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The Daily Insight

Are IDI diesels good?

Author

Sarah Cherry

Updated on March 13, 2026

The idi is a very good motor and in a original diesel truck a good set up but i would not swap it into a gas truck its just to much work for not enough gain.

Similarly, it is asked, is Idi better than powerstroke?

the IDI is easier to work onmore durable in the long run and easier to run alternative fuels in the powerstroke will make power FASTER and has many upgrades that make it superior to the IDI.. and the hpop isnt a big deal if you know how to take care of it

Furthermore, what is the difference between IDI and powerstroke? Simply put, the IDI is a mechanical engine, the powerstroke is an electrical engine.

People also ask, how many miles does a 7.3 Idi last?

Robust, iron parts, conservative power and low engine speed are the key ingredients for any diesel engine lasting forever—and if a 7.3L has gone unmodified yet been well maintained its entire life, 400,000 to 500,000 miles is virtually guaranteed.

What is a Ford IDI diesel?

The International Harvester IDI (from Indirect Injection) engine is a four-stroke diesel V8 engine used in International Harvester school buses, trucks, Ford F-Series pickups, and Ford E-Series vans from the 1983 to 1994 model years. The T444E was the first engine marketed under the Ford Power Stroke name.

Related Question Answers

How much HP can you get out of a 7.3 Idi?

The pump used on the 6.9L/7.3L IDI engines IS available with far more output, "simply" by changing some internal parts (cam). IDI engines are limited to around 35 HP/L, even turbo'd due to smoke and burn rates.

Is 7.3 Idi a powerstroke?

Ford 7.3L IDI vs 7.3L Powerstroke Diesel Engine The 7.3 IDI is not the same as the 7.3 Powerstroke engine. Despite sharing displacement designations, these engines have numerous differences. The 7.3 Powerstroke is computer-controlled, whereas the 7.3 IDI relies entirely on mechanical parts.

Is a 1995 7.3 A powerstroke?

These specs are for 1994.5 to 2003 Ford Superduty trucks with the 7.3L Powerstroke engine.

7.3L Powerstroke Specifications.

Years It Was Used: 1994.5-2003
Torque (Varies): 1994-1995 : 425 lb-ft 1996-1998 : 450 lb-ft 1999-2000 : 500 lb-ft 2001-2003 : 505 lb-ft (auto trans) 2001-2003 : 525 lb-ft (Manual Trans)

What diesel did Ford use in 1989?

1989 Ford F250 with 7.3 diesel 5 Speed.

What is a 7.3 Powerstroke?

7.3 Power Stroke. The Power Stroke is an electronically controlled, direct injection engine with a 4.11 in × 4.18 in (104.4 mm × 106.2 mm) bore and stroke creating a displacement of 444 cu in (7.3 L). It has a 17.5:1 compression ratio, and a dry weight of approximately 920 lb (417 kg).

Is it bad to let a 7.3 idle?

You definitely do not want to let the engine run on low idle for long periods. That is just plain bad for any diesel engine. You can run the engine all day, but you need to get the RPM up to get the motor internals heated up.

What's the most reliable diesel engine?

What is the Most Reliable Diesel Engine Ever? The most reliable diesel engine ever made was the 5.9L Cummins 12-Valve 6BT. The 5.9L 12-Valve has million-mile durability. It came factory with a 230hp, 440lb/ft of torque and an inline P7100 injection pump.

Why is the 7.3 so loud?

7.3s are loud for a few reasons, most of which have to do with injection systems and block material/construction. The 7.3 uses a HEUI injection system, which uses high pressure oil to create final injection pressures within each injector individually.

What is the most reliable Ford diesel engine?

The 7.3 liter Powerstroke is the most reliable According to TheDrivingLine.com the 7.3 liter Diesel engine is the most reliable Powerstroke of them all.

What is considered high mileage for a 7.3 Powerstroke?

The Powerstroke engine is found in Ford trucks and, like the Duramax and Cummins engines, can often last up to 500,000 miles. However, as with the Duramax and Cummins engines, between 350,000 and 500,000 miles is usually considered high mileage for a Powerstroke engine.

Is the 7.3 Godzilla a good engine?

