Ford 7.3L GASSER!!

Great stuff..... the 6.8 V10 has been a great motor but it seems like this is somewhat overdue considering what the other manufacturers are doing. Better MPGs, higher HP/Torque - it's going to be fun to see how/when it trickles into motor homes and larger commercial vehicles.

ib516 wrote:

Atlee wrote:
However, as an option, the 6.2L can be mated to the new 10 speed transmission.

On edit:
You are correct, I was wrong.

"The big differences are under the hood. First, the existing 6.2L V8 continues with a 6-speed automatic transmission for the base trucks. You can opt for the new 10-speed automatic transmission for the 6.2L V8, the all-new 7.3L V8, and the updated 3rd-generation 6.7L Power Stroke turbo-diesel V8. This is a total of four powertrain combinations."

LINK

Thanks for the link. Not sure how I missed that the first time. Although I have noticed TFL sometimes edits articles with new info.

Atlee wrote:
However, as an option, the 6.2L can be mated to the new 10 speed transmission.

On edit:
You are correct, I was wrong.

"The big differences are under the hood. First, the existing 6.2L V8 continues with a 6-speed automatic transmission for the base trucks. You can opt for the new 10-speed automatic transmission for the 6.2L V8, the all-new 7.3L V8, and the updated 3rd-generation 6.7L Power Stroke turbo-diesel V8. This is a total of four powertrain combinations."

LINK

Atlee wrote:
However, as an option, the 6.2L can be mated to the new 10 speed transmission.

ib516 wrote:

patperry2766 wrote:
maybe I didn't catch it....but is it replacing the 6.2L completely or is it an optional engine in addition to the 6.2 & 6.7D?

The 6.2L stays as the base engine in an F250 only, and comes mated to the 6 speed auto. The 7.3L and 10 speed will be the base in the F350 and up.

I missed this info. Where did you find it?

However, as an option, the 6.2L can be mated to the new 10 speed transmission.

ib516 wrote:

patperry2766 wrote:
maybe I didn't catch it....but is it replacing the 6.2L completely or is it an optional engine in addition to the 6.2 & 6.7D?

The 6.2L stays as the base engine in an F250 only, and comes mated to the 6 speed auto. The 7.3L and 10 speed will be the base in the F350 and up.

Groover wrote:
I think that one of the big drivers for keeping this engine small is the class C motorhome market that is based heavily on the V10. The 3 valve version of the V10 won't fit in the van front end and even the 2 valve can be difficult to service. On my 15 passenger van version the first step in changing the spark plugs is to lift the body off of the frame to get room to work. I would guess that on a motorhome that could be even more challenging.

Yep. The mod motors, even the single cam ones, are sooo wide.

I've never seen a 6.8 in a van chassis but I imagine it is tight.

I think that one of the big drivers for keeping this engine small is the class C motorhome market that is based heavily on the V10. The 3 valve version of the V10 won't fit in the van front end and even the 2 valve can be difficult to service. On my 15 passenger van version the first step in changing the spark plugs is to lift the body off of the frame to get room to work. I would guess that on a motorhome that could be even more challenging.

It will be interesting to see the torque and hp curves on this engine. As others have said, it is absolutely being designed for towing and heavy load hauling at a lower tech level (read less expensive while likely more reliable). The two valve design helps with tuning torque for a lower rpm. The 6.2 is a two valve also. My 2004 two valve 5.4 (modular, overhead cam) has a torque peak at 2500 rpm. The sequential port fuel injection is well proven technology. Ford is moving toward adding port injection to the already direct injected engines, so just ported is less expensive. It precludes the efficiencies of direct injection, however. Ford usually puts new stuff out in a few models the first year. So, the V10 will still be here a year or two, but will be eventually replaced by the 7.3 in 650, 750, and motor home chassis.

I find it unlikely the 7.3 will best the 6.2 in economy, and if it somehow does manage this feat, it won't be by much. Big power+big displacement+big truck=Thirsty thirsty.

The 7.3 wasn't designed as a 6.2 replacement as much as it was designed as a 6.8 V10 replacement. The fact that they are making it available in the 250/350 configuration is pretty awesome.

I expect engine option to be at least $2,500 , perhaps more as selecting the option will bring the 10 speed trans with it. Power will be better than the outgoing 3 valve V10 it is replacing. So that means 465 HP or better, but at least 500 ft. lbs. If not, there won't be enough of an advantage over the 6.2 V8

I didn't hear them talk about engine weights but I'm going to guess that the 7.3 weighs less than a 6.2. If that is correct then the truck will have more available payload. I don't think this engine will cost a lot more if any than a 6.2 to build so the upgrade cost shouldn't be much more.

It seemed to me that he was stressing fuel economy so I expect it to be noticeably better than a 6.2. If it tows the way I think it will it should be able to replace a lot of the diesels that are not towing huge amounts of weights. It might not get the overall mileage of a diesel but considering the difference in fuel prices it could be a lot more economical in the long run.

Ford has been building a lot of good engines in the last several years and I expect this one to be good as well.