Hey...this is a good point. So is buying a SD akin to Russian Roulette? With minor mods these rods are okay? The SDs are closer to that cap in stock condition than the OBS is. Why did Ford do this? Looks like I need to read more about that.

I've also read something about the 97 being the best block to work with. Mind you, I don't plan on 500+ HP and even 400 would be interesting, but with the air/turbo mods and injectors after that, 350-400 is the ballpark I am looking towards. The only thing I am dragging is a fully loaded toy hauler and my own a$$.

But I gotta say modding these trucks is pretty damn fun!

 

I'd still stick with the OBS if i was you. You own it. No worry about payments or anything like that. Just take care of her and build her up as you want and she will never let you down.

 

Our 97's are pretty torquey from factory over the rest of the OBS trucks, stock we have 480 in our year so with what ever you have done to it you can be over 500 pretty fast.


PowerStroke Horsepower and Torque



what year is the super duty? If its early 99 model the power is down according to the webisite, then again that 7.3 could be a power monster if its a 2000 up being that your is a stick.


"In 1997 the horsepower was increased to 225 and the torque was increased to 480 ft/lbs.
Early 99 valve cover stickers were incorrect showing 250 HP. The engine was actually rated at 235 HP with all accessories installed.
The engines did develop 250 HP and 505 ft/lbs torque for automatic transmission and 275 HP and 520 ft/lbs torque for manual transmission in October 2000.
Engines with automatic transmissions were increased to 525 ft/lbs torque after January 02."

 

I am flexing that way more and more. It's easy to do nothing, though deep down I am really jonsin to own both trucks. Both black CC manual longbeds. The g/f would be a little angry if I did that, tho. It would be counter to The Plan. And it's difficult to imagine both getting driven enough.

 

Thanks for the link! The SD is a 2000 with a manual. It's my truck in newer clothes.
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Looks like the PMR question has been popular amongst the SD folks. Just to post some info dredged up:

Or you can check through the inspection hole if the S/N sticker is faded.

7.3 Inspection Hole for Powdered Metal Rod Determination
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Well if his delay causes you to be uncomfortable about the purchase then that is already a reason to not make the buy. You simply can't deal with someone if you have any reservations.

 

I would stick with the OBS... I like the old body style better than the Sd. And the actual truck seems alot more solid than the Sd's. The engines are basically identical minus the intercooler and other little things.

 

Excellent point! Even if I got answers could I trust them to be truthful?

 

Hey, I'm wearing my Kona shirt today. I love Kailua!

Well, the decision has been made for me. The truck got sold. Phew!

After all the discussion, hardly anyone told me to buy the SD. Okay, nobody did. I am still very happy about having my truck. I love to drive it. It's got an issue or two (strange clunk left-front) and I am on the path to add more mods. A new (to me) van turbo is sitting on the coffee table and I will be rebuilding it shortly. Still need to find an intercooler and the other parts, but Clay will be involved I am sure.

I would be interested in adding a gear, so if anyone knows more about that, please let me know. Otherwise I will do more reading on the forums.

Love the community here. Thanks again for the support, guys.

DS

 

Right on! gotta show the hawaiian pride. haha.

 

Haha, glad we made it through this one together! Ok so my question is you said you posted this question in the sd forum. Did they tell you no also?
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Nobody really seemed that interested. Too many other interesting posts, probably.

 

Having owned both a 00 SD with a 6 speed, and now my current 96, I will pretty much always lean heavily towards the OBS trucks. Either my 96 is a ringer or my 00 was a dud, but, the 96 is 4-5mpg better on fuel and pulls better even though the power ratings are lower. Not to mention the cheaper truck related maintenance.

 

FYI, you can get floor shift 4x4 in an SD, they weren't all ESOF.
Having owned both I have my love/hate with each. I like the layout of the SD under the hood better (could be because I'm used to it more), I prefer SD seats over OBS seats, and there are several little things about the SD that I'll miss, all very minor. As far as ride, I think its 6 of one, 1/2 dozen of the other. I owned an SD and now own an OBS because I was tired of the bank owning my rig, now its mine all mine and all our stuff is paid for... excluding the house and student loans of course.
Oh and just some more FYI, OBS trucks seem to be bringing a premium right now. I wouldn't let a dealership beat you down on your truck because with the low miles, you could fetch a very nice price for it. $8k easy I'd say. Or... keep the OBS and throw some SD parts at it and have the best of both worlds!