With respect to reliability, the 7.3 Godzilla is very new and therefore has not been around long enough to provide any solid data points on reliability. The 6.2 however has been in use since 2011 and has proven to be a reliable and durable engine capable of lasting beyond 300,000 miles.

Are 7.3 Powerstrokes fast?

While performance work isn't the majority of what Gray's Diesel Performance does, the shop does lay claim to owning the world's fastest 7.3L Powerstroke, and the second fastest Powerstroke of any displacement. “We have 1,656 horsepower at the crank, running 4.92 at 144.24 mph in the 1/8th mile,†Gray says.

What problems does the 7.3 Powerstroke have?

As your 7.3 engine ages, the IPR is known to fail for a multitude of reasons, including: the regulator getting stuck, seals failing, sensors going bad, the wires get damaged, etc. A failed IPR will result in the engine either getting too much or too little fuel which can lead to a multitude of problems.

What is the life expectancy of a Ford 6.0 diesel engine?

The most on a 6.0 ive seen is about 300,000. It was running good.

What does TDI stand for?

Direct Injection

Is the 6.9 IDI a good engine?

The 6.9 is a fine engine just not as much power as these newer turbodiesels in stock form. However, the payoff is better reliability because of the absence of electronic sensors and gadgets..

Can you turbo a 6.9 IDI?

Yes, you can put that turbo on your 86 6.9L. With your IP turned up to Max and if you don't have an EGT gauge, you have no idea what your EGT (Exhaust Gas Temps) are running.

Can a 7.3 IDI roll coal?

Since the IDI is a mechanical diesel, you can't choose when to blow black smoke. The fuel is set and unlike computer controlled engines you can't "command" extra fuel at a whim. You got harsh answers because we all remember the days of black smoke, gray skies and constant coughing.

Can you put a turbo on a 7.3 IDI non turbo?

Yes it can absolutely be done, and be done safely. The benefit of a turbo on a diesel isn't so much the "boost" but the ability to increase the air flow faster in acceleration.

Do they still make 7.3 Powerstroke?

Ford fans might even tell you that it was the greatest motor to ever be put inside a Ford. Of course, both people will say this with a dash of nostalgia in their voices, as the mighty 7.3 has been out of production for 15 years now.

How much does a 7.3 Idi weight?

Applications:
Manufacturer: International
Stroke: 4.18 inches
Injection: indirect injection (IDI)
Aspiration: naturally aspirated, non-turbo (turbo version 1993-1994)
Weight: 920 lbs (approx)

How much power can a 6.9 Idi make?

6.9L IDI Specs
Engine: International Harvester 6.9L IDI V-8 diesel
Injection: Indirect injection (IDI), mechanical injectors, Stanadyne rotary style injection pump
Valvetrain: 2 valves per cylinder, standard OHV, camshaft in block
Peak Horsepower: 170 hp @ 3,300 rpm
Peak Torque: 318 lb-ft @ 1,400 rpm

Are 6.9 and 7.3 heads the same?

6.9 and 7.3 had the same compression. The difference is the diameter of the head bolt holes 6.9 being 7/16 and the 7.3 1/2 inch. 6.9 heads can't be on a 7.3 because you can't put 7/16 in a 1/2 hole and have threads holding anything.

What year did Ford start putting turbos on diesels?

The 6.9 started in 1983. The 7.3 T-444 started in mid 1994 and they are all turbo'd. The 6.0 came around in 2003 -- And the 6.4 hit the streets in 2008 trucks

How do I get more power out of my 6.9 Idi?

Just add a aftermarket turbo that has modest boost, and you will get a lot more power from the engine. Adding studs, increasing boost, and special pumps add even more power, but you can do those upgrades later.

What will a 6.9 Idi run on?

The 6.9L ('83 to '87) and 7.3L ('88 to '92) engines International (Navistar) built can be considered true old-school diesels. Many are drawn to this engine because it's able to run 100 percent biodiesel.

What was Ford's first diesel motor?

6.9L IDI Engine 1982 – 1987 It all began in 1982 when Ford released its first diesel engines designed for the general public. With a displacement of 6.9L, the naturally-aspirated powerplant churned out 170 hp and 315 lb-ft. Not a lot of grunt by today's standards, but for the 1980s, those were impressive numbers.