7.3L vs. the latest 6.7L - Thoughts? Comparisons? Gripes?

jimh425 wrote:

woodhog wrote:
Powerstroke Expert Comments on them all

Here is a lot of really good expert info...

If you want expert Ford info including the Ford mechanics, go to Ford-Trucks.com. they have an forum for each diesel engine. BTW, I read the info on the link above, and it doesn't match the other experts although it does show a strong preference for the 6.0.

I have to agree. I read what he had to say and he seemed to bash pretty much anything, and gave a preferance to the worst one of the bunch. No *good* info. Almost as if he was employed by a Chevy dealer.

I fond FTE over-commercialized.
In some subjects it is plain brainwashing by moderators.
Once I posted cold-clear calculation how much money diesel truck can save you over gas truck.
In next 2 days I had my profile visited by 10 high-end moderators.
When you go on commercial forum - you have to figure out what the owners agenda is. '
Few forums run by real enthusiast without hidden agenda have very small traffic.
Not logic, but that is how most of the life is.
Coming back to comparison - I am still 6.7 owner-to-be but having good memory don't take 7.3 as bulletproof engine.
The short block is long-lasting, but in few years I had the 7.3 I had numerous things broken. Fortunately nothing really serious, (beside $5000 differential) but had few weeks period when entering the truck my first tough was "what I will find broken this time?"
The only other vehicle giving me that experience was BMW 750 il

woodhog wrote:
Powerstroke Expert Comments on them all

Here is a lot of really good expert info...

If you want expert Ford info including the Ford mechanics, go to Ford-Trucks.com. they have an forum for each diesel engine. BTW, I read the info on the link above, and it doesn't match the other experts although it does show a strong preference for the 6.0.

I've had both. I loved my 2000 7.3L, it was bulletproof. I had nearly 300k with no significant repairs. I would still have it if I hadn't totaled it in 2013.
That being said, the 6.7 is better in every way only the jury is still out on long term dependability as I only have 130K on it so far. It is faster, more powerful, quieter and more comfortable than the 7.3L. I don't like the DEF, but I guess that is just the way of the future and I have had to replace the exhaust sensors.
I couldn't buy a new one, the cost is just crazy, but I got a good deal on a 2011 and am very satisfied.
Good luck with your decision.

Don't completely toss out the idea of buying new! If you are not REAL fussy about options present or missing, anyway. You have to choose from existing inventory. TREMENDOUS bargains can be had as dealers finish their sales years (calander year), and want to avoid inventory taxes, Ford gives big incentives and rebates, and the dealers want bragging rights for the year.
Work your phone hard the last half of December. GREAT deals are available.
A friend used this strategy and saved almost 20K on his truck. He added heated seats and a couple other low bucks options after he took it home.
Hone those negotiating skills, and don't knuckle under to pressure.

Powerstroke Expert Comments on them all

Here is a lot of really good expert info...

I still have both! A '99 7.3L ordered in May 1998 as soon as they would take an order, driven only by me 91K miles. And now a new 2015 6.7L, driven only by me about 500 miles. They are identical except for year: F350 2WD DRW Lariat trim Supercab automatic long beds with camper and tow packages, 3.73 gears. Both have completely stock drivetrains. This as direct a comparison as you will get.

I haven't put the camper on the 6.7L yet, still futzing with wiring connectors and camper hold downs.

Exterior: so close my brother thought they were the same truck. Rear fenders are slightly different, as is the hood and grill.

Interior: new truck nicer in some ways. Seats are more comfortable. I like the climate controls, audio system, navigation system. Old one has a CD/cassette tape player (no 8 track :)). Switch gear is OK, not really improved. Drink holders are better. At highway speed, new one is MUCH quieter, can't hear the engine, can hear the radio!

Powertrain: the engine seems much more powerful and throttle response quicker. It will pull from just above idle in 6th gear and accelerate on grades that the 7.3L would be downshifting. I will know more when I get the camper on it. The transmission is both more controllable, and more intelligent, the large spacing to overdrive is gone. There is no long delay starting as the glow plugs heat in just a second or two. It has the same slow warm up though. Less vibration and very little clatter at idle. The 7.3L consistently got about 19-20 mpg empty on the freeway, and 14-15 with the camper. Only a couple of drives on the new truck empty, it reports 18.4 average since new and around 20 on freeway trips. I have seen only one regeneration cycle, during which I got 12.5 mpg for about 20 miles. I will need a few fillups to confirm the accuracy of the gages.

Smog controls: numerous on the new truck. A DEF tank, a particulate filter, a whole separate cooling system for the EGR. Most of the trouble that is being reported with these engines originates here. The electronics are very complex and obscure. Something as simple as circumventing the reverse camera lockout is nearly impossible, it is all done with serial network communication between the numerous modules. If you run out of DEF, it complains, then reduces power, and finally shuts down. EPA regulations. Open the hood and you cannot see the engine buried under all the stuff.

The ride empty seems about the same, but the new truck payload is about 2000 lbs greater.

I need to get the camper on it and see how that feels. The '99 has airbags, Rancho 9000 shocks, and large anti-sway bars front and rear. On this one I may not do the airbags.

So far not regretting the purchase, and the '99 will shortly be on Craigslist.

I went from a '02 7.3 to a '13 6.7. World of difference. Much, much quieter and the power available is still putting a smile on my face while towing even two years later. Other than paying for it I have no regrets. Getting about 1mpg better in daily driving, and perhaps a half better towing.

On hills that would have the 7.3 wide open at 62 the 6.7 stays in high gear at 70 and I can pick up speed, especially if I let it drop 1 gear to 5th.

I've had a couple things done under warranty - EGT sensors (2) and a water pump at developed a weep at the shaft. Had the DEF gauge get out of whack and the dealer reset it for me; I've learned to wait til it asked for fluid and all has been good. 44k on it now.

One thing I was REALLY disappointed with one the '13 is the **** shocks. Totally shot with just over 20k. Actually caused the front tires to cup.

The newer front suspension is really nice too compared to the leaves on the '02.

I had a 95 f250 CC 5speed 7.3 4x4 I had the 4"exhaust ,down pipe,intercooler,stage 1 injectors, and 4:10 gears a hell of a good truck. Sold it this past summer and bought a new 2015 f350 four door long bed 6.7 3.55 gears 4wd. Auto. This truck could get 5 miles to the gallon and I would still take it over my 7.3! This truck will pull and carry way better than the OBS. Granted I went to the 350 but I also went from fourwheel camper to a S&S about twice the weight. I also have a 23 ft toy hauler and the 6.7 pulls that way better than the 7.3. There really is no comparison between these two trucks.

I went from a 1999 F250 7.3 to a 2011 F250 6.7 in November of 2010 (both have long beds). Never had a truck camper on the 7.3 and it was two wheel drive. The 6.7 4 door 4wd Lariat with camper and towing packages. With my old 3K TC and towing a 16ft utility trailer with about 1500lb's on it (including a Polaris RZR) I average about 12.5 mpg driving most of the time at 60 to 65 MPH. With TC on and trailer hooked up the rear drops about 3 inches and the truck has no suspension mods. Camper package included a lower geared rear end, sway bar and more springs front and rear.

The 99 and 2011 both pulled my 32ft bumper pull TT, with the 6.7 I gained about 3 MPG and tend to tow faster because it pulls it so effortlessly.

Absolutely no regrets on the 2011 purchase and FYI the 1999 is still going strong and looking good for the guy that bought it.

I can't help you with warranty issues, my 6.7 has not needed any repair yet and the warranty expired last November.