Who’s still using a 7.3 diesel truck
Who’s still using a 7.3 diesel for there TC? How long have you had it? What TC do you have? What’s are some of the must haves to keep it chugging along happily with TC on top? Cheers
Forum Discussion
Kayteg1 wrote:
New technology will always come with baby teeth, but just from my experience.
3 years ago new DPF was $3000, while cleaning shops were rare and DIY cleaners not available. Also lack of driver education, when aborted regenerations create cascade of troubles.
Now aftermarket DPF cost $600, you can buy monitoring scanner for $49, plenty of DPF shops around and DIY cleaners are not needed, when you monitor the system work and accordingly.
The 230-250 HP 7.3l is slow and gas guzzler comparing to "not so new" 6.7l.
I can only wonder what newer diesel will bring.
My huge Sprinter van delivers 22 mpg, when the engine introduced 4 years ago in Europe delivers even more, with more HP.
Can we expect 25 mpg from new Powerstroke?
Bottom line, I am not looking back to 7.3l and I am not picky about pollution.
This is like comparing apples and oranges. Both are equally good for what they are and what they do but they aren't the same or even in the same category of functionality. Maneuverability, reduced noise and fuel mileage are great assets of the Sprinter but that is about it in comparison to a heavy duty pickup truck. An F350 (regardless of year) gives you the option to move 6 people in comfort and safety. It also allows you to carry a 5000lb camper and tow a trailer carrying all the toys. You can drop everything at camp and drive to town or go exploring in just the truck if you wanted. You can use the truck at home to haul stuff when needed or even daily driver it if you wanted. You can haul a 5th wheel when the family of six declares the camper is to small to camp in. Don't get me wrong, the Sprinters are fantastic rigs for what they do and I would strongly consider one if it was just the wife and I touring the country but that is a completely different life than I have right now.
In regards to the speed of the 7.3 (or the lack as you suggest) that is easily addressed with a few upgrades. Granted I probably have ~$12k in performance upgrades under the hood but really a simple 6 position tuner chip will unlock a lot of potential for a few hundred dollars. Not having driven the 6.7 myself, I can't say for certain if I will outrun one but I am confident that I would give it a run for it's money. It is easily the fastest vehicle I have driven.
The thing about the 7.3 is that while it isn't perfect, the foundation is there to give you years of trouble free miles and potential for significant power upgrades if that is your thing. All without the complications of having the EPA shove an emissions system that when it fails is too expensive to replace.
