6.9 or 7.3 idi?HELP

Farmer Rock · Feb 2, 2020

hey guys,so I was running the VIN number on my 87" s1600 and it says it came with a 6.9 idi,and since it is a 87' it could be either,but it has to be one,right!i have been told that 1/2" head bolts and bullit connectors on the glowplugs means 7.3,which is what I have,and the engine is blue which I thought was supposed to be grey,so I am wondering if this is a jasper reman and if that's good or bad,so I could really use some help and advice.thanks

Rock

4play · Feb 2, 2020

Pretty sure the 87's all had the same type (bullet) style glow plug connectors. The head bolts should be the easiest to verify. 6.9L 7/16" bolt, 7/16" 12 point head. 7.3L 1/2" bolt, 1/2" 12 point head. The engine serial number is stamped on the block right behind the timing cover on the top/LH side. The serial number will begin with the engine size (6.9 or 7.3)

Farmer Rock · Feb 3, 2020

Hi,thank you for the reply,as soon as i get a chance today,i will double check the head bolts and try to find a SN,since i was in a bit of a hurry when i first checked it out i am not sure,i will let you know how it goes,thanks,rock

sotxbill · Feb 3, 2020

Both are "gutless wonders" by todays standards as I had both.
Back in the day.... they were considered torque monsters.

But last time I pulled my gooseneck with a load on the 6.9,,, all I could do is barely hold 60 mph and you could not see the hyway behind me... So they stay on the ranch,, one set up for a welder truck, and the other for chores on the ranch. Boy have times changed...

Farmer Rock · Feb 3, 2020

I am considering throwing a turbo on it,but just the same I am only looking for power.speed is not tat big of a concern since it will just be a service truck and I will haul a decent amount but all close to home,not much highway.thanks

Rock

docmirror · Feb 3, 2020

Adding a turbo to a diesel that was not designed for it is a waste of time and money. The adiabatic heating of the air going into the cyl will not produce much more volume. Even if you add an intercooler, there is a limit to what the engine will deal with. Which is one of the reasons the head studs were increased.

Not much can be done to a diesel from the outside. Meaningful gains can be made by changing the cam, along with fuel inj map, and then a turbo with maybe different pistons, but just tossing a turbo on it would only help for high altitude power.

Farmer Rock · Feb 3, 2020

hey guys,i just checked the engine,and thank goodness it is a 6.9,i was so worried about the cavitation problems the 7.3 has so this is a big relief.as for the turbo,its not very practical once I saw the price,i mean $2,000-$3,000,thats not going to happen,i didn't even pay half that for the whole truck,even the used ones are high priced,but I know of a place I could get a s-series dump truck with a dt466,so I would rather put the money towards a second truck with a dt if I can,but as for the truck I have,it worked for 33 years like it is,so I am sure it will work good for me another 33 years with a little tlc.i really appreciate your help,thanks

Rock

Destroked 450 · Feb 3, 2020

Adding a turbo to a natural aspirated diesel engine will gain you around 25% more power and torque without doing any other mods.
Friend bought a 90 F-350 with 7.3 idi new, had a banks turbo kit installed and that truck would haul, the early 1st gen Dodge Cummins couldn't hang with it.
Although cost prohibitive today adding a turbo really wakes those engines up and as long has the fuel system isn't turned up for even more power the engine will give good service for many miles.

6.9 or 7.3 idi?HELP

Farmer Rock

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4play

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Farmer Rock

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sotxbill

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Farmer Rock

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docmirror

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Farmer Rock

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Destroked 450

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