7.3 L IDI Ford Diesel
By increasing the bore of the 6.9 L to 4.11 inches, the 7.3 L IDI was born. It replaced the 6.9 L in 1988. Like its predeccesor, the 7.3 L was naturally aspirated, indirect injected. In 1993, a turbocharged version of the IDI was introduced, but short-lived since the IDI was replaced mid-1994 by the 7.3 L Power Stroke. The 7.3 L Power Stroke was turbocharged, direct injected, and featured computer controlled engine & injection management.
7.3 L IDI Specifications:
| Manufacturer: | International |
| Production Years: | 1988-1994 |
| Applications: | Ford F250, F350 |
| Configuration: | V-8 |
| Block/Head Material: | Cast-iron/Cast-iron |
| Displacement: | 444 cubic inches, 7.3 Liters |
| Compression: | 21.5:1 |
| Bore: | 4.11 inches |
| Stroke: | 4.18 inches |
| Injection: | indirect injection (IDI) |
| Aspiration: | naturally aspirated, non-turbo (turbo version 1993-1994) |
| Weight: | 920 lbs (approx) |
| Peak Horsepower: | 185 HP @ 3,000 RPM (190 w/ turbo) |
| Peak Torque: | 360 lb-ft. @ 1,400 RPM (388 w/ turbo) |
| Reputation: | Reliable, later became 7.3 Power Stroke |
Additional 7.3 L IDI Information:
- Though the 7.3 L IDI and 7.3 L DI Power Stroke share the same displacement, the engines are ultimately very different:
7.3 L IDI 7.3 L DI Power Stroke Dispalcement: 444 ci, 7.3 L 444 ci, 7.3 L Compression: 21.5:1 17.5:1 Aspiration: non-turbo, turbocharged in 1993 Turbocharged Injection: Stanadyne rotary injection pump, indirect injection HEUI injection system, high pressure oil pump, direct injection Peak Horsepower: 185 hp @ 3,000 RPM
190 w/turbo275 hp @2,800 RPM Peak Torque: 360 lb-ft @ 1,400 RPM
388 w/turbo525 lb-ft @ 1,600 RPM - Ford introduced the turbochared 7.3 IDI in 1993 to stay competitive with GM's turbocharged 6.5 L & Dodge's turbocharged 5.9 L diesel powerplants.
- The 7.3 L IDI had very respectable performance for being a naturally aspirated diesel engine.
- Ford's 6.9 L & 7.3 L IDI diesels proved extremely reliable powerplants during their 12 years of production, setting high standards for future designs by all manufacturers.
- Though a stock 7.3 L IDI seems lacking in performance, rumors exist of one enthusiast pumping 1,200 horsepower out of his IDI, using extensive modifications, proving the overall capability of these trucks.
- Aftermarket solutions have long existed that can transform a non-turbo IDI into a turbocharged, intercooled truck, boosting performance dramatically.