7.3L IDI Diesel

Pre-Power Stroke Ford Diesel Power

By increasing the bore of the 6.9L to 4.11 inches, the 7.3L IDI was created, replacing the 6.9L in 1988. The 7.3L IDI was naturally aspirated like its predeccesor until 1993, when a turbocharged version of the IDI was introduced. The turbocharged version of the 7.3L IDI was short-lived since it was replaced mid-1994 by the 7.3L Power Stroke (turbocharged, direct injection, computer controlled). Little did Ford know then that 7.3 would become a magic number in the diesel industry. The 7.3L IDI shares a similar reputation as that of the 6.9L, with the exception of the turbocharged version. Many argue that the 7.3L IDI was not designed with turbocharging in mind, and therefore was ill-equipped to handle forced induction. Even so, the 7.3L continued on the legacy that the 6.9L started in 1983.

7.3L IDI Specs:

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 7.3L IDI Information:

Though the 7.3L IDI and 7.3L DI Power Stroke share the same displacement, the engines are ultimately very different:

	7.3 L IDI	7.3 L DIT 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/turbo	275 hp @2,800 RPM
Peak Torque:	360 lb-ft @ 1,400 RPM 388 w/turbo	525 lb-ft @ 1,600 RPM

• Ford introduced the turbochared 7.3L IDI in 1993 to stay competitive with GM's turbocharged 6.5L & Dodge's turbocharged 5.9L Cummins diesel powerplants.

• The 7.3L IDI had very respectable performance for being a naturally aspirated diesel engine.

• Ford's 6.9L & 7.3L IDI diesels proved extremely reliable powerplants during their 12 years of production, setting high standards for future designs by all manufacturers.

• Though a stock 7.3L IDI seems lacking in performance, rumors exist of one enthusiast pumping 1,200 horsepower out of his IDI, using extensive modifications, proving the capability of these trucks.

• Aftermarket solutions have long existed that can transform a non-turbo IDI into a turbocharged, intercooled truck, boosting performance & fuel economy dramatically.