When it comes to the best years for the 7.3L Power Stroke, most experts and enthusiasts agree that the 7.3 peaked between 1998 and 2000. The 1999 model, in particular, is considered to be the best of the best. The motor saw a series of changes and updates in 1999 that led to significantly increased performance. Some of those advancements include new automatic and manual transmissions, an enhanced intercooler for the turbocharger, an improved oil cooling system, and a dual injector setup that vastly increased the engine’s combustion performance. The 1999 7.3 is known to be extremely dependable due to these updates and easy to maintain due to the low cost of parts and sizeable engine bay. While the 1998 model doesn’t include these updates, it’s free of many of the issues that plagued its predecessors and is considered one of the best years for that reason.
After 2000, the 7.3 began experiencing a series of malfunctions that led to its replacement in 2003. So, if you’re looking for a used 7.3L pickup or engine, your best bet is to stick with the years 1998-2000.
