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Originally Posted by ta12sec
7.3 turbo = bulet proof
cummins are good too but I really want to see a powerstroked classic boat
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well, technically yes, the 7.3 "engine" is bulletproof. the turbocharger and every single item that has a wire running into or out of it(read: sensors, computers, injectors, switches/valves/motors) are anything but bulletproof, reliable or inexpensive. plus, you can't turn a 7.3 up very far RELIABLY; they tend to come apart(con rods/pistons, head gaskets, heads...)
just trust me on this one. I've spent a LOT of time in the diesel truck world talking to guys, driving their trucks and turning wrenches/troubleshooting. I always wanted to get a diesel truck and the comparable mid-late 90's fords were going for $4-6K cheaper than the dodges, which I thought was great until I learned WHY they're worth less(not worthless, not completely anyway). I learned from the ford guys what sensors and parts you need to just keep in your toolbox or on your truck for WHEN it goes out, and it's parts that start at $150 that you absolutely can't limp home without.
Right now I'm running 40psi boost on my stock cummins and have 10psi more to go before I have to upgrade the head gasket and replace the head bolts with studs, in which case it'd be good for ~65+psi boost. I have plenty of EGT left to add more fuel(bigger injectors) with my current turbo but my current torque converter can't hold much more than 700ft-lbs of torque, have to get a better converter which is about $1K; then it'll be able to withstand 1,200 ft-lbs.
a friend of mine just got rid of his '99 superduty after two years because it's been so expensive for him to keep running. It left us stranded in mexico once as well as a never ending trail of $100-$500 electrical engine control components going out. Nail in the coffin was the injectors started going out, those are $350 each, times 8...just for the injectors. plus a solid weekend replacing them. dealership cost is just under $4k parts/labor IF they find nothing else wrong.
so why would it be a good idea to put a powerstroke in?