Hello, I am new here to Diesel Bombers, but I have a little dilemma here.

I am currently in a position where I am getting rid of my gas gmc and looking for a turbo diesel to haul the things I want to and get better than 6-8 mpg . I got messaged by somebody on craigslist with a 1994 7.3 idi turbo (that was converted to a 5 speed stick ) and was wondering if this was worth the trade? I was hoping for something I could chip and get better mileage to the gallon, but was also reading on how the 7.3 idi turbo is one of the easiest engines to work on and buy parts for. I am also looking at a 94 12 valve in comparison is the 7.3 worth it? and where would be a good place to start that's relatively inexpensive because I am a full time student.

Thanks!

 

are you sure it is a IDI? might want to get pics of the motor or 8th digit of the VIN to see if it is IDI or powerstroke (IDI cannot be chipped)

 

Yeah it is a idi with a factory turbo on it

 

you better check the compression and blowby before the trade or it can turn out to be a big mistake

 

Ok thank you, as far as this 7.3 idi vs a 12 valve cummins as far as upgradablity and cost which one would you recommend?

 

i'm a ford guy and i would say the 12v would be better over a idi. a 7.3 powerstroke is a different story in my opinion

 

Honestly if your new to diesels the cummins is a safe bet. But if your looking to learn and are ok with sPending all your spare money on your truck then the idi is the way to go. I had a 05 cummins sold it to pay for school and I loved it. They make so much power it's stupid. But now I have a 86 6.9 turbo and I absolutely love it. The tricky part about idis is the maintenance. If it's been taken care of you can't loose. Ask the idi dude if he knows what sca's are and if he Says no then get the cummins

 

Buy both and swap the Cummins into the Ford. youll love it, no one will miss that lump and you make money from the increased fuel economy alone. $70 a tank. at $4 a gal for ulsd. working on the idi below the filter especially on the turbo side blows.

 

i got a 94 idi and they are great trucks it sounds like a good trade! and i know everyone just loves cummins and they aint bad engines but an idi with a turbo easily has more power tham a first gen cummins (iv felt it first hand )

 

except in 94 it'd be a 2nd gen 12 valve with about 215HP from new.