zf 5-speed plus pedals , driveshaft, flywheel ect

May 18, 2009 | 04:27 PM

superduty4x4

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From: Newport, WA

Quote:

Originally Posted by japar

Well in that case I would go with what you are most comfortable with. I have zero experience with the IDI, but I would not hesitate to buy another PSD. Granted they aren't the simplest of creatures, but once you get a good basic knowledge of what makes them tick you can troubleshoot most things on your own. Just be careful when shopping used to make sure you don't get burned- these motors and the parts in them aren't often cheap! This is a great guide for used PSD shopping, and even though it's written for the SD all the same stuff applies to the OBS trucks with the exception of checking the intercooler boots, since the OBS doesn't have a factory intercooler.