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7.3 Questions

1K views 8 replies 4 participants last post by  Big Gray dodge 
#1 ·
Hello iam looking to buying a new truck and I was looking at mabey a 2000 to 2003 7.3 I like dodge but all my family drives is ford so I think I might go ford again what are the good years for the old trusty 7.3 and what kind of problems do they seem to have and If I start to upgrade to a dp tuner and exhaust and intake what kind of power numbers am I looking at Thanks
 
#2 ·
Anywhere in that 2000-2003 range should be good for the 7.3L. Although there are a few differences between them. Most of the differences won't matter (mostly cosmetic), but one is very important if you plan on making some big power. Starting in 2001, Ford started using PMR's instead of the old fashioned forged rods. PMR's are generally good for about 400 or so hp. If you swap for bigger injectors, you'll easily go over that mark. With a chip (DP-Tuner is awesome, you have learned much young one), intake, and exhaust you'll see 300-315 hp at the rear wheels.

Also, just like the Dodges, the transmission is the weak link on these trucks. Consider a BTS valvebody upgrade to go with that DP-Tuner to keep the trans happy for a bit longer.
 
#3 ·
There aren't really any bad years for the 7.3... Only problems you will run into is the Cam Position Sensor. Carry a spare one in your glove box, and you can drive it forever. The automatic transmission is the weaker link in the combo, but nowhere near as bad as a Dodge tranny. Figure 150K out of your average tranny.
 
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#4 ·
All of the 7.3L were tried and true. If you are looking for something reliable as a daily driver or to use to tow...they are great trucks. If you are looking to get serious numbers from one...they can be a bear and be very expensive to achieve...compared to the numbers you see the Dodge guys getting with relatively small modifications.

Even though I love my early 99...anything built prior to 12/98 will have 120cc injectors...smaller turbo and smaller intake plenums. The 99.5's /built after 12/98/ come with 140cc injectors...a bigger turbo and bigger intake plenums. And no they just don't swap out. To put a bigger or better turbo on the early 99 requires new up-pipes, intake plenums, and turbo pedestal . But...the 99's and 2000's as mentioned above come with the forged rods.
 
#5 ·
thanks a lot Iam looking at a ext cab with 6 footbed I like to have more room than my reg cab dodge but how much will the tranny take before it goes I know dodge you have to build them befour you start modding them.
 
#6 ·
I have an early 99 also and I love it! I bought the truck real cheap a couple of years ago because I thought the tranny was goin. Well after all of the mods you see that I have done and the trannys still going strong @ 168000 miles. Not to mention I haul a heavy skidsteer (total weight truck & equip.:23000 Lbs.) on a weekly basis. I change the tranny fluid every year which helps. And now with the much bigger 6.0 cooler the tranny runs much cooler which is a big help to the life of a auto. Just like the 4cstr said, I would buy a 99.5 or newer. I changed all of those goodies on mine and it was fun. And 2000 models had 25 more Hp than the 99's. I have had several 7.3's and they are tough as nails. I'm getting mine ready for its first trip to the drag strip next weekend with dual hpops and see how she holds up!
 
#8 ·
HPOP - High Pressure Oil Pump.

The 7.3L fuel injection system is HEUI (Hydraulic Electric Unit Injection), meaning that fuel is atomized via high oil pressure. One of the great modifications you can do is upgrade to a dual HPOP setup which will increase high oil pressure and flow, and you'll end up with more power and better fuel atomization (less smoke). However, it's not a cheap mod.

As for the transmission, it will hold up under a chip with simple valve body modifications. But like anything else, it's how you treat it. My trans had to be replaced just before I hit 100K miles on the odometer. A few too many boosted 4x4 launches at the drag strip helped end it's life early.
 
#9 ·
Ya have to sell my 4 wheeler first and then I cant wait to get a ford the dodge is just too old 1994 and it rides like it has no shocks and iam looking for a little more comfort and power I do like the 12v power but I want something a little newer and nicer.
 
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