Instead of spending $80k on a new truck, I’m thinking about having my 7.3 completely refreshed by a shop. I know it won’t be cheap, but this truck was passed down to me, so I can’t see myself letting it go. I daily drive it and use it for long trips, so reliability is important.
If you were in my shoes, what work would you get done, and how much do you think it would end up costing?
Dave’s Engines does a stock rebuild for around $10k and a top-end build for $15k, but you’d still need to add labor costs for removing and installing the engine. A full engine rebuild might run $8-10k. If you add Speed of Air pistons, it’d be a bit more.
My ‘02 7.3 is a keeper too, bought it with money from my grandma’s will. No way I’m letting go of mine either.
@Blaze
This is what I’d do. Dave’s builds are solid, and his YouTube channel is great!
Eli said:
@Blaze
This is what I’d do. Dave’s builds are solid, and his YouTube channel is great!
Totally agree. My 7.3 is still in good shape, but if I ever need a rebuild, it’s going straight to Dave’s shop.
I spent around $17k converting my 2002 V10 Excursion to a 7.3. I used an engine from an ‘01 F-250, rebuilt to 450 HP, and added a lot of custom touches. That price included buying two donor trucks, rewiring everything, and doing all the work myself. Not quite done yet, but it cranks!
@Skyler
Sounds amazing! Would love to see it.
Shaye said:
@Skyler
Sounds amazing! Would love to see it.
Posted some pictures last night!
@Skyler
That’s awesome!
@Skyler
Would love to see it now! No need to wait until it’s finished. Everyone loves a project in progress!
Marin said:
@Skyler
Would love to see it now! No need to wait until it’s finished. Everyone loves a project in progress!
Will definitely keep posting updates!
Marin said:
@Skyler
Would love to see it now! No need to wait until it’s finished. Everyone loves a project in progress!
Will definitely keep posting updates!
Got a YouTube channel for it?
@Taylor
Nah, just me and a buddy working in the backyard. He’s got a wild build of his own… an Excursion on a shortened school bus frame with a DT466 and air brakes.
Or just buy a used 6.7 for around $30k? Just throwing it out there. Tows way better if that’s what you need.
Micah said:
Or just buy a used 6.7 for around $30k? Just throwing it out there. Tows way better if that’s what you need.
Those 6.7s have too much plastic and way too many emissions controls for my taste.
@Kelby
True, but some of those plastic parts are easy to upgrade. My cold side charge pipe was an easy $200 fix, and overall, I’m happy with mine.
@Kelby
If you’re in an area where it’s legal, removing the EGR, DPF, and DEF can give you around 100 more HP and make it more reliable.
Tory said:
@Kelby
If you’re in an area where it’s legal, removing the EGR, DPF, and DEF can give you around 100 more HP and make it more reliable.
Can’t wait for my warranty to end so I can stop dealing with DEF on my 6.7.
@Kelby
Far from trash… honestly, the 6.7 outperforms the 7.3 in almost every way except nostalgia.
Zayden said:
@Kelby
Far from trash… honestly, the 6.7 outperforms the 7.3 in almost every way except nostalgia.
That nostalgia factor is exactly why a lot of us stick with the 7.3.
Spent about $45k at a premium shop rebuilding my ‘00 7.3. New transmission, full engine reseal, turbo, lift, and more. All work comes with a 1-year warranty. Planning to keep it for life!