7.3 vs 6.0
Post Fiend
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 7,241
Likes: 1
From: Powder Springs, East TN
I have READ that the 7.3L tows alot better than a 6.0 up hills and such and has alot more torque in the right ranges compared to a 6.0. But I also hear that the 5R100 Auto tranny is hard to beat behind them and pulls great.
Post Fiend
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 14,541
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From: Dallas-Ft. Worth
To put it in perspective, back when I had stock injectors & turbo, I dyno'ed 310/681. My buddy with a 6.0L dyno'ed 390/700. 80 more HP but only ~20 more ft-lbs. No replacement for displacement!! I now have him by ~60 HP and 300+ ft-lbs 
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6.0 > 7.3
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Senior User
Joined: Feb 2008
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From: Cape Girardeau, Missouri
I didn't mean that the 6.0 is a bad engine. The question was what advatages does the 6.0 have over the 7.3. Realize this is just my opinion and I don't mean to offend the 6.0 guys. The real problem I have with the 6.0 is the expense over the 7.3 to do any kind of repairs to it. It is a good engine, but nobody can deny that nearly everything costs more to fix on a 6.0 than a 7.3.
Post Fiend
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 6,096
Likes: 26
From: Mesa AZ
This website has a 6 part video that seems to break down the differences pretty well.
POWERSTROKEHELP.COM - The Information Source for Ford Power Stroke Diesel Owners
POWERSTROKEHELP.COM - The Information Source for Ford Power Stroke Diesel Owners
Post Fiend
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 14,541
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From: Dallas-Ft. Worth
Either one will take a bit of an investment in mods to make "right".
The 6.0L:
EGR delete
Head Studs
Possible turbo/injectors, depending on miles
Then the standard stuff (intake, exhaust, gauges, etc)
The 7.3L:
Hutch/Harpoon
CCV Mod
WW/Ported housing
Trans mods (shift kit/upgraded cooler)
Standard stuff (intake, exhaust, gauges, etc.)
I would do a complete fluid change (to syn, but that's my preference) on either one. Both are susceptible to O-ring/HPOP issues. The 7.3L HPOP is easier to get to, IIRC so keep that in mind...
A 6.0L can run very well, but the 7.3L is known for reliability, and there's that extra ~80ci thing. You can make up some of that with the 4V heads, but at the same HP level, the 7.3L will have more torque every time. Just can't get around that displacement thing.
Would I own a 6.0L?? Sure, but I wouldn't get rid of my 7.3L to get one!
The 6.0L:
EGR delete
Head Studs
Possible turbo/injectors, depending on miles
Then the standard stuff (intake, exhaust, gauges, etc)
The 7.3L:
Hutch/Harpoon
CCV Mod
WW/Ported housing
Trans mods (shift kit/upgraded cooler)
Standard stuff (intake, exhaust, gauges, etc.)
I would do a complete fluid change (to syn, but that's my preference) on either one. Both are susceptible to O-ring/HPOP issues. The 7.3L HPOP is easier to get to, IIRC so keep that in mind...
A 6.0L can run very well, but the 7.3L is known for reliability, and there's that extra ~80ci thing. You can make up some of that with the 4V heads, but at the same HP level, the 7.3L will have more torque every time. Just can't get around that displacement thing.
Would I own a 6.0L?? Sure, but I wouldn't get rid of my 7.3L to get one!
